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CAR-T cell therapy in oncology is gaining momentum not only in India but globally. Oncologists in the country are now seen to advice CAR-T therapy which is approved for specific types of blood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), large B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Oncologists note that the therapy’s success is based on the clinical trials, which has indicated remissions in patients who have exhausted other treatment options. With any emerging medical technology, further research, refinement of techniques, and broader accessibility will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of CAR-T therapy to lower treatment cost.
Dr Joydeep Chakrabartty, HOD & sr. consultant -haemato oncology & BMT, HCG EKO Cancer Centre, Kolkata said that though CAR-T cells are still expensive, we are offering it at almost 1/5th of the international price. Constant endeavor to make it more affordable is going on.
Conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation aim to eliminate cancer cells. CAR-T cell therapy offers a groundbreaking alternative. It harnesses the body's own immune system by modifying T cells (immune system defenders) to specifically recognize and attack cancer cells. Equipped with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs), these modified T cells act like guided missiles, precisely targeting and eliminating cancer cells. CAR-T therapy holds immense potential as a personalized and powerful weapon against cancer, he added.
Through a highly specialized process, T cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections, are extracted from the patient's blood. These are genetically modified in a lab to express a Chimeric Antigen Receptor on their surface. Once engineered, the CAR-T cells are multiplied in large numbers in a lab and then infused back into the patient's bloodstream through an intravenous drip.
After being infused, the CAR-T cells identify and attach themselves to a specific protein on cancer cells. This triggers a robust immune response, allowing the CAR-T cells to direct cell destruction and release signals to further strengthen the anti-cancer response.
“We see the need for nutritional support and diet plays a critical role before and after CAR-T cell therapy. Specific dietary modifications focusing on easily digestible and immune-boosting foods are recommended,” Dr. Chakrabartty said.
No doubt this is a new era in cancer treatment as CAR-T cell therapy represents a significant advancement. Ongoing research is focused on expanding its efficacy and minimize its side effects. This according to oncologists makes it the next-generation therapy with improved targeting
The future of cancer care holds immense promise, with CAR-T therapy leading the way for more personalized and potentially curative approaches to battling this devastating disease. As research progresses, this revolutionary therapy has the potential to transform the lives of countless individuals battling cancer, offering them renewed hope for a brighter future.
In India, as in many other parts of the world, oncologists are increasingly recognizing the potential of CAR-T therapy. While it's still relatively new and primarily used for certain types of blood cancers the therapy does come with challenges, such as its high cost, potential side effects, and logistical complexities associated with its administration. However, the promising results seen in clinical trials and early patient outcomes have spurred optimism about its future role in cancer treatment.
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