Advancing Cancer Treatment with CAR T-Cell Therapy
In a major step toward advanced cancer treatment, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) is set to begin clinical trials for CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma patients. This initiative, part of a nationwide study, brings new hope to individuals battling this challenging disease. PGI’s ethics committee has approved the trials, making it one of the key centers for this multi-centric research.
Clinical Trial Details
The trials will span approximately five to six months and will involve 10 to 12 carefully selected patients across India. PGI will treat two patients as part of the study. If successful, CAR T-cell therapy will be commercialized for multiple myeloma, expanding its use beyond leukemia and lymphoma, where it is already applied.
Dr. Pankaj Malhotra, head of clinical hematology and medical oncology at PGI, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough:
“We have identified suitable candidates, and this trial marks a crucial step in bringing cutting-edge cancer therapy to India.”
How CAR T-Cell Therapy Works
CAR T-cell therapy is a revolutionary approach that involves genetically modifying a patient’s own T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This therapy has already demonstrated remarkable success in the U.S., particularly in treating leukemia and lymphoma.
Additionally, gene therapy holds potential applications for genetic disorders such as thalassemia and hemophilia. However, cost remains a significant challenge. Dr. Malhotra noted that while the therapy costs approximately Rs 45 crore in the U.S., its introduction in India could bring costs down to around Rs 30 lakh.
Government’s Focus on Cell and Gene Therapy
During PGI’s Research Day celebrations, Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister, highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing cell and gene therapy. He emphasized that the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Advisory Council (PM-STAC) has recognized these therapies as critical areas of focus.
“Despite the promising advancements, India currently lacks Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approval for gene therapies. However, the nation has approved two CAR T-cell products. Establishing regulatory frameworks and infrastructure to support affordable gene therapy is crucial,” said Prof. Sood.
The Road Ahead
As reported by TOI, the government is actively working to develop domestic gene therapy solutions and regulatory frameworks to make these cutting-edge treatments more accessible. With ongoing trials and investments in research, India is taking significant strides toward integrating advanced cell and gene therapies into mainstream healthcare.
The success of CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma could revolutionize cancer treatment in India. It offers new hope to patients and paves the way for further advancements in gene therapy and personalized medicine.