CAR T-Cell Therapy
Putting the Immune System to work against Leukemia and Lymphoma
CAR T-cell (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a revolutionary type of blood cancer treatment that programs a patient’s own altered white blood cells to kill cancerous cells. It involves separating white blood cells, an essential part of the immune system, from the rest of the patient’s blood cells and engineering them to produce specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface. The modified cells are then multiplied in a laboratory before being infused back into the patient’s body.
The therapy is only provided to leukemia and lymphoma patients, who have undergone at least two previous treatments. As patients age, their immune system may not be as strong, making them more vulnerable to these adverse reactions.
Below is an overview of the various success rates of CAR-T therapy
Pediatric patients (up to age 18) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): up to 90%
Adolescent and young adult patients (ages 19-24): up to 80%
Adult patients (ages 25-60): up to 70%
The success rates of CAR T-cell therapy tend to be higher in younger patients, with pediatric patients having the highest reported success rates.
How It Works
The process starts with collecting the patient’s T-cells, which are then genetically modified to target cancer cells. During the process, modified T-cells are then multiplied in a laboratory and infused back into the patient’s body. Once inside the patient, the CAR-T cells locate and destroy cancer cells, effectively attacking the cancer at the cellular level.
After the infusion, patients will be monitored closely for any adverse reactions. Recovery time varies, but most patients experience a significant improvement in their condition within the first few weeks following treatment. Patients may require ongoing monitoring and follow-up care.
Side effects
In general, most patients who receive CAR T-cell therapy do not experience the typical side effects that are associated with chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. However, there are risks of other serious side effects to take into consideration.
Patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy may experience flu-like symptoms and cytokine release syndrome, which can cause fever, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure, but this syndrome is usually temporary and can be managed with medication.
Because CART-cell therapy is given as a one-time infusion (one session when compared to chemotherapy), most of the possible complications occur within the first one to two weeks after treatment. They are usually temporary and can be resolved with medication, reducing further risk.
Why undergo CAR T-Cell Therapy in Israel?
One study from 2019, conducted at Sheba Medical Center in Israel found that 70% of patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies achieved a complete response after receiving CAR-T cell therapy.
The study also reported a median progression-free survival of 9 months and an overall survival rate of 73% at 6 months.
Another study from 2018 conducted at Rambam Medical Center in Israel reported a complete response rate of 69% in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma who received CAR T-cell therapy.
A third study from 2021, conducted at Hadassah University Hospital in Israel reported a 67% overall response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma who received CAR T-cell therapy.
About Israheal
With almost two decades of experience in the field, we are proud to be part of a vast network of healthcare providers and clinics in Israel. Israheal will be there every step of the way, from initial consultations to travel arrangements, accommodations, transportation, and rehabilitation, ensuring that our clients can focus on their wellbeing and recovery.
We help people avoid mistakes and navigate the Israeli healthcare system with care and compassion, saving time which is often of essence in the field. Contact us to arrange your personalized treatment abroad or email us directly to contact@israheal.com.