CAR-T Cell Therapy

Gleneagles Hospitals is committed to advancing its oncological services by implementing CAR-T cell therapy. As cancer treatment moves beyond traditional surgery and chemotherapy, this personalised immunotherapy represents a strategic leap in modern oncology. Specifically targeting blood cancers, CAR-T cell therapy reprogrammes a patient’s immune cells to improve recognition and destruction of malignant cells. 

At Gleneagles Hospitals, we deliver CAR-T Cell therapy through a structured, multidisciplinary process. We prioritise safety, effectiveness, and long-term patient wellbeing at every stage. Our teams work together to ensure this complex treatment is managed with precision. By focusing on integrated care, we provide a reliable pathway for patients who have exhausted other options. Gleneagles remains committed to advancing cancer recovery through innovative, patient-centred immunological solutions that focus on lasting health and clinical excellence.

CAR-T Cell therapy stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy. This treatment modifies a patient’s harvested T cells to target cancer cells, starting with the isolation of cells from their own blood. These are then dispatched to a specialised laboratory for genetic engineering. During this phase, a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) is added to the cell surface. This receptor identifies specific proteins on cancer cells. After the cells have been modified and expanded in number, they are returned to the hospital. The final step is to infuse the CAR-T cells back into the patient for treatment.

After being infused, these cells multiply and begin destroying cancer cells that express the specific antigen. CAR-T therapy is designed to be more precise than chemotherapy, which affects healthy cells. One major benefit is that these cells can stay active in the body for a long time. This provides long-term immune surveillance, helping the body recognise and fight new cancer cells, thereby reducing the risk of relapse.

CAR-T cell therapy is considered when standard treatments are no longer effective or if the disease returns. Specialists recommend this intensive treatment in these specific situations:

• The cancer has not responded well to chemotherapy or systemic agents

• The disease has relapsed after you were in remission
• The cancer cells have specific targets that CAR-T can hit

• Other treatments offer too little hope or are too dangerous

We currently use this most often for blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma. Strict rules are in place to ensure that the benefits of the therapy outweigh the risks. Additional considerations include:

• The total tumour load and the kinetic growth of the disease

• The logistical urgency for beginning the T-cell modification process

• The patient’s baseline health regarding the immune system stress

While not a primary treatment, CAR-T cell therapy can deliver significant disease management and, in some cases, durable long-term remission for a specific group of patients.

CAR-T cell therapy suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Not every patient is a candidate. The treatment requires a specific level of physical health and the ability to undergo close medical monitoring. Consideration is given if:

• The cancer type and subtype are covered by the CAR-T eligibility criteria

• The disease has not responded to or has progressed after other treatments
• Heart, lung, liver, and kidney functions are demonstrated to be adequate

• No active infections are currently complicating the patient's health

Age is not a disqualifying factor, provided the patient’s general health is stable. Since CAR-T cell therapy often involves intense immune responses, doctors must determine if the patient can tolerate these safely. 

At Gleneagles Hospitals, a multidisciplinary team of haematologists, oncologists, and specialist nurses discusses every case. The decision to recommend this therapy is made only when it is likely to offer a significant benefit, ensuring that patient safety remains the primary focus of the clinical plan.

CAR-T therapy is a powerful tool, but it isn’t right for everyone at every stage. We may delay or advise against it for several critical reasons:

• Active, uncontrolled infections are present in your system

• Major organ failure makes the treatment process too dangerous
• Your cancer cells do not carry the specific markers this therapy targets

• Your disease is moving too quickly for the cell production timeline

In certain cases, we use temporary treatments to stabilise you first. If the risks are simply too great compared to the benefits, we will recommend supportive or palliative care instead.

Preparation for CAR-T therapy is a critical phase and often takes several weeks.

Before treatment begins:

• Detailed blood tests are performed to assess organ function and immune status

• Imaging studies help evaluate the extent of the disease
• A thorough medical review ensures the patient can tolerate the therapy

• The CAR-T cell collection process (leukapheresis) is planned

During leukapheresis, blood is drawn from the concerned patient, T cells are separated, and the blood is returned to the body. This procedure is usually well tolerated and does not require surgery.

After collection, the modified cells are manufactured in a specialised facility. During this waiting period, some patients may receive low-intensity treatment to keep the disease under control. Patients and families are counselled extensively about what to expect during and after therapy.

When the CAR-T cells are ready, the patient is admitted to a specialised hospital ward. The process begins with lymphodepleting chemotherapy, a specific treatment designed to deplete existing immune cells and create space for the new CAR-T cells to grow. This is different from standard cancer chemotherapy. The infusion is then administered through a vein, much like a blood transfusion. It is a brief and painless procedure. 

Following this, immediate and continuous monitoring is essential. The medical team closely monitors the patient for signs of immune reactions, as they can appear within days. Because side effects can escalate quickly, the treatment is delivered in a centre equipped for advanced monitoring and rapid medical intervention to protect the patient.

Recovery after CAR-T therapy is different for everyone. Some have mild symptoms, while others need more care for stronger reactions. You will be monitored in the hospital for a time that is right for your health. While there:

• Your vitals are checked often

• Your neurological status is watched closely

• Blood tests track your organs and immune system

You will likely face extreme fatigue initially, with a gradual restoration of strength. Staying near the hospital after discharge is necessary to facilitate professional monitoring of delayed treatment-related effects.

Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor your progress and check for relapse. Recovery is a slow process. Your healthcare team will guide you through it.

CAR-T cell therapy is a sophisticated treatment that involves certain risks. Understanding the potential outcomes is a key part of the preparation process. Potential effects include:

• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): A common immune response involving fever and respiratory difficulties

• Neurological effects: Including temporary confusion, headaches, or speech alterations
• Low blood counts: Reducing the body's ability to fight infection or maintain energy

• Infections: Occurring as the immune system adjusts

Most side effects are treatable with early intervention. Continuous monitoring by a trained medical team ensures that any reactions are managed promptly to minimise further complications.

The benefit of CAR-T therapy is its ability to target cancer cells accurately using your own immune system. This has led to lasting success for patients with advanced disease. Benefits often include:

• Gaining control of the disease after other treatments have stopped working

• The chance for your cancer to stay in remission long-term
• Reducing the need for you to stay on regular chemotherapy

• A treatment plan that is built to suit your specific needs

Even when a cure isn't the result, this therapy can extend your life and improve your well-being by reducing the burden of the disease.

Gleneagles Hospitals provides CAR-T cell therapy through a coordinated, patient-first approach. Our core strengths are:

• Expert teams in oncology, haematology, ICU, and rehabilitation

• Advanced infrastructure for monitoring and emergency response
• Tough safety protocols for assessment and long-term follow-up

• Full support services and education for every patient

We don't just provide advanced medicine. We make sure you and your family are informed and confident. Our focus is on safety, success, and your peace of mind throughout.

CAR-T cell therapy is a new way to treat difficult cancers. It is a step-by-step journey that starts with a check-up and continues through recovery. To achieve the best results, we rely on careful planning and expert medical staff. At Gleneagles Hospitals, we make this advanced treatment safe and easy to understand. We implement the most effective, science-backed procedures to ensure the treatment is right for you. Our focus is on giving you clear, high-quality care that helps you reach your health goals