Indigenous CAR-T Therapy Cures Patient Of Cancer: All You Need To Know
NDTV
Existing methods of treatment may add a few months or years to a cancer patient's life, but therapies like CAR-T are designed to cure and provide life-long benefit.
A pioneering treatment developed in India saved the life of a 64-year-old cancer patient. India's drug regulator, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), approved the commercial use of CAR-T cell therapy a few months ago and Dr (Col) VK Gupta became its first beneficiary, as per a report in the Indian Express. The Delhi-based gastroenterologist was declared "free of cancer cells", years after a failed bone marrow transplant. Here's everything you need to know about the therapy and its use.
The Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell or CAR-T uses re-engineered cells bearing chimeric antigen receptors on their surface for cancer immunotherapy, according to a paper published by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
In simple language, the therapy includes genetically reprogramming a patient's immune system to fight cancer. It received CDSCO approval in October 2023.