Amrita Hospital, Kochi, announces its pioneering initiative to become the first hospital in Kerala to offer CAR T-cell (Chimeric antigen receptor) therapy for cancer care. This breakthrough treatment is set to revolutionize the management of aggressive blood cancers by leveraging gene-modified cell therapies.
CAR T-cell therapy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of B cell lymphoma and leukemia, particularly in patients who have experienced relapse or are refractory to conventional treatments. There is an unmet need for patients with relapsed and refractory B cell leukemia and lymphoma in our country, lacking access to advanced therapies like CAR T-cell therapy. Previously, patients had to seek treatment abroad, incurring substantial expenses. Now, there’s hope as this therapy becomes available domestically, marking a significant breakthrough. Already, three patients with B-cell lymphoma are undergoing this transformative therapy at Amrita Hospital, with promising outcomes observed during follow-up.
Dr. Neeraj Sidharthan, Clinical professor and head, department of Clincial Haematology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, said, " Three patients, two with relapsed leukemia—one of whom had a prior BMT—and one with relapsed lymphoma. For the first patient, who had relapsed post-transplantation, CAR T-cell therapy provided a viable option where palliative intent therapy was the only alternative. She is now in remission and MRD-negative, indicating no detectable cancer, though ongoing surveillance is necessary for potential recurrence.”
CAR-T cell therapy enables us to harness the power of our immune system to target cancer cells with precision, offering new hope to patients with previously untreatable conditions. CAR-T cell therapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, with the potential to provide long-term remission and care for certain types of blood cancers.
The process involves genetically modifying a patient's own T cells in the laboratory to equip them with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that enable them to recognize and destroy cancer cells. These modified T cells are then reintroduced into the patient's body, where they continue to combat cancer cells, offering a promising avenue for treatment.
Dr. Prem Nair, Group Medical Director of Amrita Hospital, Kochi, said, "Amrita Hospital remains dedicated to fulfilling our founder's vision of delivering high-quality care to all and a commitment to providing advanced healthcare solutions at affordable prices. The introduction of CAR T-cell therapy signifies our ongoing efforts to expand access to cutting-edge treatments and improve outcomes for patients across all segments of society."
To ensure widespread availability of this life-saving therapy, Amrita Hospital has partnered with ImmunoACT, an IIT Bombay incubated company.
The therapy cost in India is about one-tenth compared to outside countries. Amrita Hospital in Kochi is actively working on research and innovation to further enhance affordability and effectiveness.
