Chandigarh: Taking a significant stride towards advanced cancer treatment, PGI will soon start clinical trial of CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma patients. The initiative, part of a nationwide effort, offers a ray of hope for individuals battling cancer. The ethics committee has approved trials in the institute, which is one of the sites for the multi-centric study.
The trials, expected to last around five to six months, will involve a carefully selected group of 10 to 12 patients across the country, with PGI treating two such patients as part of the trial. Once approved, CAR T will be commercialised for myeloma. Presently, the therapy is being used for leukaemia and lymphoma—types of blood cancers. “We have identified suitable candidates, and this trial marks a crucial step in bringing cutting-edge cancer therapy to India,” said Dr Pankaj Malhotra, head of the clinical haematology and medical oncology, PGI.
CAR T-cell therapy, already proven effective in treating leukaemia and lymphoma, is now being explored for multiple myeloma. This innovative approach involves genetically modifying a patient’s own T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. While the therapy has shown remarkable success in the US, gene therapy can also be explored for genetic conditions like thalassemia and haemophilia. “The cost in the US is around Rs 45 crore, and if introduced in the country, it can come down to Rs 30 lakh or so,” said Dr Malhotra.
During Research Day celebration at PGI, principal scientific adviser to the Prime Minister, Prof Ajay Sood, highlighted the Prime Minister’s Office’s recognition of cell and gene therapy as a critical area of focus. Discussions within the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Advisory Council (PM-STAC) have underscored the need for a concerted drive to advance these therapies.
“Despite the promising advancements, India currently lacks Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation approval for any gene therapies. The nation has, however, approved two CAR T-cell products. The urgency to establish regulatory frameworks and infrastructure to support affordable gene therapy is paramount. The government’s commitment to this field is evident, with ongoing efforts to foster domestic gene therapy development,” said Prof Sood.
