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New Delhi, May 22, 2025 — In a groundbreaking development for cancer treatment in India, a recent trial funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and led by the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, has demonstrated that CAR-T cell therapy can be safely manufactured and administered within hospital settings at a fraction of the global cost.
What is CAR-T Therapy?
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is an advanced form of immunotherapy that uses a patient’s own T cells—key components of the immune system—engineered to recognize and attack cancer cells. Traditionally, this complex process has been carried out in large, centralized commercial facilities, leading to high costs and logistical hurdles.
Key Findings of the Study
For the first time in India, CMC Vellore successfully produced and infused CAR-T cells on-site, using a decentralized or point-of-care (PoC) manufacturing model. The trial involved 10 patients aged between 6 and 59 years, all of whom had either acute leukemia (six patients) or lymphoma (four patients) and had not responded to previous treatments.
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Remarkable Results:
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100% remission was observed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients.
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50% remission in large B-cell lymphoma patients.
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Eight out of ten patients remained cancer-free after a median follow-up of 15 months.
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Safety and Tolerability:
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The therapy was well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
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Use of fresh, unfrozen CAR-T cells contributed to better outcomes.
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Cost and Efficiency Advantages
The study, published in the journal Molecular Therapy, highlights that in-hospital production of CAR-T cells reduces the cost of therapy by nearly 90% compared to the global average. The production process took just nine days, making it both efficient and accessible.
Dr. Vikram Mathews, director of CMC Vellore and principal author of the study, emphasized, “This trial redefines how cancer therapy can be delivered—efficiently, affordably, and close to patients. India is leading the way in developing next-generation, in-house biotherapies with global relevance.”
He further noted that this model could be replicated in tertiary healthcare facilities across the country, potentially transforming cancer care for thousands of patients.
Looking Ahead
With these promising results, India is poised to become a leader in accessible, advanced cancer therapies. The decentralized manufacturing model could serve as a blueprint for other nations seeking to make life-saving treatments more affordable and widely available.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on early trial results as reported by CMC Vellore and published in Molecular Therapy. While the findings are promising, CAR-T therapy is still an emerging treatment and may not be suitable for all patients. Readers are advised to consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice.
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