CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising results so far, especially in blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma. Photograph used for representational purposes only
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In recent years, cancer treatment has taken a big leap forward with a new, advancement known as CAR T-cell therapy. This may may sound complex, but the idea behind it is fairly simple: using the power of a patient’s own immune system to fight and destroy cancer cells.
What is CAR T-cell therapy?
Our body’s immune system has special cells called T-cells that help fight viral infections and cancer. In CAR T-cell therapy, doctors take these T-cells from a person’s blood (a process known as leukapheresis) and modify them in a lab so they can recognise and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
These modified cells are called CAR T-cells, where “CAR” stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor, a special protein added to help the T-cells find cancer cells. Once these smart T-cells are ready, they are put back into the patient’s body through an intravenous (IV) drip. From there, they search for cancer cells and attack them.
How does this therapy help?
CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising results so far, especially in blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma. For many patients who do not respond to other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, CAR T-cell therapy has helped achieve remission, which means their cancer signs stopped growing or even disappeared.
This therapy is not just another medicine—it is personalised for each patient, using their own cells. That is what makes it powerful and unique.
Where does CAR-T help?
CAR T-cell therapy is approved for use in haematological malignancies like leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma. It is indicated in patients who have either relapsed (cancer has returned after treatment) or who have a refractory (cancer has not responded to prior treatment) disease.
Are there any side effects?
Like any powerful treatment, CAR T-cell therapy can have side effects. The most common side effect is cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which is like a strong immune reaction. It can cause fever, low blood pressure, or trouble with breathing. However, doctors are trained to handle these symptoms, and many patients recover from them within a few days.
Another possible side effect is a condition known as immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) where patients have symptoms like headache, changes in consciousness, confusion, and loss of balance. These side effects are mostly temporary and can be managed medically.
The path ahead
At present, CAR T-cell therapy is used mainly for certain types of blood cancers, but scientists are working to expand this therapy for use in solid tumours like breast or lung cancer. With more research and support, it could become more widely available and affordable.
CAR T-cell therapy is akin to training your own immune system to be a smart soldier that can find and destroy cancer. It gives new hope to people who have very few options left. While it may not be the answer for every cancer yet, it is a big step toward a future where cancer can be fought more naturally, with fewer side effects and better results.
(Dr. Arshad Raja is a consultant in haematology & haemato oncology at Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet. arshadraj1989@hotmail.com)
Published – June 24, 2025 12:00 pm IST