CAR-T Cell Therapy: Engineering a New Weapon against Cancer
CAR-T cell therapy, a revolutionary form of Biological Therapy for Cancer, harnesses a patient’s own immune system to fight Malignant Blood Diseases. It is a highly specialized therapy, performed at a best hematology clinic or hematology center by a hematologist or blood cancer specialist.
Dr. Nishad Dhakate: A Leading Hematologist and BMT Physician
Dr. Nishad Dhakate specializes in autologous and allogeneic blood and bone marrow transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. He expertly manages red, white, and platelet disorders, as well as immunodeficiency disorders, providing comprehensive, tailored care.
Symptoms and When CAR-T Cell Therapy Is Used
CAR-T cell therapy is typically reserved for relapsed or refractory blood cancers:
- Symptoms: Fatigue from anemia, frequent infections due to immunodeficiency, unexplained bruising from Thrombocytopenia.
- Causes: Aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, certain B-cell Leukemia in children and young adults, and Myeloma, especially when other treatments fail, including bone marrow transplants.
The Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cell Collection: Patient’s T-cells are collected via apheresis.
- Genetic Engineering: T-cells are modified with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to target cancer cells.
- Expansion: CAR-T cells are multiplied in the lab to reach therapeutic levels.
- Conditioning: Short course of chemotherapy to clear space for the CAR-T cells.
- Infusion: Engineered CAR-T cells are reinfused, multiplying and attacking cancer cells.
Benefits and Risks
CAR-T cell therapy can achieve long-term remission in some patients. Side effects include cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which is now more effectively managed. While not a bone marrow transplant, it uses a patient’s own modified immune cells to fight Malignant Blood Diseases and represents the pinnacle of modern hematology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. Is CAR-T cell therapy a type of chemotherapy?A. No. CAR-T cell therapy is an immunotherapy using living cells, while chemotherapy uses chemicals. Que. Is it a cure for cancer?
A. For some patients, CAR-T cell therapy can lead to long-term remission, considered a functional cure, but it is not effective for all blood cancers. Que. What is the difference between CAR-T cell therapy and a bone marrow transplant?
A. A bone marrow transplant replaces the patient’s entire blood-forming system with healthy stem cells from a donor or themselves. CAR-T therapy uses only the patient’s modified T-cells to target cancer cells specifically.
