UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / Study of CAR T-Cell therapy trial in India, in Leukaemia Patients

Study of CAR T-Cell therapy trial in India, in Leukaemia Patients

Why in News:

A recent study on India’s CAR T-cell therapy, developed by IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital, reported a 73% response rate for B-cell blood cancers, offering a cost-effective alternative to global treatments.

Introduction

  • Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a transformative approach in cancer treatment, particularly for blood cancers such as B-cell leukaemia and lymphoma.
  • A recent study published in The Lancet Haematology has reported a remarkable 73% response rate among patients undergoing this therapy.
  • The clinical trials, conducted by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, mark a significant milestone in India’s cancer treatment landscape.

CAR-T Cell Therapy

  • CAR-T cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy) is an advanced immunotherapy that harnesses a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer.
  • CAR T-cell therapy involves genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells, a type of immune cell, to target and destroy cancer cells.
  • CAR T-cell therapy offers a targeted approach, minimizing damage to healthy cells while enhancing the immune system’s response against malignancies.
  • It is approved for treating leukemias and lymphomas and is often called a “living drug.”
  • Procedure:
    • T-Cell Collection – T cells (a type of white blood cell) are extracted from the patient’s blood via apheresis.
    • Genetic Modification – These cells are engineered in a lab to express CAR proteins, enabling them to recognize and bind to cancer-specific antigens.
    • Expansion & Infusion – The modified T cells are multiplied and infused back into the patient, where they target and destroy cancer cells.

Addressing Treatment Gaps

  • For patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies—where standard treatments fail—options have been limited. B-cells play a crucial role in the immune system, and their uncontrolled proliferation can lead to severe complications.
  • The clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy in India provide an additional treatment avenue, offering hope to patients who previously had limited alternatives.

Clinical Trials and Observations

The study involved two phases:

  • Phase-1: Included 14 patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma.
  • Phase-2: Expanded to 50 patients aged 15 and above, diagnosed with B-cell leukaemia or lymphoma.

Among the 51 patients analyzed, 73% responded positively to the therapy. However, some side effects were noted, including neutropenia (low neutrophil count) in 55 out of 57 patients, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) in 37 patients, and anaemia in 35 patients. Despite two treatment-related fatalities, the overall safety profile was deemed manageable.

About T Cells

  • T cells, or T lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell essential for the immune system.
  • They are responsible for cell-mediated immunity, enabling the body to detect and combat pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.
  • There are two main types:
    • Helper T cells – Support and activate other immune cells.
    • Cytotoxic T cells – Directly destroy infected or cancerous cells.

Benefits of CAR-T Cell Therapy

  • High Effectiveness – CAR-T therapy has shown remarkable success in treating blood cancers like leukemias and lymphomas, leading to long-term remission in some patients.
  • Personalized Treatment – Since CAR-T cells are derived from the patient’s own immune system, there is a lower risk of rejection compared to traditional therapies.
  • Long-Lasting Immunity – The modified T cells can persist in the body, offering continued surveillance against cancer recurrence.
  • Reduced Need for Chemotherapy – CAR-T therapy directly targets cancer cells, potentially eliminating the need for extensive chemotherapy and radiation.

Challenges of CAR-T Cell Therapy

  • Limited Success in Solid Tumors – Unlike blood cancers, CAR-T therapy faces challenges in treating solid tumors due to the tumor’s protective environment.
  • Severe Side Effects – Patients may develop Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and Neurotoxicity, which can cause life-threatening immune reactions.
  • High Cost & Limited Accessibility – The therapy is extremely expensive, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it inaccessible to many patients.
  • Time-Consuming Process – The treatment involves extracting, modifying, and multiplying T cells, which can take several weeks, delaying treatment for critically ill patients.
  • Potential for Relapse – If cancer cells mutate or stop expressing the targeted antigen, CAR-T cells may become ineffective.

Future Prospects and Research

  • The researchers at Tata Memorial Centre and IIT Bombay are now exploring the possibility of testing CAR T-cell therapy in earlier stages of treatment and in combination with other immunotherapies.
  • Ongoing trials aim to refine the therapy and expand its applicability to a broader patient population.

