This Blood Cancer Awareness Month, The Royal Marsden Private Care proudly announced that it has become the first centre in the UK to treat multiple myeloma patients with CAR-T cell therapy outside of clinical trials. To date, five patients have successfully received this groundbreaking treatment, marking a significant step forward in making advanced therapies more accessible.
Understanding Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells — white blood cells that help fight infection by producing antibodies. In this condition, plasma cells grow abnormally and produce ineffective antibodies, weakening the immune system and making patients vulnerable to infections. While there is no definitive cure, current treatments aim to control symptoms, extend remission periods, and improve quality of life.
What Is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
“CAR-T cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell therapy) revolutionises cancer treatment by harnessing a patient’s own immune system. Doctors first collect T cells from the patient, then a specialised lab genetically modifies them to recognise proteins on cancer cells. The lab multiplies these enhanced T cells and infuses them back into the patient, where they actively target and destroy cancer cells.
Doctors primarily use CAR-T therapy to target blood cancers such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and certain types of leukaemia. Researchers are actively exploring its potential to treat solid tumours as well.
Offering Hope When Other Treatments Fail
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), the CAR-T cell therapy used at The Royal Marsden, is designed for patients whose myeloma has stopped responding to standard treatments or who relapse quickly after therapy. Clinical trials have shown that this personalised treatment can deliver superior long-term outcomes compared to existing therapies, offering renewed hope for patients facing aggressive or relapsed disease.
Dr Emma Nicholson, Consultant Haematologist at The Royal Marsden, said:
“We are delighted to bring CAR-T cell therapy to our patients. While many myeloma patients respond well to targeted drugs and stem cell transplants initially, relapse is common. CAR-T therapy has shown the potential for sustained remission, even in patients who have exhausted standard treatment options. Our experienced haematology team continues to participate in clinical trials and collaborates with other centres to improve access to leading-edge treatments.”
Patient Story: Roger’s Journey to Remission
Roger, a private patient at The Royal Marsden, shared his experience:
“I was diagnosed with myeloma ten years ago and tried almost every available treatment, but the cancer always returned. When I had to switch treatments again last year, my consultant suggested CAR-T therapy as an option. I met the eligibility criteria, as the three main classes of myeloma drugs were no longer controlling the disease.”
He explained that the entire CAR-T process took about ten weeks, from T-cell collection to infusion of the modified cells.
“I was carefully monitored for three weeks after the infusion and experienced only minimal side effects. A month later, tests showed no detectable cancer markers in my blood — and four months later, that is still the case. For the first time in ten years, I am not on any anti-cancer treatment. It is an incredible feeling.”
A Step Toward Broader Access
By offering CAR-T cell therapy outside clinical trials, The Royal Marsden has made this cutting-edge treatment available to more patients who urgently need it. This achievement underscores the hospital’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and patient-centred care in the fight against blood cancer.