First-of-its-kind study grants complete remission to cancer patient

The University of Sao Paulo (USP), together with the Butantan Institute and the Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, brought a study to the public health network in the country, which consists of an unprecedented technique against cancer that is used in some countries. Cell therapy uses the patient’s protective cells that have been modified in the laboratory against disease.

Cell therapy also known as CAR-T Cell, fights three types of cancer, B-lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma, which attacks the individual’s bone marrow. The research consists of removing a T cell (body defense system), after undergoing genetic modification, the DNA is inserted back into the patient. This modification forces the cells to produce an element called CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor) cells that begin to recognize cancer cells in the body and fight them harder.

In Brazil, with the aid of funds from the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Fapesp) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). About 14 people have already received treatment with cell therapy. Among all patients, there was at least 60% of tumor remission. Paulo Peregrino, 61 years old, was one of those who underwent the treatment. He lived with the disease for 13 years and in just one month with cell therapy he had complete remission of his lymphoma. His recovery, like that of the other patients, was through the Unified Health System (SUS)

For this second semester, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), approved the clinical research and 75 people should receive treatment with CAR-T Cell by SUS. The procedure is also available in the private network in the country, however, it costs around R$ 2 million per person. The therapy reaction can be aggressive in the body and every procedure must be done in specialized hospitals to control inflammation. The study is essential and has revolutionized modern medicine.

Featured photo: Celulas Car-T Cells/Social networks/Reproduction