India’s First CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Promising Results

Why in News?

The results of India’s first clinical trial for Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, published in The Lancet Haematology, revealed a 73% response rate in patients with leukaemia and lymphoma. This breakthrough could revolutionise cancer treatment in India.

Relevance:
GS-03 (Science and technology)

Key Highlights

High Success Rate: The trial focused on patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell cancers (Leukemia and Lymphoma), who typically have limited treatment options. 73% of patients responded positively to the therapy.
Cost Advantage: India’s CAR T-cell therapy is significantly cheaper than global alternatives, costing around ₹25 lakh, compared to ₹3-4 crore internationally, where total expenses may exceed ₹8 crore.
Manageable Side Effects: Patients experienced side effects such as neutropenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and anemia (low red blood cell count). Some also developed cytokine release syndrome (CRS), causing fever and inflammation.
Safety Concerns: While two treatment-related deaths were reported, the overall safety profile remains manageable, making it a viable treatment option in India.
Indigenous Development: The therapy, named NexCAR19, was developed in collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT. It is India’s first approved CAR-T therapy and the world’s most affordable CAR-T treatment.

What is Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy?

Definition: A cutting-edge cancer treatment where a patient’s T-cells (immune cells) are genetically modified to recognise and attack cancer cells.
How it Works:
1. T-cells are extracted from the patient’s blood.
2. They are genetically engineered to produce CARs (receptors) that recognise cancer cells.
3. The modified CAR T-cells are multiplied and infused back into the patient, helping the immune system fight cancer more effectively.
Why It Matters: This therapy offers a targeted, long-term solution for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell cancers, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence.

Prelims Question

Q: Which of the following statements about CAR T-cell therapy is correct?

A) It modifies red blood cells to fight cancer.

B) It is a type of chemotherapy used for all cancers.

C) It involves genetically modifying T-cells to target cancer cells.

D) It is a radiation-based treatment for leukaemia and lymphoma.

Answer: C) It involves genetically modifying T-cells to target cancer cells.