In a groundbreaking development, researchers at AIIMS Delhi have made significant strides in creating an affordable Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy to treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. The therapy, which genetically modifies a patient’s T cells to enhance cancer-fighting abilities, has shown promising results in initial animal trials.
CAR T-cell therapy, though revolutionary, has remained inaccessible in India due to its exorbitant costs and limited availability. AIIMS researchers, led by Prof. Mayank Singh from the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, collaborated with Prof. Kalpana Luthra, Prof. Sujata Mohanty, and Dr. Ranji Sahoo to develop novel anti-BCMA antibody components targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a crucial molecular target for this cancer.
“Conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy historically targeted fast-dividing cells, causing significant toxicity and severe side effects,” explained Prof. Singh. The new therapy aims to provide an effective, less toxic alternative.
India recorded 14.6 lakh new cancer cases in 2022, with multiple myeloma alone contributing 100 cases monthly at AIIMS. Experts warn that delayed diagnoses and a lack of affordable treatments will exacerbate the nation’s cancer burden in the coming decade.
Clinical trials at AIIMS are anticipated to validate this innovative therapy, offering hope for Indian patients who have exhausted other treatment options. If successful, this could transform cancer care by making cutting-edge immunotherapy more accessible to the masses.
