The future is coming- 2: Genetically modified T cells.
Two treatments involving genetically modified (chimeric antigen receptor) CAR-T cells have been approved by the FDA in the last 2 months. The first in August 2017 was for an aggressive childhood/young adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The second in October 2017 was for an aggressive, relapsed Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The treatment involves harvesting T cells from the patient. These are specific subtypes of white cells involved in the body’s immune fight against cancer cell. These are shipped to the company, and are genetically modified to fight the cancer cell, and re-infused into the patient. This treatment has led to better than expected results, particularly in this population that has limited treatment options. The treatments have been released in spite of significant, life threatening complications in the trials, because of the improved remissions in the survivors. To improve safety, the treatments will need to be limited to specific centers that are trained in their administration. And follow up thus far has been short. Time will tell if the responses are sustained and live up to the promise of the high price tag of almost a half a million dollars for the drug alone, not including hospital costs and the cost of managing complications.
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm574058.htm
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm581216.htm