Amrita introduces CAR T-cell Therapy for blood cancer in Kerala

Kochi, Mar 1   Amrita Hospital has announced its pioneering initiative to become the first hospital in Kerala to offer CAR T-cell (chimeric antigen receptor) therapy for cancer care.
This breakthrough treatment is set to revolutionise the management of aggressive blood cancer by leveraging gene-modified cell therapies.
CAR T-cell therapy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of B-cell lymphoma and leukemia, particularly in patients who have experienced relapse or are refractory to conventional treatments.
There is an unmet need for patients with relapsed and refractory B-cell leukemia and lymphoma in our country, lacking access to advanced therapies like CAR T-cell therapy.
Previously, patients had to seek treatment abroad, incurring substantial expenses. Now, there’s hope as this therapy becomes available domestically, marking a significant breakthrough.
Already, three patients with B-cell lymphoma are undergoing this transformative therapy at Amrita Hospital, with promising outcomes observed during follow-up.
Dr. Neeraj Sidharthan, clinical professor and head, department of clinical haematology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, said, "Three patients, two with relapsed leukemia—one of whom had a prior BMT—and one with relapsed lymphoma. For the first patient, who had relapsed post-transplantation, CAR T-cell therapy provided a viable option where palliative intent therapy was the only alternative. She is now in remission and MRD-negative, indicating no detectable cancer, though ongoing surveillance is necessary for potential recurrence.”
CAR-T cell therapy enables us to harness the power of our immune system to target cancer cells with precision, offering new hope to patients with previously untreatable conditions.
CAR-T cell therapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, with the potential to provide long-term remission and care for certain types of blood cancers.
The process involves genetically modifying a patient's own T cells in the laboratory to equip them with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that enable them to recognise and destroy cancer cells. These modified T cells are then reintroduced into the patient's body, where they continue to combat cancer cells, offering a promising avenue for treatment.
Dr. Prem Nair, Group Medical Director of Amrita Hospital, said, "Amrita Hospital remains dedicated to fulfilling our founder's vision of delivering high-quality care to all and a commitment to providing advanced healthcare solutions at affordable prices. The introduction of CAR T-cell therapy signifies our ongoing efforts to expand access to cutting-edge treatments and improve outcomes for patients across all segments of society."
To ensure widespread availability of this life-saving therapy, Amrita Hospital has partnered with ImmunoACT, an IIT Bombay-incubated company.
The therapy cost in India is about one-tenth compared to outside countries. Amrita Hospital in Kochi is actively working on research and innovation to further enhance affordability and effectiveness.
The team of doctors includes Dr. Neeraj Siddharthan, HOD and Professor; Dr. Manoj Unni, Associate . Professor; Dr. Rema G., Assistant Professor; Dr. Nikhil Krishna Haridas, Assistant Professor; Dr. Monisha Harimadhavan, Assistant Professor; and Dr. Gayathri S., Assistant Professor.