Breakthrough Cancer Treatment in Singapore: A Game-Changer for Leukaemia Patients
Introduction
In a groundbreaking development, a revolutionary cancer treatment known as CD7 CAR T-cell therapy has emerged from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) and the National University Health System (NUHS). This cutting-edge therapy has shown remarkable results in treating patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), particularly the rare form known as T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL).
The Therapy Process
- T-cells are harvested from the patients and modified with an artificial gene called anti-CD7 CAR.
- The modified cells are then reintroduced into the patient’s body to target and destroy leukaemia cells with the CD7 protein on their surface.
Success Story
Led by Professor Allen Yeoh, the clinical application of this innovative technology has yielded impressive outcomes. Sixteen out of 17 patients, including Mrs. Thomas, achieved complete remission within just one month after treatment. Even with the use of advanced flow cytometry tests, which can detect one leukaemia cell in 10,000 normal cells, the patients’ leukaemic cells became undetectable.
Importance of the Treatment
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) accounts for approximately 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in children in Singapore.
- T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is a rare form of the cancer, with promising remission rates after traditional treatments like chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant.
Expert Insight
Professor Dario Campana, the mastermind behind the anti-CD7 CAR technology, was honored with the Singapore President Technology Award in 2020 for his groundbreaking invention. Dr. Bernice Oh, a key figure in the study, highlighted that there are about five newly diagnosed cases of T-ALL per year in Singapore, emphasizing the importance of this innovative treatment approach.
Conclusion
With the success of the CD7 CAR T-cell therapy in treating T-ALL patients, this breakthrough offers hope and a new frontier in the battle against leukaemia. The collaboration between researchers and clinicians at NUS Medicine and NUHS has paved the way for a game-changing treatment that could potentially transform the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
By diving deep into this transformative medical advancement, individuals can gain a better understanding of the cutting-edge treatments available and the significant impact they can have on the future of healthcare and cancer treatment globally.