Latest inventions in science and technology
CAR-T Cell Therapy
- Context: Researchers have developed a promising new CAR T cell therapy for rare solid tumours, including alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) and certain kidney cancers.
About CAR-T Cell Therapy
- CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses a patient’s own T cells to destroy cancer cells.
- Approved for treating blood cancers, mainly leukaemia and lymphoma.
- Known as “living drugs” because genetically modified T cells remain active inside the body.
Procedure
- T Cell Collection: T cells are collected from the patient’s blood through apheresis.
- Genetic Engineering: T cells are modified to express Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs).
- Target Recognition: CARs enable T cells to identify specific antigens on cancer cells.
- Cell Expansion: Modified CAR-T cells are multiplied in the laboratory.
- Reinfusion: Engineered cells are infused back into the patient to attack cancer cells.
Development in India
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- NexCAR19 is India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy.
- Developed by ImmunoACT, IIT Bombay, and Tata Memorial Hospital.
- Approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in October 2023.
- Approved for treating selected B-cell blood cancers.
- NexCAR19 is the first CAR-T therapy in India to receive CDSCO approval for commercial use.
