HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 8: In a groundbreaking development, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs) has emerged as the first private hospital group in India to successfully complete a CAR-T cell program. To further augment this achievement, the group will now provide access to ‘Made in India’ CAR-T cell therapy, starting with NexCAR19™ (Actalycabtagene autoleucel), for the treatment of B-cell lymphomas and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia in patients aged 15 years and above.
CAR-T cell therapies, often referred to as ‘living drugs,’ involve the extraction of a patient’s T-cells (a type of white blood cells responsible for fighting cancer cells) through a process called Apheresis. These T-cells are then genetically modified in a controlled laboratory setting using a safe vehicle (viral vector) to express modified connectors called Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) on their surface. These CARs are designed to recognise specific proteins expressed on certain cancer cells. The modified T-cells are then multiplied to the desired dose and infused directly into the patient.
CAR-T cell therapies have gained global recognition for their unprecedented success in transforming the lives of patients with challenging B-cell malignancies. Over 25,000 patients worldwide have benefited from this therapeutic model.
Dr Anupam Chakrapani, senior consultant – Hematology & BMT Specialist at ACC, Kolkata, stated, “The successful treatment of three patients using CAR-T Cell therapy at the commercial level represents a significant leap forward in our fight against B-cell lymphomas and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These cases underscore the efficacy and potential of this transformative therapy in providing new hope for patients facing these challenging conditions.”
Regarding the success of the program, he added, “Having successfully treated patients with imported drugs, we are now poised to treat them with indigenously built therapy.”
Dr Rajat Bhattacharyya, senior consultant – Pediatric Hematology at ACC, Kolkata, emphasised, “The successful implementation of CAR-T Cell therapy represents a pivotal moment in the advancement of cancer treatment in India. Treating patients with this revolutionary therapy showcases the potential and efficacy of this transformative approach in addressing challenging B-cell malignancies.”
Rana Dasgupta, CEO Eastern Region, ACC Kolkata, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited, commented, “Embarking on a pioneering journey, Apollo Cancer Centres has achieved a remarkable feat in the realm of cancer treatment. With successful treatments, our commitment to advancing CAR-T Cell Therapy is unwavering. Being the first private hospital in India to achieve success in this transformative therapy sets a new benchmark, reinforcing our dedication to groundbreaking healthcare.”
Apollo Cancer Centres has consistently introduced pioneering medical infrastructure and achieved numerous milestones in the Indian medical community. The introduction of CAR-T Cell therapy represents a new era for cancer treatment in the country, offering renewed hope and possibilities to patients battling these conditions.
