Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: India’s Breakthrough CAR-T Cell Therapy

In a groundbreaking development, a patient has achieved remission using India’s indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, marking a significant milestone in cancer treatment. Here’s what you need to know about this innovative approach.

A Remarkable Success Story

The patient, Dr (Col) VK Gupta, is the first to be declared cancer-free through India’s CAR-T cell therapy, a pioneering treatment recently greenlit for commercial use by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Dr Gupta, a gastroenterologist based in Delhi, opted for this indigenous therapy, which cost him significantly less than undergoing the treatment abroad.

Understanding CAR-T Cell Therapy

CAR-T cell therapy represents a revolutionary form of immunotherapy aimed at combatting cancer. This approach involves genetically modifying a patient’s T cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for immune response, to specifically target cancer cells. The modified T cells, equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), are reintroduced into the patient’s body, where they seek out and destroy cancerous cells.

India’s Homegrown Solution

In a landmark move, CDSCO approved the commercial use of NexCAR19, India’s first domestically developed CAR-T cell therapy. Crafted by ImmunoACT, a venture incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and Tata Memorial Hospital, NexCAR19 holds promise in treating B-cell cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma.

Expanding Access to Cutting-Edge Treatment

Since its approval, NexCAR19 has been made available in over 30 hospitals across more than 10 Indian cities, offering hope to patients grappling with B-cell malignancies. Eligible individuals aged 15 and above now have access to this innovative therapy, heralding a new era in cancer care.

The Journey of NexCAR19

The journey of NexCAR19 reflects India’s commitment to tackling the scourge of cancer with locally developed solutions. Originating from the efforts of Dr Alka Dwivedi and her team in 2015, this indigenous CAR-T cell therapy emerged as a cost-effective and accessible alternative to conventional treatments. With promising outcomes in blood cancers, NexCAR19 addresses a critical need within India’s healthcare landscape.

Empowering Patients, Transforming Lives

As cancer diagnoses continue to rise in India, breakthroughs like CAR-T cell therapy offer renewed hope to patients and their families. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and indigenous innovation, India is poised to lead the charge in revolutionizing cancer treatment, making strides towards a healthier and more resilient future.