Express View on India’s CAR T-cell therapy

Source: The post CAR T-cell therapy has been created, based on the article “Express View on India’s CAR T-cell therapy: Taking cancer on” published in “Indian express” on 8th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Science and technology developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

News: India has approved a new CAR T-cell therapy developed at Tata Memorial Centre and IIT Bombay. This therapy customizes T-cells from the patient’s body to fight cancer. Express View on India’s CAR T-cell therapy

What is CAR T- cell?

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies represent a quantum leap in the sophistication of cancer treatment.

For more information read here

What is CAR T-cell therapy?

CAR T-cell therapy is a personalized cancer treatment. It involves taking a patient’s own T-cells, a type of immune cell, and modifying them in a laboratory to target cancer cells. These enhanced cells are then put back into the patient’s body to fight the cancer. This method has shown success in treating advanced leukemias and lymphomas. In India, a 64-year-old former army doctor became cancer-free after receiving this therapy, marking a significant achievement.

For more information read here

What are The Benefits of The New CAR T-cell Therapy Developed by India?

Targeted Therapy: CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s T-cells to target and fight cancer cells specifically.

Effective Against Advanced Cancer: It has shown success in eradicating advanced leukemias and lymphomas, as evidenced by the treatment of a 64-year-old former army doctor in India.

Less Harsh than Chemotherapy: This therapy is less demanding and has fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.

Affordability in India: In India, this therapy costs about Rs 40 lakh, which is about a tenth of its cost in the US, making it a more affordable cancer treatment option in the Indian context.

Customized for Each Patient: The treatment is personalized, with T-cells being grown and modified for each individual patient.

Question for practice:

Examine the significance of CAR T-cell therapy in treating advanced cancers, considering its personalized approach and affordability in India compared to the US.