Blood cancers and therapies: how Car-T cells work

Maurizio Musso, director of the complex operating unit of oncohematology, La Maddalena Oncology Department of Palermo explains the functioning of Car-T therapy: “Car-T require a complex preparation that begins with the collection of cells from the patient’s blood they are then separated from the rest of the blood cells and plasma through a technique called apheresis, which allows the collection of the patient’s lymphocytes. The lymphocytes are then shipped to the laboratories, according to a strict quality control protocol. Once in the laboratory, the CAR receptor (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) capable of recognizing tumor cells is introduced into the lymphocytes: the Car-T thus obtained express on their surface the receptor that identifies the antigen, a protein characteristic of the cells of lymphoma. The procedure lasts about 3-4 weeks, after which the CAR-T lymphocytes can be infused into the patient’s blood, in order to attack and destroy the tumor cells”.