Indian Government’s Initiatives for Cancer Control

Initiative

Key Features

Objective

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS)

Focuses on cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and treatment; strengthens healthcare infrastructure

Reduce cancer burden through early diagnosis and improved healthcare access

National Cancer Grid (NCG)

A network of 270+ cancer centers ensuring standardized and affordable treatment; promotes research and training

Improve quality and uniformity in cancer care across India

Cervical Cancer Vaccination Initiative (Interim Budget 2024-25)

Encourages vaccination for girls (9–14 years) to prevent HPV-related cervical cancer

Reduce cervical cancer incidence through early immunization

Conclusion

  • The development of CAR T-cell therapy in India is a groundbreaking achievement in the field of oncology.
  • With its high efficacy, manageable safety profile, and significantly reduced cost compared to global counterparts, this innovation addresses a crucial unmet need for cancer patients in India. Continued research and trials will further determine its long-term impact, paving the way for more accessible and effective cancer treatments in the country.
  •  

171 Responses

  1. Wow, superb weblog structure! How long have you been blogging for? you made running a blog glance easy. The entire look of your site is excellent, let alone the content material!

  2. It’s actually a great and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  3. After study a number of of the blog posts on your web site now, and I actually like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will likely be checking back soon. Pls check out my website as properly and let me know what you think.

  4. magnificent submit, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector do not realize this. You should proceed your writing. I am confident, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  5. You can certainly see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  6. I believe this is among the most significant information for me. And i’m glad studying your article. But wanna statement on some general things, The site taste is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good process, cheers

  7. Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My website addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!

  8. Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  9. It is actually a great and helpful piece of info. I am satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  10. Admiring the time and effort you put into your site and in depth information you present. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  11. Hey very cool website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  12. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a applicable deal. I were a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vibrant transparent idea

  13. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  14. Some really fantastic information, Glad I detected this. “It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.” by Denis Watley.

  15. Hi there! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!

  16. I have to show my thanks to this writer for bailing me out of such a predicament. As a result of surfing around through the internet and finding views that were not productive, I figured my life was well over. Living without the strategies to the issues you’ve sorted out by way of your good guideline is a crucial case, and the kind which might have in a negative way affected my entire career if I hadn’t come across the blog. Your main expertise and kindness in controlling the whole thing was crucial. I am not sure what I would’ve done if I hadn’t encountered such a step like this. It’s possible to at this moment relish my future. Thanks for your time very much for your impressive and result oriented guide. I will not hesitate to refer your web sites to anyone who would need support on this issue.

  17. Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  18. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?

  19. Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is actually irritating. A good web site with interesting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.

  20. This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  21. Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task.

  22. I think this is among the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  23. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and will eventually come back in the future. I want to encourage one to continue your great writing, have a nice afternoon!

  24. I?¦ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am glad to convey that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much without a doubt will make certain to do not forget this site and give it a look regularly.

  25. you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have done a great job on this topic!

  26. Thanks, I have recently been looking for information approximately this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve came upon so far. But, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the source?

  27. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  28. Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.

  29. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So good to search out someone with some unique ideas on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is something that’s wanted on the internet, somebody with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the web!

  30. I have read several good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you place to make this sort of magnificent informative site.

  31. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  32. Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

  33. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is excellent blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  34. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  35. I do believe all of the concepts you’ve introduced to your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. May just you please extend them a bit from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.

  36. Great work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

  37. I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty. You’re incredible! Thanks!

  38. I already gave up on ever getting cured of HSV2 because i have try many treatment none of them work out for me i have gone to different hospital they always tell me the same thing there is no cure for herpes, when i came across a post about. Dr UMA in the net from a lady called Angela i contacted her and she reassured me with his herbal medicine which i took according to the way.he instructed, that how i was cured. I doubted at first because i have been to a whole lot of reputable doctors, tried a lot of medicines but none was able to cure me. so i decided to listen to him and he commenced treatment, and under. two weeks i was totally free from Herpes. i want to say a very big thank you to DR UMA for what he has done in my life. feel free to leave him a message on email dr.umaherbalcenter@gmail.com or also Whats-app him +2347035619585.. he also cure all this 1.HIV 2.HIV HPV 3 .ALS 4. BED WETTING DIABETES.,

  39. Thanks so much for giving everyone an exceptionally wonderful opportunity to discover important secrets from this blog. It can be so good plus jam-packed with a great time for me personally and my office colleagues to visit your web site not less than three times every week to learn the latest stuff you have. And of course, I am usually pleased with the good creative concepts served by you. Selected two tips in this posting are without a doubt the most effective I have had.

