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Yuvan Thakkar, a 16-year-old of Indian origin hailing from Watford near London, has become a beacon of hope for thousands as he shares his story of overcoming cancer, thanks to a groundbreaking treatment funded by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Thakkar, the first child in the UK to benefit from the innovative CAR T therapy called tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah), expressed gratitude towards the NHS for enabling access to life-saving treatment through its Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF). This milestone comes as the NHS celebrates providing early access to cutting-edge therapies for over 100,000 patients.
In a heartfelt statement, Thakkar shared, “My life has changed so much since I received the CAR T therapy. They have helped me recover to a state where I am able to enjoy so many things I love doing. It’s hard to imagine how things would have been if the treatment wasn’t available.”
Diagnosed with leukemia at the age of six, Thakkar’s journey towards recovery took a turn when conventional treatments like chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant proved ineffective. His story took a positive turn in 2019 when he received the CAR T therapy—a treatment that modifies immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
His mother, Sapna Thakkar, expressed immense gratitude for the second chance at life afforded to her son through the CDF. She acknowledged the pivotal role played by the NHS in providing fast-track access to the life-saving treatment, emphasizing that without it, their family might not have found a way forward.
The CDF, established in its current form in July 2016, facilitates expedited access to newly approved cancer treatments endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This fund, along with the Innovative Medicines Fund, has allocated a total of GBP 680 million to fast-track promising drugs, ensuring timely access for patients battling various cancers.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, lauded the achievement of treating 100,000 cancer patients with innovative therapies through the CDF. He emphasized the fund’s critical role in providing hope and healing to individuals like Yuvan Thakkar, setting a path for a longer, healthier life spent with loved ones.
The CDF’s impact extends beyond common cancers to encompass rare and less prevalent forms of the disease, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to life-saving treatments for all cancer patients.
As Yuvan Thakkar’s story resonates with individuals worldwide, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of medical innovation and the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals dedicated to saving lives.
