Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is the most common form of lymphatic cancer, affecting thousands of people globally. In patients with relapsed or refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, the treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may not always be effective. But in a new light, CAR-T therapy has brought new hope into our way of treating this complicated cancer.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a form of blood cancer originating in the body’s lymphatic system, an important component of the body’s immune apparatus. More often than not, it is the type of lymphocyte, one of the types of white blood cells the body produces to fight infection, which are targeted by this disease.
Among the most typical forms include:
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)– The most aggressive and the most common form of NHL.
- Follicular Lymphoma – Slow-growing type.
How does CAR-T Therapy Work for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy
CAR-T is one of the newest kinds of Immunotherapy. It is a three-step procedure:
- T-cells extraction: Blood is drawn from a patient to obtain T-cells, a type of immune cells.
- Reprogramming: In the laboratory, T-cells are engineered to be able to produce a very distinctive receptor known as CAR for them to specifically detect and kill cancer.
- Infusion: Following infusion of gene modified T cells, it grows in the patient’s body killing lymphoma. For NHL most CAR-T treatments are targeted on a single marker protein called CD19 found on the outside of many B-cell lymphomas.
Success Rates of CAR-T Treatment in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
The CAR-T treatment has shown unprecedented effectiveness on patients with relapsed or refractory NHL, especially for DLBCL.
- ORR for DLBCL: The ORR for the patients with DLBCL has been ranged between 50-80%
- CR for DLBCL: It is present in around 40-50% of the patients that indicates no cancer remnants left after the treatment.
- CAR-T Responses at Long Term: Most of the patients remained cancer-free for a prolonged period, which was the strong indicator that CAR-T cell therapy could be a potential cure.
In the meantime, the success rates are indeed encouraging, especially for the patients who had little or nothing else when the traditional treatments have failed.
Advantages of CAR-T Therapy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
CAR-T therapy has several advantages over the conventional treatments:
- It is a tailor-made therapy for every patient.
- It confers a remission lasting for quite a long period in most patients.
- It is a one-time infusion, unlike surgeries or cycles of chemotherapy.
Though CAR-T therapy has been pretty efficacious, it still contains side effects that the experienced teams of doctors take great pains to manage:
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): This occurs frequently and is controllable and may lead to fever, fatigue, and hypotension.
- Neurotoxicity: Transient confusion or headaches can resolve over time.
Cost of CAR-T Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
CAR-T treatment is prohibitively expensive; however, every effort is made to provide it.
Which Centers Provide CAR-T Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma? Across the Globe:
CAR-T is being made available in various places around the world. The top CAR-T centers can be found in:
- India: Starting from as low as 80,000 USD.
- Turkey: Has some of the most advanced cancer treatment facilities.
- USA and Europe: Extremely advanced technology, but is pretty pricey.
India is the destination of first choice for medical tourism, which offers quality care at a very low-cost rate.
Why Choose MediGence for CAR-T Therapy?
MediGence connects you to the world’s leading oncologists and cancer care centers, ensuring:
- Expert Medical Opinions: Advice from the world’s top cancer specialists.
- Transparent Pricing: Cost-effective packages with no surprise bills.
- Comprehensive Support: From visa assistance to post-treatment care, MediGence is with you every step of the way.
CAR-T has transformed treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, wherein unmatched cure rates can be provided to patients carrying relapsed or refractory disease. While there remain challenges, including cost and toxicity, the durability of remission that can now be promised with this therapy makes this a game-changer large in the battle against blood cancers.
If you or your loved one is considering CAR-T therapy for NHL, let MediGence guide you toward the best treatment options globally.