CAR-T Cell Therapy

Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed a safer method for detaching and recovering lab-grown T-cells, removing a key bottleneck in CAR-T Cell Therapy.

About CAR-T Cell Therapy

CAR-T stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy.
It is a form of cellular gene therapy where a person’s own T cells – the white blood cells responsible for immune defence – are modified to recognise and destroy specific disease-causing cells.
Here, the patient’s blood is drawn to harvest T-cells (immune cells that play a significant role in destroying tumour cells). The T cells are genetically engineered by introducing DNA into them to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface. After reengineering, T cells are called “CAR T cells”.
CAR T cells are then multiplied and infused into the patient.

CARs are proteins that allow T cells to recognise an antigen in targeted tumour cells.
T cells (T lymphocytes) are a cornerstone of the human immune system. Developed from stem cells in the bone marrow and matured in the thymus, they detect and respond to threats — from viruses to cancer cells — helping maintain immune balance.

Significance of CAR-T Cell Therapy

More Effective: CAR T cells are more specific and directly activate the patient’s immune system against cancer. This is why they’re called ‘living drugs’.
Long-Term Remission: It can produce long-term remission, even for those with advanced or relapsed cancer. This is because CAR T cells remain in the body and can continue to attack cancer cells.
Lesser Side Effects: CAR-T cells are engineered to target cancer cells that express a specific antigen. This precision minimises damage to healthy cells.
Customised Treatment: It can be customised for each patient.
Treatment for Previously Incurable Cases: CAR-T cell therapy has provided hope for cancer patients previously considered incurable.

Concerns Associated

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): CRS is an inflammatory response that can occur after CAR T cell therapy. In severe cases, CRS can lead to organ failure and death.
Neurotoxicity refers to a range of side effects that can affect the nervous system. These side effects can range from mild (such as headache and confusion) to severe (such as seizures and coma).
Low blood cell counts: It can lead to a decrease in blood cell counts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Infection Risk: It may weaken the immune system, making the patients more susceptible to infections.
Attack healthy tissues: CAR-T cells may mistakenly target and attack both healthy tissues and cancer cells.

Source: IE

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CAR-T stand for?
CAR-T stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy.

What is CAR-T cell therapy?
It is a form of immunotherapy where a patient’s own T cells are genetically modified to target and destroy disease-causing cells.

How are CAR T cells created?
T cells are harvested from the patient’s blood, engineered to express CARs in the lab, multiplied, and infused back into the patient.

Why is CAR-T cell therapy called a “living drug”?
Because modified CAR T cells remain in the body and continuously seek and destroy cancer cells.

How does CAR-T cell therapy improve cancer outcomes?
By enabling immune cells to precisely recognise and kill cancer cells, improving survival and remission.