T cells originate in bone marrow but mature in the thymus and protect the body from pathogens by activating immune cells to fight infection. Recently, there have been advancements in T cell (CAR T) therapy to treat adults suffering from lymphoma. T cell therapy involves using a person’s own T cells but adding a protein called CAR, or chimeric antigen receptor, whit helps the cell find and kill cancerous cells. The NCI team remodeled CAR to make it safer and more effective for human use. For example, they swapped a protein fragment found in mice for a similar one found in in humans but like the original, CAR still targets a molecule that studs the surface of lymphoma cells called CD19.
CAR T cell therapy works by removing T cells from the body through a process called leukapheresis which takes three to four hours. Leukapheresis works by removing blood through an IV, separating T cells using a machine and returning the remaining blood to the body. The T cells are then genetically engineered with the addition of CAR to target specific proteins on the patient’s lymphoma. The CAR T cells are frozen and transported to the treatment center. Prior to the infusion of CAR T cells, a low-dose of chemotherapy is received to suppress the immune system slightly in order to give the CAR T cells a fighting chance. Two or three days after the chemotherapy, CAR T cells are infused which takes about an hour. After infusion, the CAR T cells begin multiplying and attacking the lymphoma.
CAR T cell therapy does have intense, sometimes fatal, side effects including speech problems, tremors, delirium, and seizures. These side effects are exacerbated as the CAR T cells begin to multiple to fight because they cause massive amount of cytokines to be released into the blood. Along with the above side effects, there can be dangerously high fevers and low blood pressure in the days following treatment. I think that new treatments for cancer is groundbreaking. So many people suffer from months and even years of chemotherapy that the potential side effects of CAR T cell therapy would be enough to deter them from treatment.
Conspiracy theory time: the government has covered up the cure for cancer because the cancer industry generates too much money. To validate this theory, the cost for a one-time treatment of CAR-T therapy can be as much as $375,000. This cost is completely outrageous for the average American especially because it does not include hospital stays or other related expenses.
jill and micro 