CAR-T cell therapy uses genetically modified white blood cells to target, attack and destroy cancer cells that are resistant to standard therapies. Patients with specific types of leukemia or lymphoma that are resistant to standard therapies can benefit from this innovative treatment.
CAR-T cells are a customized treatment made from the patient's own T-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the immune system. These cells are collected from the patient's blood and then genetically modified in the laboratory to carry a new gene that allows them to target cancer cells. These modified T-cells are then administered back to the patient in a single intravenous dose.
At the MUHC, the treatment is available for patients over the age of 18 with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or patients aged 18-25 with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (b-ALL) who have not responded to standard therapies. The indications for this treatment will evolve with time.
The MUHC has assembled a dedicated and professional team to manage all aspects of this program and to provide these patients with unparalleled service.
This is a new chapter for the MUHC Cancer Care mission. In the future, we anticipate an expansion in use of this novel technique for other indications and other hematologic malignancies.
If you have any questions on the process or admission criteria, please speak to your treating physician.
If you have a patient you would like to refer, please contact [email protected]. We will do our very best to quickly see your patients and to keep you informed of your patients' trajectory.