What is CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of adoptive cell therapy, custom made for each patient using their own T-cells. Our T-cells play a vital role in our immune system, orchestrating the immune response in our bodies by killing cells that have become infected by pathogens (bacteria or germs capable of causing disease).
On the surface of every cancer cell, there are specific antigens relating to that type of cancer. These are foreign toxins that normally induce an immune response within our body. However, sometimes our T-cell lymphocytes that search for infections stop recognising antigens as foreign and no longer destroy them, which is how cancer develops. In CAR T-cell therapy, these genetically modified T-cells are designed to recognise and eradicate specific antigens on tumour cells.
CAR T-cell therapy is the latest breakthrough in immunotherapy treatment and can be used to treat some blood cancers that have not responded to conventional chemotherapy.
At HCA Healthcare UK, we are committed to providing the very best care and access to emerging therapies as soon as they are available. We will be one of the first JACIE accredited private providers in the UK to offer the latest CAR T-cell therapy.
To see how CAR T-cell therapy works, watch our video.
What is CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy involves the adoptive transfer of T-cells that have been genetically modified with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to target a tumour. CAR T-cells are intended to provide immediate and specific activity against tumour cells that contain the antigen to which the CAR is aimed.
Early data outcomes from this exciting new treatment have so far shown very promising results for many patients.
Whilst CAR T-cell therapy is an exciting step change in blood cancer treatment, at this stage it's not suitable for all patients. Our leading MDTs will ensure every individual patient's case is reviewed, in order to ensure patients that can benefit from this treatment can access it at a specialist centre.
Who is CAR T-cell therapy suitable for?
CAR T-cell therapy is used to treat patients who have not responded to standard first and second line treatment. Initially we will be accepting referrals for patients over 18 with: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, transformed follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. We are preparing to accept referrals for other types of blood cancers soon.
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Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
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Transformed follicular lymphoma
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Primary mediastinal large b-cell lymphoma
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Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
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Mantle cell lymphoma
Our CAR T-cell therapy consultants
Consultant
Specialties
Haematology Consultants: Lymphoma
Works at
HCA UK at University College Hospital
Consultant
Specialties
Haematology Consultants: Leukaemia,Blood cancers
Works at
HCA UK at University College Hospital
Consultant
Specialties
Haematology Consultants: Lymphoma
Works at
HCA UK at University College Hospital
LOC - Leaders in Oncology Care
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
The Princess Grace Hospital
London Digestive Centre
The Harley Street Clinic
London Bridge Hospital
The Wellington Hospital
LOC at 95 Harley Street
LOC at Platinum Medical Centre
LOC in HCA UK at University College Hospital
A collaborative approach to patient care
These MDTs of leading specialists come together to discuss treatment options and ensure the best treatment pathway is always delivered to each patient.
A comprehensive haematology service
All of our hospitals that provide these complex haematology services have achieved the highest rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the CQC.
Our CAR T-cell centre
Contact us about CAR T-cell therapy
Please get in touch if you would like to know more information about CAR T-cell therapy, including the treatment process, suitability to receive therapy, referral from your consultant for therapy and the cost of treatment.