What is CAR-T cell therapy? Describe the procedure and advantages of the CAR-T cell therapy in cancer treatment.
(GS 3, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
Introduction:
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T cell) Therapy is an immunotherapy-based cancer treatment in which a patient’s T cells (a type of immune system cell) are changed in the laboratory in order to attack cancer cells.
Procedure of CAR-T cell Therapy:
- T cells are taken from a patient’s blood.
- A type of white blood cell. T cells are part of the immune system and develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. They help protect the body from infection and help fight cancer.
- Then the gene for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is added to the T cells in the laboratory. Such cells are known as CAR-T cells
- CAR binds to a certain protein on the patient’s cancer cells.
- Large numbers of the CAR-T cells are grown in the laboratory and given to the patient by infusion.
- CAR-T cells bind to cancer cells and kill them
Advantages of CAR-T cell Therapy:
- Targeted Precision: CAR-T cell therapy is designed to target specific antigens present in cancer cells. It kills cancer cells and spare normal-healthy cells.
- By minimising the collateral damage, it reduces the risk of side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which can affect both cancerous and healthy cells.
- Personalised Treatment: Therapy is tailored to each individual’s specific cancer as the T-cells are derived from patient’s own body.
- Long-Lasting Effects: The engineered T-cells can continue to recognise and attack cancer cells long after the initial infusion.
- It has opened new avenues for research and development in immunotherapy, contributing to the evolution of cancer treatment strategies and expanding options for patients.
- CAR-T cell therapy is particularly effective in certain types of blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma, where traditional treatments are usually not effective.
Conclusion:
CAR-T cell therapy is called a living drug because it uses a patient’s own living T-cells, genetically engineered to target and destroy cancer cells. CAR-T cells actively seek out, proliferate, and persist in the body, providing a dynamic and personalised defence against cancer, unlike traditional static drugs. As research continues, its benefits are likely to expand, offering hope and improved outcomes for more individuals battling cancer at an affordable price.
