CAR-T Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy) is an advanced form of immunotherapy designed to treat certain types of cancers, primarily blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. This innovative treatment reprograms a patient's own T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system, to target and destroy cancer cells.
How CAR-T Cell Therapy Works:
- T Cell Collection: Blood is drawn from the patient, and T cells are separated using a process called leukapheresis.
- Genetic Engineering: The T cells are modified in a laboratory to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface. These receptors allow the T cells to recognize specific antigens on cancer cells.
- Cell Expansion: The modified T cells are multiplied to produce millions of CAR-T cells.
- Reinfusion: The CAR-T cells are infused back into the patient’s bloodstream, where they seek out and attack cancer cells with the target antigen.
- Immune Response: Once inside the body, the CAR-T cells recognize and bind to cancer cells, triggering their destruction.
Benefits of CAR-T Cell Therapy:
- Personalized Treatment: Each CAR-T therapy is tailored to the individual, using their own T cells.
- High Efficacy: Demonstrates remarkable success rates in cases where other treatments have failed.
- Durable Responses: Offers long-lasting remission for many patients.
- Targeted Approach: Specifically attacks cancer cells, minimizing damage to normal tissues.