CAR-T Cell Therapy
Personalized cancer immunotherapy and genetic testing
CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is an immunotherapy method in which a patient's own T lymphocytes are genetically reprogrammed to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The genetically modified T cells carry a receptor directed against specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells, such as CD19 or BCMA.
This personalized treatment yields groundbreaking results, especially in hematological cancers that are resistant to standard therapies or have relapsed. Genetic and molecular testing plays a critical role in planning the treatment and evaluating its effectiveness.
Diseases Treated with CAR-T
Target Antigens
CAR-T cells target specific antigens present on the surface of cancer cells. The most common targets are:
- CD19: Expressed in B-cell leukemias and lymphomas (B-ALL, DLBCL, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma).
- CD22: Another target antigen expressed in B-cell leukemias and lymphomas.
- BCMA (B-Cell Maturation Antigen): Expressed in multiple myeloma.
Genetic and Molecular Testing in the CAR-T Process
Before, during and after treatment, genetic testing determines patient suitability and response to therapy:
- Target antigen expression analysis: Confirmation of CD19 or BCMA expression by flow cytometry.
- Cytogenetic and molecular profiling: Determining the genetic subtype of the disease (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome in B-ALL, high-risk cytogenetics in multiple myeloma).
- Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) assessment: Measuring disease burden before and after treatment.
- HLA and compatibility assessment: For planning the treatment process.
Treatment Process
- Leukapheresis: Collection of T cells from the patient's blood.
- Genetic modification: Transfer of the gene encoding the CAR receptor into the T cells.
- Expansion: Multiplication of the modified T cells in the laboratory.
- Infusion: Return of the CAR-T cells to the patient.
Learn about CAR-T cell therapy
Our expert team helps you with pre-treatment genetic testing and process planning.