Medical Tourism: Navigating the Pros, Cons, and Risks of Getting Surgery Abroad

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Cellular immunotherapies are the new age cancer treatment. With advances in medical technologies, researchers are constantly improving the scenario of cancer management. CAR T-cell therapy is the latest addition to it. The US FDA approved CAR T-cell therapy for cancer patients in 2017. India's first CAR T-cell therapy was administered on June 4, 2021, at Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai.
If you are also fascinated by the news of this innovative cancer treatment and want to know more about it, you have landed at the right place. This blog aims to provide all the relevant information about CAR T-cell therapy, including the procedure, cost, and related side effects.
The primary treatments for most cancers are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Since the 2000s, cancer treatment has shifted from traditional approaches to more personalized ones using targeted and immunotherapy.
CAR T-cell therapy is an immunotherapy that strengthens the body's immune system to spot and attack cancer cells. T-cells and B-cells are the main lymphocytes that fight off invaders in our body. T-cells do it by identifying specific proteins (antigens) present on the surface of foreign cells. T-cells have receptors that bind to these antigens and destroy them.
CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying and reengineering T cells in specially designed labs to enhance their capacity to find and destroy cancer cells. It has the advantage of staying active in the body for a prolonged period. Hence, it is a one-time therapy that reduces cancer recurrence chances.
CAR T-cell therapy focuses primarily on treating leukemia and lymphomas. It benefits people with previous treatment failures, including bone marrow or stem cell transplants. Patients experiencing recurrence of leukemia and lymphoma are also candidates for CAR T-cell therapy.
The following types of cancers have shown promising results when treated with CAR T-cell therapy –
Multiple myeloma is a recent addition to the approved diseases for CAR T-cell therapy.
CAR T-cell therapy is not advisable for everyone. Only specific tumors can be treated using this treatment. Solid tumors do not have a single protein that the CAR T-cells can target. Hence, CAR T-cell therapy is effective against solid tumors of the lungs, breasts, etc. Other contraindications for the therapy may include:
CAR T-cell therapy is one of the most promising cancer immunotherapy. It leverages the patient's immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. The process involves the following steps –
Chemical Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is not suitable for everyone. You should consult an experienced cancer specialist to better understand whether you are an appropriate candidate for it. They will also educate you about a few potential complications the therapy may possess.
The most common complication of CAR T-cell therapy is CRS - cytokine release syndrome. CAR T-cells release chemicals called cytokines, which cause a reaction from the immune system. Signs and symptoms of CRS include:
CAR T-cell therapy may also cause harmful effects on the central nervous system. The signs and symptoms may include:
Other serious side effects that you may experience and require medical attention include:
You must have heard about specific treatments that cost several crores. CAR T-cell therapy used to be one of them, but not anymore. While the cost of treatment in the USA and UK ranges from USD 3,00,000 to 5,00,000, it is much more affordable in India.
India has developed its own indigenous CAR T-cell therapy, NexCAR19. In October 2023, the CDSCO - Central Drugs Standard Control Organization approved its use for several blood cancers. NexCAR19 costs around INR 35-40 lakhs or USD 40,000 to 50,000, which is 80-90% less than what other countries offer.
CAR T-cell therapy has become a boom in cancer treatment. It is currently available to treat blood cancers, but with ongoing research, the future is promising for other cancers. CAR T-cell therapy most benefits people with cancer recurrences and those who cannot be managed with other treatment modalities. However, it is essential to remember that a few side effects might be related to the therapy. It is best to weigh the risks and benefits with a skilled oncologist who can help you decide better.
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