CAR T-Cell Therapy
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CAR T-Cell Therapy in Kolkata
CAR T-cell (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy) therapy is a type of immunotherapy approach in cancer treatment. It’s a personalized treatment designed to use the body’s own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. The therapy involves extracting T-cells (a type of white blood cell) from a patient’s blood, genetically modifying them in a laboratory, and then reinfusing these cells back into the patient’s body. These modified T-cells, now equipped with a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) target and destroy cancer.
Visit our CAR T-Cell Therapy Clinic in Kolkata for responsive treatment designed for patients who haven’t responded well to conventional cancer therapies.
Who Can Benefit from CAR T-Cell Therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is typically considered for patients:- With specific types of blood cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia.
- Unresponsive to traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Experiencing relapsed cancers after initial remission.
- Limited alternative treatment options.
Conditions Treated by CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy is FDA-approved to treat specific types of blood cancers, including:- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and young adults.
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in adults.
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in adults.
- Follicular lymphoma in adults.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
CAR T-Cell Therapy Process
In our clinic located in Newtown, doctors primarily follow some specific steps for CAR T-Cell therapy listed below:Apheresis
- Blood is drawn from the patient
- White blood cells (which include T cells) are separated
- T-cells are isolated and collected through the leukapheresis process
T-Cell Engineering
- In a specialized lab, your T-cells are genetically modified
- Specialized receptors called CARs are added
- Cells are engineered to identify cancer cells
Cell Expansion
The modified CAR T-cells are grown in a lab to multiply and create a large enough quantity for treatment.
Lymphodepleting Chemotherapy
You may receive a low dose of chemotherapy to prepare your body for the CAR T-cell infusion.
CAR T-Cell Infusion
- The engineered CAR T-cells are infused back into your bloodstream through an IV.
- CAR T-cells track and destroy targeted cancer cells
- The immune system becomes a powerful cancer-fighting mechanism
Cancer Cell Destruction
Once the CAR T-cells encounter cancer cells, they activate and release cytotoxic molecules that kill cancer cells.
Monitoring & Recovery
Specialists monitor your response and manage any side effects.
Side Effects of CAR T-Cell Therapy
Although CAR T-cell therapy is an effective and promising treatment, it can also cause some side effects, such as:
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS):
Flu-like symptoms caused by immune system activation. You may experience fever, chills, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.CAR T-cell-related Encephalopathy (CAR T-CE):
This can cause neurological complications like confusion, difficulty speaking, and seizures.Low Blood Cell Counts:
CAR T-cell therapy can temporarily affect the production of blood cells. It results in anemia, infections, bleeding, fatigue, or bruising.Immune System Complications:
Infections due to low immunity post-treatment.
Transformative Benefits of CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-Cell therapy comes with several benefits for patients with advanced blood cancers:Durable Remissions:
CAR T-Cell therapy has shown a high hope of achieving long-term remission in some patients.Targeted Therapy:
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, CAR T-cells attack only cancer cells and minimize the process of damaging healthy tissues.A Hope for Lifelong Cure:
For some patients, CAR T-cell therapy may offer a chance for a complete cure.The Future of CAR T-Cell Therapy
Researchers are actively working to improve CAR T-cell therapy and expand its applications. Some of the areas of focus include:
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- Engineering CAR T-cells with enhanced capabilities: Scientists are developing CAR T-cells with improved targeting abilities and increased power.
- Combining CAR T-cell therapy with other treatments: Researchers are exploring the possibility of combining CAR T-cell therapy with other therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to enhance its effectiveness.
- Increasing the range of treatable cancers: While CAR T-cell therapy has shown promise for blood cancers, researchers are investigating its ability to treat severe tumors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAR T-Cell therapy a one-time treatment?
Yes, this therapy typically is a one-time infusion. In some cases of relapse, our doctors may consider a second infusion, depending on the patient’s health and circumstances.
How fast does CAR T-cell therapy work and respond?
The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, including T-cell collection, mutation, infusion, and post-treatment monitoring to assess response and manage side effects. Full effects, including cancer remission, may take months, depending on individual response.
Is CAR T-cell therapy painful?
No. The infusion itself is painless and similar to a blood transfusion. However, some patients may experience side effects like fever or fatigue, which vary in intensity.
What is the success rate of CAR T-cell therapy?
The success rate depends on the cancer type, but many patients achieve long-lasting remission. For some blood cancers, remission rates exceed 80-90%, which offers hope for those with limited options.
Are there any dietary restrictions during CAR T-cell therapy?
No specific dietary restrictions are required, but maintaining a healthy diet supports recovery. Consult our care team for personalized advice on CAR T-Cell Therapy in Newtown.
