In a significant advancement for cancer treatment, Russia’s Beloostrov Clinic of High Technologies is harnessing the power of CAR-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking form of genetically engineered biological therapy that reprogrammes a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer.
A “Living Drug” Against Cancer
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, or CAR-T, is often called a “living drug” because it is made from the patient’s own immune cells. The treatment process involves:
-
Collection: T-cells, a critical type of white blood cell, are collected from the patient’s blood.
-
Genetic Engineering: In a laboratory, these T-cells are genetically modified to express special proteins on their surface called Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs).
-
Expansion and Infusion: The newly engineered CAR-T cells are multiplied into the hundreds of millions and then infused back into the patient. Once in the body, these “reprogrammed” cells seek out and destroy cancer cells that carry the specific antigen targeted by the CAR.
A Proven Revolution in Blood Cancers
CAR-T cell therapy has transformed the treatment landscape for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies. Its remarkable success has been particularly notable in treating certain types of leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, especially where other standard treatments have failed.
Internationally approved CAR-T products like Abecma and Carvykti have shown the potential to induce lasting remission in multiple myeloma patients. The technology continues to evolve through several generations, with researchers enhancing the design of CARs to improve their effectiveness, persistence, and safety.
Russia’s Beloostrov Clinic Embraces Advanced Therapy
The Beloostrov Clinic of High Technologies in St. Petersburg has positioned itself at the forefront of this medical innovation in Russia. As a large, private multidisciplinary center, Beloostrov has established a dedicated oncology center equipped with advanced facilities necessary for delivering complex therapies like CAR-T.
The clinic’s infrastructure includes specialized units for outpatient chemotherapy and a sophisticated laboratory center capable of molecular genetic testing, which is essential for the development and monitoring of such personalized treatments. Beloostrov’s involvement in advanced medical research is further demonstrated by its participation in a recent clinical study on post-operative care for colorectal cancer patients, highlighting its focus on innovative biological therapies.
Future Frontiers and Challenges
While CAR-T therapy has achieved breakthroughs in blood cancers, researchers like Dr. Steven Rosenberg and Dr. Crystal Mackall are actively working to overcome the challenges of applying it to solid tumors. Hurdles include the immunosuppressive environment around solid tumors and tumor heterogeneity. Global research is focused on next-generation strategies, including the development of “off-the-shelf” allogeneic CAR-T products and dual-targeted CARs to prevent cancer relapse due to antigen escape.
The adoption of CAR-T cell therapy by institutions like the Beloostrov Clinic marks a significant step in making this cutting-edge technology more accessible. This advancement opens new avenues for international cooperation in medical science and oncology care.
