Blood Cancer Treatment: A New Era of ‘Cure’ and Remission
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Madrid – A notable shift is underway in how doctors approach blood cancers, moving beyond terms like “disease-free” or “survival” to embrace the language of “cure” and “complete remission.” This change reflects the arrival of innovative therapies, notably CAR-T cell therapy and gene therapies, that are achieving unprecedented success in controlling-and potentially eliminating-previously chronic or incurable blood-related diseases.
The Advantage of Studying Blood
Hematologists and oncologists have historically faced different challenges in treating cancers. Analyzing blood cells is comparatively easier than accessing and studying tissues like neurons or solid organs, through routine blood tests or more complex techniques. This accessibility has accelerated research, particularly with the advent of mass DNA sequencing, which allows for the identification of alterations and markers associated with malignant conditions like leukemia, and also benign conditions like thrombosis and anemia. this detailed understanding paves the way for personalized treatment strategies.
Did You Know? Mass DNA sequencing has revolutionized the ability to pinpoint genetic markers for both cancerous and non-cancerous blood disorders.
CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Revolutionary Approach
At the forefront of this progress is CAR-T cell therapy, a technique that has already transformed the lives of approximately 38,000 patients worldwide with blood cancers. The process involves extracting a patient’s cells, modifying them in a laboratory to equip T-cells-a type of white blood cell responsible for immune response-to recognize and attack tumor cells, and then reinfusing them back into the patient. CAR-T therapy uniquely combines cellular, immunotherapy, and gene therapy approaches.
The Impact in Spain
CAR-T therapy became available in Spain in 2017 and has since been approved for specific types of leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas, primarily for patients experiencing relapse after other treatments. The remarkable aspect of CAR-T therapy is its ability to activate the patient’s own immune system, leading to cures or significant remission in many cases.A study at the Clínic Hospital in barcelona showed complete remission in over half of the 502 patients treated with CAR-T therapy.
Pro tip: CAR-T therapy is most effective for patients who have not responded to traditional cancer treatments.
Gene Therapy: Targeting the Root Cause
Complementing CAR-T therapy, gene therapies aim to correct the underlying genetic defects that cause disease. These therapies involve adjusting, repairing, replacing, adding, or deleting genetic sequences. Unlike treatments that merely alleviate symptoms, gene therapies address the root cause of the illness, offering the potential for lasting correction.