India’s CAR T-Cell Therapy

India’s CAR T-Cell Therapy

Why in the News?

India's first Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy has been shown to have a 73% response rate in leukemia and lymphoma patients, according to clinical trial results published in The Lancet Haematology.

Key Findings of India’s CAR T-Cell Therapy Clinical Trial:

• High Success Rate: The trial focused on patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell cancers, including leukemia (affecting bone marrow and blood) and lymphoma (affecting the lymphatic system), which often have few treatment options. Of those analyzed, 73% showed a positive response, providing new hope for patients with limited alternatives.

• Global Comparisons: India’s CAR T-cell therapy offers comparable effectiveness to global therapies but at a fraction of the cost. While global treatments can cost between Rs 3-4 crore, with total expenses potentially exceeding Rs 8 crore, India’s therapy is priced at Rs 25 lakh.

• Side Effects: The clinical trials revealed manageable side effects, including neutropenia (low white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets), and anemia (low red blood cells). Some patients experienced cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which caused fever and inflammation. Although two treatment-related deaths occurred, the overall safety profile was deemed manageable.

What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?

• About: CAR T-cell therapy is an advanced cancer treatment that involves modifying a patient's T-cells (a type of immune cell) to enhance their ability to fight cancer.

• How It Works: T-cells are extracted from the patient's blood, genetically modified to recognize and attack cancer cells, then multiplied and reintroduced into the body. These modified Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells specifically target B-cells, aiming to prevent relapses.

• Importance: For patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell tumors, treatment options are often limited, and the tumors can lead to severe complications. By providing a targeted, patient-specific treatment, CAR T-cell therapy offers long-term immunity against cancer recurrence, unlike traditional chemotherapy.

NexCAR19: In 2023, NexCAR19 became India’s first approved indigenous CAR T-cell therapy, developed through a collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT (a company incubated at IIT Bombay). This therapy is not only the most affordable globally but also places India at the forefront of advanced cell and gene therapy.

Implications: Researchers are exploring broader applications for CAR T-cell therapy, including its potential combination with other immunotherapies, paving the way for wider adoption of gene-modified cell treatments in India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body? (2022)
(a) They protect the body from environmental allergens.
(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
(d) They protect the body from diseases caused by pathogens.

Ans: (d)

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