CAR-T Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

What is CAR-T Therapy for NHL?

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a diverse group of blood cancers originating in the lymphatic system, with various subtypes, including B-cell and T-cell lymphomas. Among these, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common and aggressive form of B-cell NHL. Despite advancements in chemotherapy and immunotherapy, many patients with relapsed or refractory NHL struggle with limited treatment options. CAR-T therapy offers a breakthrough approach, providing hope for patients whose lymphoma has not responded to traditional therapies.

CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a revolutionary immunotherapy that involves modifying a patient’s T-cells to express a receptor that targets cancerous cells. For NHL, CAR-T therapy primarily targets CD19 and CD20 antigens on B-cells, which are commonly found on malignant lymphoma cells. By enhancing the T-cells’ ability to recognize and attack these cancer cells, CAR-T therapy offers an effective treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma.

Key Benefits of CAR-T Therapy for NHL

Effective for Relapsed and Refractory NHL: CAR-T therapy has shown exceptional efficacy in patients with DLBCL and other forms of B-cell NHL who have not responded to multiple lines of treatment.
Targeted Precision: The therapy targets cancerous B-cells without harming healthy cells, reducing the side effects often associated with traditional therapies.
Personalized Treatment: CAR-T therapy uses the patient’s own T-cells, offering a customized treatment approach that is tailored to the individual’s specific condition.
Potential for Long-Term Remission: Many patients have achieved complete or partial remission after CAR-T therapy, with some maintaining long-term survival, even after multiple rounds of chemotherapy.

Treatment Process

T-cell Collection: T-cells are harvested from the patient’s blood through a process called leukapheresis, similar to blood donation.
Engineering the T-cells: In the laboratory, the collected T-cells are genetically modified to express receptors that target specific antigens like CD19 or CD20 found on lymphoma cells.
CAR-T Infusion: Once the T-cells are expanded and modified, they are infused back into the patient’s bloodstream to attack the lymphoma cells.
Monitoring and Recovery: After the infusion, patients are monitored for side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity, both of which can be managed with appropriate medical intervention.