Qartemi CAR T-Cell Therapy for Blood Cancer in India
Discover Qartemi, CAR T-cell therapy available in India for treating blood cancers. Learn about its benefits, side effects, who qualifies, and what to expect from this advanced immunotherapy option.
Introduction
Cancer is a challenging battle, but medical science continues to make remarkable progress in finding new ways to fight it. One such breakthrough is CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary treatment for certain types of blood cancers. In India, Qartemi (a brand of CAR T-cell therapy) has emerged as a promising option for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
If you or a loved one is fighting blood cancer, understanding this therapy can help in making informed decisions. Let’s explore what CAR T-cell therapy is, how it works, its benefits, and how you can access it in India.
What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy) is a type of immunotherapy that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks both healthy and cancerous cells, this treatment is more targeted.
Consult a Haemato Oncologist for the best advice
How Does It Work?
CAR T-cell therapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Here’s how it works:
1. Collection of T-Cells: A patient’s T-cells (a type of immune cell) are extracted from their blood.
2. Genetic Modification: These T-cells are then modified in a lab to produce special receptors called CARs (Chimeric Antigen Receptors). These receptors help the T-cells recognize and attack cancer cells.
3. Multiplication: The modified CAR T-cells are multiplied in large numbers in the lab.
4. Infusion Back into the Body: The enhanced CAR T-cells are infused back into the patient, where they seek and destroy cancer cells.
This therapy is particularly effective against blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Who Can Benefit from CAR T-Cell Therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is mainly used for patients with:
• B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (common in children and young adults)
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Multiple myeloma
It is often considered when:
• Other treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant) have failed.
• The cancer has relapsed (come back after treatment).
However, not all patients are eligible. Doctors assess factors like overall health, cancer type, and previous treatments before recommending this therapy.
Qartemi – CAR T-Cell Therapy in India
India has taken a significant step in cancer treatment with the approval of Qartemi, a made-in-India CAR T-cell therapy. Developed by ImmunoACT, this therapy is more affordable than imported alternatives, making it accessible to more patients.
Key Benefits of Qartemi:
Main advantages of Qartemi include:
• Highly effective for relapsed/refractory blood cancers.
• Personalized treatment – uses the patient’s own cells.
• Lower cost compared to international CAR T-cell therapies.
• Available in India – reducing the need for treatment abroad.
Possible Side Effects
Like any treatment, CAR T-cell therapy can have side effects, including:
• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) – fever, fatigue, low blood pressure.
• Neurological effects – confusion, difficulty speaking.
• Low blood cell counts – increasing infection risk.
Doctors closely monitor patients to manage these side effects effectively.
How to Access CAR T-Cell Therapy in India?
If you or a loved one is considering CAR T-cell therapy:
1. Consult a Specialist: Talk to a haematologist or oncologist to check eligibility.
2. Testing & Evaluation: The doctor will conduct tests to confirm if this therapy is suitable.
3. Treatment Process: If approved, the patient undergoes cell collection, modification, and infusion.
4. Post-Treatment Care: Close monitoring is required for side effects and recovery.
Living with Hope – Support & Lifestyle Tips
While CAR T-cell therapy offers hope, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can aid recovery:
• Eat a balanced diet (rich in proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants).
• Stay hydrated to help flush out toxins.
• Avoid infections – practice good hygiene, avoid crowded places.
• Regular follow-ups with the doctor for monitoring.
• Emotional support – counseling or support groups can help cope with stress.
Final Thoughts
CAR T-cell therapy, especially Qartemi in India, is a game-changer for blood cancer patients who have limited treatment options. While it is a complex procedure, its success rates bring new hope. If you or someone you know is battling blood cancer, consult a specialist to see if this therapy is the right choice.
Remember, advancements in medicine are giving patients more fighting chances than ever before. Stay informed, stay hopeful, and take the right steps toward recovery.
Consult a Haemato Oncologist for the best advice
Consult a Haemato Oncologist for the best advice
Dr. Sushith C
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Rupam Manna
Radiation Specialist Oncologist
4 Years • MBBS MD(RADIO THERAPY)
Barasat
Diab-Eat-Ease, Barasat
Dr Prasanna Rammohan
Oncologist
18 Years • MBBS,MD,DM(Oncology),ECMO,FCPM
Tiruchirappalli
Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli
Dr Garima Nirmal
Paediatric Haematologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD, DM
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Priyanka Chauhan
Haemato Oncologist
7 Years • MBBS, MD, PDCC (Hemato-oncology), Post-Doctoral Fellow in Bone Marrow Transplant
Lucknow
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
(25+ Patients)
Consult a Haemato Oncologist for the best advice
Dr. Sushith C
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Rupam Manna
Radiation Specialist Oncologist
4 Years • MBBS MD(RADIO THERAPY)
Barasat
Diab-Eat-Ease, Barasat
Dr Prasanna Rammohan
Oncologist
18 Years • MBBS,MD,DM(Oncology),ECMO,FCPM
Tiruchirappalli
Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli
Dr Garima Nirmal
Paediatric Haematologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD, DM
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Priyanka Chauhan
Haemato Oncologist
7 Years • MBBS, MD, PDCC (Hemato-oncology), Post-Doctoral Fellow in Bone Marrow Transplant
Lucknow
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
(25+ Patients)
