What is CAR T-Cell Therapy? / CAR T-सेल थेरापी बुझौं
CAR T-cell therapy is a breakthrough in cancer treatment which uses your own immune cells to fight cancer. “CAR” stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor, a lab-made receptor that helps your T-cells recognize and destroy cancer cells.
This treatment has shown remarkable success in some blood cancers - especially when standard treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or bone marrow transplant have not worked.
CAR T-cell therapy is sometimes called a "living drug" because it uses your own living cells to fight cancer.
How It Works
Your T cells are collected, genetically modified to target cancer cells, multiplied, and then infused back into your body where they seek and destroy cancer cells.
The Treatment Process
Collection
T cells are collected from your blood through a process called leukapheresis.
Engineering
T cells are genetically modified in a lab to produce CARs on their surface.
Multiplication
The CAR T-cells are grown in large numbers in the laboratory.
Infusion
The CAR T-cells are infused back into your body to find and attack cancer cells.
Benefits of CAR T-Cell Therapy
One-Time Treatment
Typically requires just one infusion in many case, unlike conventional treatments that need multiple rounds.
Targeted Approach
Specifically engineered to target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Reduced need for aggressive chemotherapy and faster recovery.
Potential for Cure
Even when other treatments fail
Conditions That May Benefit
Blood Cancers
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) like Follicular Lymphoma, Large B cell lymphoma, Mantle cell lymphoma
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Multiple Myeloma
Future Applications
Research is ongoing to expand CAR T-cell therapy to other cancers:
- Solid Tumors (Breast,Gastric, Lung, Liver cancers)
- Autoimmune Diseases
- HIV and other infectious diseases
Patients from Nepal Seeking CAR T Abroad
Many Nepali patients currently travel to India, China, or other countries for CAR T-cell therapy. If you are considering treatment abroad:
- Discuss your case with a qualified oncologist in Nepal first
- Ensure the hospital abroad is accredited and experienced in CAR T
- Some CAR T therapies abroad are FDA-approved while others are not; check carefully with the center before pursuing treatment to know type of therapy you you receive.
- Understand costs, travel, and follow-up requirements before deciding
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAR T-cell therapy available in Nepal?
Currently, many patients from Nepal travel abroad for CAR T therapy. Efforts are underway to make advanced immunotherapies available locally in the future.
How long does the treatment process take?
The entire process typically takes 3-5 weeks from cell collection to infusion. This includes time for cell engineering and expansion in the laboratory.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurological symptoms, and low blood cell counts. These are manageable with proper medical care.
How effective is CAR T-cell therapy?
Results vary, but for some blood cancers, complete remission rates of 40–90% have been seen in trials.
Contact Us for More Information
Our team is available to answer your questions about CAR T-cell therapy and treatment options