Kolkata: In a notable success of medical
expertise, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata achieved another milestone in the latest
CAR T cell gene therapy to successfully treat a virulent type of blood cancer
in a 62-year-old female patient. Led by Dr. Joydeep Chakraborty,
HOD & Sr. Consultant - Haemato Oncology & BMT, the hospital's Haemato
Oncology team showcased unparalleled dedication during the treatment.
In
January this year, Maiah (name changed), a 62-year-old patient from Myanmar was
referred to HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata by her treating doctor in Myanmar. She
was suffering from ‘lambda light myeloma’, a type of blood cancer that develops
from the plasma cells in the bone marrow. She had extensive bone tumors that
made her bones weak and prone to vertebral fractures, causing debilitating back
pain and rendering her bedridden. In addition to this, she had further
complications from urosepsis infections of the urinary tract and kidneys making
conventional cancer treatment difficult.
Upon
the patient’s arrival at HCG Centre, Kolkata, in January, Dr. Joydeep Chakraborty and his
oncology team administered a few cycles of a combination therapy regimen (with
Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone) typically prescribed
for newly diagnosed blood cancer. Following this, she underwent CAR T-cell
therapy. This is a next-generation personalized treatment approach, due to its
potential for better response and tolerability. Notably, the patient received
the CD19/BCMA dual CAR T-cell therapy, targeting two specific protein markers
on myeloma cells.
Dr.Joydeep Chakraborty, Head & Sr. Consultant
of Haemato Oncology & BMT, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata explains, “Ms. Maiah was admitted to
the government hospital in Myanmar where she was being treated for the sepsis
infections along with cancer therapy. When her doctor found that she was not
responding to the treatment, he referred her to us. She had a known history of
diabetes and high blood pressure which made treatment more challenging.
Considering all the complexities of her blood cancer, the accompanying
complications, and her age, we decided that CAR-T cell therapy was the best mode
of care. This therapy is relatively safer compared to a bone marrow transplant.
It is highly effective in the treatment of formidable diseases, has less
toxicity and thus can be used in elderly patients. The
patient tolerated the treatment well, with no Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
or Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which are
typical potential side effects. Her cancer is in complete remission following
the therapy, all her health issues and symptoms have been resolved and she has
been discharged, is fully mobile and healthy.”
In CAR-T
therapy, (CAR stands for chimeric antigen receptor), the patient’s own immune
response is engineered to kill the cancer cells within. First, the patient’s
lymphocytes (white blood cells) are collected - similar to how a blood sample
is collected. These lymphocytes are then sent to a specialist laboratory where
the scientists attach proteins on the surface of the collected lymphocytes,
which can specifically identify the cancer cells. These reinforced lymphocytes
are then reinfused to the patient’s bloodstream. These lymphocytes circulate and
identify the cancer cells. They command the patient’s own immune cells to
target and kill these cancer cells without harming the surrounding tissues.
Speaking
about her experience at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, a visibly emotional and
happy Maiah says, “My family and I had
given up the fight for my survival when I started developing sepsis and was bedridden.
When the doctor in Myanmar told me about the life-changing therapy available in
India at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, the proficiency of the oncologists headed
by Dr. Joydeep Chakraborty and their
high success rate in administering the treatment, I was filled with hope. The
doctors at HCG are a godsend and miraculously saved my life. Their expertise
and dedication were instrumental in restoring my health and well-being.”
Maiah
has since been discharged from the Centre and can walk normally again. The
cancer is in complete remission after receiving treatment at HCG Cancer Centre,
Kolkata.
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