  40. My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different page and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to going over your web page for a second time.

  41. My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

  42. I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here frequently. I’m quite sure I will be told many new stuff proper here! Best of luck for the following!

  43. obviously like your web site but you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will definitely come back again.

  44. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thank you!

  45. Just desire to say your article is as surprising. The clarity for your post is simply great and that i could think you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well with your permission let me to take hold of your feed to stay updated with coming near near post. Thank you a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

  46. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with helpful info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  47. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  48. Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions? Many thanks

  49. I cling on to listening to the rumor talk about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?

  50. What i do not understood is actually how you are not actually much more well-liked than you might be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it up!

  51. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this web site. I’m hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own web site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a great example of it.

  52. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any ways to help reduce content from being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.

  53. you are actually a excellent webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a wonderful activity on this topic!

  54. I have not checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  55. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this web site and give it a glance on a constant basis.

  56. I’m no longer sure the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or figuring out more. Thanks for magnificent information I used to be searching for this information for my mission.

  57. Just wish to say your article is as astounding. The clearness for your submit is just cool and i could assume you are a professional on this subject. Well with your permission let me to take hold of your RSS feed to keep updated with impending post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.

  58. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect web site.

  59. My husband and i got absolutely happy John could finish off his basic research from your ideas he was given while using the blog. It’s not at all simplistic to just possibly be offering instructions others could have been making money from. We keep in mind we now have the website owner to be grateful to for that. All the illustrations you’ve made, the simple website menu, the friendships you can make it possible to foster – it’s all spectacular, and it is making our son and the family do think that situation is fun, and that’s very serious. Many thanks for all the pieces!

  60. I have been browsing online greater than 3 hours as of late, but I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It¦s pretty value enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the web can be a lot more useful than ever before.

  61. Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I’ve truly loved surfing around your weblog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I am hoping you write again soon!

  62. This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

  63. Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Thank you so much!

  64. I got what you intend, appreciate it for posting.Woh I am lucky to find this website through google. “I would rather be a coward than brave because people hurt you when you are brave.” by E. M. Forster.

  65. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  66. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own website now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a great example of it.

  67. I do agree with all the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  68. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  69. I have to express my appreciation to the writer for rescuing me from this particular scenario. Right after browsing through the world-wide-web and seeing tricks which are not beneficial, I believed my entire life was well over. Being alive minus the answers to the issues you’ve resolved all through your main short post is a critical case, as well as the kind which might have in a wrong way damaged my entire career if I had not come across your blog post. Your actual expertise and kindness in handling all the pieces was useful. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had not discovered such a step like this. I can now look ahead to my future. Thanks for your time so much for your expert and result oriented help. I won’t hesitate to propose your web site to any individual who would like direction about this matter.

  70. I just like the helpful info you provide on your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and test again right here regularly. I’m moderately certain I will be informed lots of new stuff right right here! Good luck for the next!

  71. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this excellent blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  72. Only wanna remark on few general things, The website pattern is perfect, the subject matter is really superb. “I delight in men over seventy. They always offer one the devotion of a lifetime.” by Oscar Fingall O’Flahertie Wills Wilde.

  73. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  74. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  75. Thanks for your article. One other thing is the fact that individual American states have their own laws of which affect property owners, which makes it extremely tough for the Congress to come up with the latest set of rules concerning property foreclosures on house owners. The problem is that every state offers own legislation which may work in a damaging manner when it comes to foreclosure plans.

  76. Website ini memiliki tampilan yang rapi dan mudah dinavigasi. Informasi yang disajikan juga jelas dan sangat membantu pembaca memahami topik dengan cepat.

  77. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your site in internet explorer, would check this? IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your magnificent writing because of this problem.

  78. hello!,I like your writing so so much! percentage we be in contact extra about your article on AOL? I require an expert on this area to unravel my problem. Maybe that is you! Taking a look ahead to peer you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call Us Now !

Copyright © JICE ACADEMY FOR EXCELLENCE PRIVATE LIMITED