A Beacon of Hope For Millions: India's Groundbreaking CAR T-Cell Therapy Offers a Lifeline to Cancer Patients

Imagine your immune system becoming a cancer-fighting army. That's the promise of CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary new treatment offering hope for millions.

What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?

CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that treats cancer. The method known as apheresis is used to extract T cells from the patient's blood. Then, the gathered T cells are genetically modified in a lab to create chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which can identify and attach to particular proteins or antigens on the surface of cancer cells. After being reproduced in the lab, the CAR T cells are reinfused, much like a blood transfusion, into the patient's circulation through a central line. The patient's body continues to produce more infused CAR T cells, which recognize and eliminate cancer cells that contain the target antigen on their surface. Patients may need to undergo chemotherapy before CAR T-cell therapy to make space in their immune systems for the injected CAR T cells to grow, which can take several weeks.

Cancer Burden in India

Given the projected rise in cancer cases in India, with estimates climbing from 1.46 million in 2022 to approximately 1.57 million by 2025, the successful implementation of CAR T-cell therapy holds significant promise. Particularly notable is its potential impact on pediatric cases, where lymphoid leukemia is the predominant form of cancer among children aged 0 to 14 years. With over 0.9 million deaths attributed to cancer in India, as reported by The Global Cancer Observatory, the introduction of effective treatments like CAR T-cell therapy is crucial in addressing the growing burden of the disease and improving outcomes for patients across the country.

NexCAR19 from Lab to Lifesaver

On February 7th, 2024, a significant medical milestone was achieved in India as Dr. (Col) VK Gupta, a gastroenterologist from Delhi, became the first patient to be cured using NexCAR19 CAR-T cell therapy. This groundbreaking treatment, developed by ImmunoACT, originated from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and Tata Memorial Hospital. Dr. Gupta obtained the treatment for Rs 42 lakh ($50547), a fraction of the cost it would have been abroad, where it typically reaches Rs 4 Cr ($0.5 Mn).

This achievement follows the authorization of NexCAR19 by India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), in October 2023. This marked the first domestically produced CAR-T cell therapy in the country. The approval was based on promising results from two small clinical trials conducted in India, involving 64 individuals with advanced lymphoma or leukemia. At the American Society of Hematology meeting in December 2023, data revealed that 67% of patients experienced a significant reduction in cancer extent, with approximately half achieving complete remission. Notably, the therapy showed no incidence of neurological side effects and only a small fraction (5%) experienced severe immune-related side effects known as cytokine release syndrome, making it a favorable option for patients.

NexCAR19 treatment is available at over 30 hospitals across more than 10 cities throughout India. Eligible individuals aged 15 and older who are affected by B-cell cancers can benefit from this innovative therapy. With its successful implementation and Dr. Gupta's recovery serving as a testament to its efficacy, NexCAR19 CAR-T cell therapy represents a significant advancement in India's healthcare landscape, offering hope and accessible treatment options to those battling cancer.

Impact on the Indian Healthcare System

Introducing CAR T-cell therapy in India marks a pivotal advancement in the nation's healthcare landscape, promising broader access and affordability to patients while propelling the biotechnology industry forward. With the recent success of the first cancer-free patients treated with CAR T-cell therapy, hope ignites a future where millions can access this life-saving treatment, offering a beacon of optimism in the fight against cancer.

The affordability and accessibility of CAR T-cell therapy in India signify a shift towards equitable healthcare access, not only benefiting patients directly but also fostering domestic research and development. This advancement holds the potential to catalyze further innovations in cancer care, promising a brighter future for individuals affected by the disease across the nation.

India's achievement in developing CAR T-cell therapy at a fraction of the cost seen abroad represents a significant breakthrough. This affordability, coupled with India's growing medical infrastructure, positions the country as a potential global hub for medical tourism in cancer treatment. By offering high-quality, cost-effective care, India could extend a lifeline to millions worldwide, ensuring access to a potentially life-saving therapy that was previously out of reach for many. According to Insights10 By 2030, it is anticipated that the India Oncology Therapeutics Market will reach a value of Rs. 780 Cr ($7.8 Bn) from Rs. 300 Cr ($3.3 Bn) in 2022, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period.

- Dr. Saloni Shah , Insights10