CAR T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T ‐ cell) therapy is a revolutionary cancer treatment that uses a patient’s own immune cells or donor cells to fight cancer.
How does CAR T - cell Therapy work?
Collection: T ‐ cells are collected either from the patient’s blood through leukapheresis (Autologous CAR T) or sourced from a healthy donor (Allogeneic CAR T).
Modification: The collected T ‐ cells are genetically engineered in a laboratory to express Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) on their surface, enhancing their ability to target cancer cells.
Expansion: The modified T ‐ cells are expanded in number to increase their effectiveness. In Autologous CAR T, this occurs using the patient’s own cells, while in Allogeneic CAR T, pre-manufactured donor cells are expanded.
Infusion: The CAR T ‐ cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream. For Autologous CAR T, this occurs after the patient undergoes conditioning therapy, while Allogeneic CAR T may be available for immediate infusion.
Targeting Cancer: These engineered CAR T ‐ cells recognize and attack cancer cells throughout the body, helping eliminate tumors and improve patient outcomes.
Autologous CAR T - cell Therapy
Source: Uses the patient’s own T ‐ cells
Availability; Requires weeks to modify and expand cells
Risk of Rejection: Lower risk (cells from self)
Cost: Higher due to personalization
Suitability: Best for patients who can wait
Procedure: Cells collected from the patient, modified, expanded, and reinfused
Process: Requires patient-specific T ‐ cell collection, genetic modification, and expansion before infusion
Allogeneic CAR T - cell Therapy
Source: Uses donor T-cells (off-the-shelf)
Availability: Readily available, faster treatment
Risk of Rejection: Higher risk (cells from donor)
Cost: Potentially lower due to mass production
Suitability: Ideal for urgent cases or patients with weak immune systems
Procedure: Pre-prepared donor cells infused directly into the patient
Process: Donor-derived CAR-T cells are pre-manufactured and ready for immediate infusion
Benefits
Personalized Treatment : Uses the patient’s own cells, reducing the risk of rejection.
Targeted Action : Specifically designed to attack cancer cells.
Potential for Long-Term Remission : Some patients experience prolonged remission after treatment.
