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India has developed a revolutionary, Cheapest cancer Cure approved for human trials in October 2023. This new CAR-T cell therapy is 10 times cheaper than existing treatments worldwide, costing significantly less. Early results from 53 patients show promising outcomes with no severe side effects, unlike similar therapies in other countries. Though initially limited to B-cell lymphoma, this treatment offers a ray of hope for cancer patients globally. Dr. V.K. Gupta, a retired army doctor, was the first to benefit, becoming cancer-free within months. Stay tuned for more advancements!
Cancer has been a daunting challenge for India, but a revolutionary new treatment is offering hope. In October 2023, India approved a game-changing cancer treatment for human trials—Next CAR-19 CAR-T cell therapy. This Made-in-India therapy can potentially cure cancer within three to four months and is 10 times cheaper than similar treatments abroad. Let’s dive into the details of this groundbreaking therapy and how it could transform cancer treatment not just in India, but globally.
Table of Contents
What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
CAR-T cell therapy involves modifying the body’s own immune cells to fight cancer. Scientists extract T-cells from the patient’s body, re-engineer them to target cancer cells, and reintroduce them to the patient’s body. The modified cells then attack and destroy only the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed. This technique has shown promising results, particularly in the case of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), as demonstrated by the recovery of retired Army doctor, Dr. V.K. Gupta.
Key Features of Next CAR-19 CAR-T Cell Therapy
- Faster Recovery: Cures cancer in just 3-4 months.
- Cost-Effective: 10 times cheaper than similar treatments in the US and China.
- Minimal Side Effects: Unlike foreign versions, the Indian therapy has shown no neurological side effects.
- Targeted Therapy: It is designed to kill only cancer cells, leaving healthy cells intact.
India’s Cancer Crisis and the Need for Affordable Solutions
India ranks 60th in cancer survival rates, with cancer becoming the second leading cause of death after heart disease. The cost of cancer treatment abroad can range from ₹4 crore to ₹8 crore, making it inaccessible to many. This new treatment is not only affordable but also holds the potential to save millions of lives.
Advantages of Indian CAR-T Therapy Over Foreign Versions
- No side effects like brain damage, commonly observed in the US-approved therapies.
- Affordable at around ₹20 lakh, compared to ₹40-80 million abroad.
- Proven successful in 53 Indian patients, including those with late-stage cancer.
How Does CAR-T Cell Therapy Work?
The body’s immune system, specifically T-cells, plays a crucial role in identifying and attacking threats like viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells. However, cancer cells often evade detection and grow rapidly. In CAR-T cell therapy, doctors extract T-cells, modify them genetically, and reinject them into the body. These modified T-cells are then able to detect and destroy cancer cells effectively.
Key Steps of the Treatment:
- Extraction of T-cells from the patient.
- Genetic modification of T-cells to target cancer cells.
- Re-injection of modified cells into the patient’s body.
- The modified T-cells destroy only the cancer cells without harming normal cells.
A Breakthrough for Cancer Patients: Success Stories
Dr. V.K. Gupta, a retired Army doctor, was among the first patients to undergo this treatment. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and given only a few months to live, Dr. Gupta enrolled in the Next CAR-19 CAR-T Cell Therapy trial in November 2023. By February 2024, he was completely cancer-free, thanks to this innovative treatment.
Cost of CAR-T Therapy in India
Although this treatment is 10 times cheaper than the US and China, it still costs around ₹20 lakh. However, as the technology progresses, costs are expected to decrease. For a country like India, where the average monthly income is around ₹16,000-17,000, making this treatment more accessible is essential.
Current Limitations and Future Prospects
- The therapy is currently in the testing phase and only approved for treating B-cell lymphoma.
- It’s not yet available for other types of cancer, but Indian scientists are working on expanding its scope.
- High cost remains a barrier, although the price is expected to drop as the treatment becomes more widely available.
Stem Cell Therapy: A Solution for Other Blood Disorders
While CAR-T cell therapy offers hope for cancer patients, other treatments like stem cell therapy are also proving effective for diseases like sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, and thalassemia. Organizations like DKMS are working to create a global stem cell donor database, helping patients find matching donors for stem cell transplants. You can register as a stem cell donor to potentially save a life.
How to Register as a Stem Cell Donor
- Register on DKMS’s website.
- Receive a free swab kit at home.
- Follow instructions to collect a saliva sample.
- Send it back in the prepaid envelope.
- If a match is found, you’ll be contacted to donate.
Why India’s New Therapy is a Game-Changer
This new therapy is a beacon of hope for India, potentially transforming the country’s cancer treatment landscape. With minimal side effects, high success rates, and affordable costs, it has the potential to elevate India’s position in cancer survival rates and save countless lives.
FAQs about Next CAR-19 CAR-T Cell Therapy
Q: What is CAR-T cell therapy?
A: CAR-T cell therapy is a cancer treatment that modifies T-cells from a patient’s immune system to attack and kill cancer cells.
Q: How long does the treatment take?
A: The entire treatment process typically takes around 3-4 months.
Q: How much does the treatment cost in India?
A: The treatment costs around ₹20 lakh, making it significantly more affordable than in the US or China.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: So far, no significant side effects, particularly neurological ones, have been reported in patients receiving this Indian version of the therapy.
Q: Is the treatment available for all cancers?
A: Currently, the therapy is only approved for treating B-cell lymphoma and is in the testing phase for other types of cancer.
Conclusion
The development of Next CAR-19 CAR-T cell therapy is a monumental achievement for India. With affordable costs and minimal side effects, this revolutionary treatment could reshape the future of cancer care in India. While there are still challenges to overcome, including the cost and limited scope of the treatment, the future looks bright. This Made-in-India cancer therapy could soon become the global standard, offering a new ray of hope to cancer patients worldwide.
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