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CAR T-Cell Therapy in Bangalore:
at HCG Cancer Hospital

Offering a new lifeline for relapsed and refractory blood cancers with personalized CAR T-cell therapy protocols.


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Kidney Cancer

Introduction: Reprogramming the Immune System

CAR T-cell therapy involves collecting a patient's own T-cells and genetically modifying them in a laboratory setting to express Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). These receptors are specifically designed to identify specific proteins found on cancer cells.

Once infused back into the body of the patient, the altered T-cells identify, bind to, and destroy cancer cells. To effectively target cancer cells, CAR T-cells are designed to persist for months or longer. CAR T-cell therapy is also referred to as a "living drug" because these modified T-cells multiply and are active inside the body for longer periods.

Studies show that CAR T-cell therapy is effective in treating some blood cancers that have relapsed or are resistant to treatment, particularly B-cell malignancies and multiple myeloma.

Antigen-specific CAR T-cell therapy treats cancer in a targeted manner, unlike chemotherapy, which targets both healthy and cancer cells.

The HCG Advantage

HCG has established itself as one of the best hospitals for CAR T-cell therapy in Bangalore by combining clinical experience in India with international hemato-oncology treatment standards. Our specialists place a special emphasis on guaranteeing safe delivery, implementing a systematic monitoring system, and responsibly choosing the right patients who can benefit from this treatment, such as those with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, which are the primary indications for CAR T-cell therapy.

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Global standards: FDA-Approved CAR T-Cell Therapies at HCG

The USFDA has approved CAR T-cell therapy for specific cases of blood cancers. The following are the different types of approved CAR T-cell therapies available at HCG:

For B-cell Lymphomas & Leukemias

These therapies primarily target the CD19 antigen found on B-cells.

  • KYMRIAH™ (tisagenlecleucel) therapy is approved for relapsed and refractory B-cell precursor ALL in patients up to 25 years. It is also approved for adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma (relapsed or refractory) or follicular lymphoma after two or more previous lines of treatment.
  • YESCARTA™ (axicabtagene ciloleucel) is available for relapsed or refractory cases of large B-cell lymphoma or follicular lymphoma after failing two or more prior treatments.
  • BREYANZI® (lisocabtagene maraleucel) is available for certain large B-cell lymphoma cases, refractory or relapsed.
  • TECARTUS™ (brexucabtagene autoleucel) therapy is available for relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma and certain B-cell leukemias.

For Multiple Myeloma

These therapies target BCMA, or B-cell maturation antigen.

  • ABECMA® (idecabtagene vicleucel) is available for relapsed or refractory cases of multiple myeloma after failing at least two previous treatments, which include a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody.
  • CARVYKTI™ (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) is also available for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after one failed treatment, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and refractory to lenalidomide.

Each type of CAR T-cell therapy has a different way of working, depending on the targets they identify and bind to, their ability to survive in the body, and various other factors.

Treatment decisions are made based on disease characteristics, prior therapies, and overall health status.

Comprehensive Screening and Eligibility

CAR T-cell treatment is not appropriate for all patients. Therefore, doctors recommend a detailed evaluation before recommending CAR T-cell therapy as a treatment option:

Evaluation Phase

A thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history is conducted, including previous therapies, current health status, organ function, and illness history. To undergo this treatment, patients are expected to be medically stable to tolerate potential immune-related complications or side effects.

Disease Analysis

The case is assessed thoroughly to ensure that the disease expresses the antigen that can be targeted by the CAR product, such as CD19 and BCMA.

HCG's Multidisciplinary Tumor Board

Hematologists, medical oncologists, transplant experts, intensivists, and pathologists collaborate at HCG to evaluate each individual patient. This methodical approach ensures that decisions are based on facts and focused on the patient.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The following are the steps involved in CAR T-cell therapy:

Step 1: Leukapheresis

T-cells are collected from the patient's blood using a method similar to dialysis. In most situations, it takes several hours and requires no surgical intervention.

Step 2: Manufacturing

The extracted T-cells are sent to a specialist facility and genetically modified to express CARs. This process may take 3-6 weeks.

Step 3: Lymphodepletion

Patients are treated with chemotherapy (lymphodepleting chemotherapy) for a shorter amount of time prior to reinfusion. This is done to allow CAR T-cells to expand efficiently within the immune system.

Step 4: Infusion and Monitoring

The modified cells are administered intravenously. Following the infusion, the patient is closely monitored for several days and weeks.

Stays in hospitals typically last one to three weeks, depending on the patient's response and the severity of any adverse effects.

Some patients may experience mild to moderate side effects, which can be managed effectively with timely interventions.

Comprehensive Screening and Eligibility

Specialized BMT and Cellular Therapy Infrastructure

CAR T-cell treatment requires immunological monitoring and infection control at the transplant level. HCG's specialized BMT facility provides the ideal environment for safe CAR T-cell therapy delivery.

Commitment to Access and Innovation

HCG, both as a comprehensive cancer hospital and clinical research center, facilitates personalized CAR T-cell therapy for selected patients, while also aligning with nationally approved and ethically reviewed treatment protocols.

Structured Safety Framework

CAR T-cell therapy is a potent treatment option for certain cases of refractory and relapsed blood cancers. Our hemato-oncologists at HCG ensure safe and effective delivery of CAR T-cell therapy through comprehensive case assessment, precise antigen detection, early recognition of side effects, multidisciplinary coordination, and caregiver education.

At HCG, our specialists focus not just on the treatment outcomes but also on improving the treatment experience and preserving the quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the hospital stay for CAR T-cell therapy?

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Following the infusion, the majority of patients require hospital monitoring for one to three weeks. The duration will be determined by the individual's response as well as the side effects experienced.

2. What is the difference between Yescarta™ and Kymriah™?

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Both medications are specifically targeting CD19-positive B-cell malignancies. Each product is unique in terms of its approved indications, clinical trial data, and manufacturing design. The decision is made based on the disease type and clinical examination.

3. Does HCG offer clinical trials for CAR T-cell therapy?

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The availability of clinical trials varies throughout time. During consultations, patients are encouraged to discuss ongoing or upcoming clinical trials that could be suitable for their case.

4. What makes HCG the best hospital for CAR T-cell therapy in Bangalore?

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HCG Cancer Hospital is equipped with infrastructure, skill, multidisciplinary teamwork, and stringent patient selection protocols to deliver better health outcomes for patients, which collectively improve the overall treatment effectiveness and allow patients to receive personalized and comprehensive care throughout their treatment journey.

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