India Celebrates First Allogeneic CAR-T Therapy Success In Cancer Treatment

India has reached a remarkable milestone in cancer treatment with the successful completion of the country's first allogeneic CAR-T therapy procedure. This groundbreaking achievement, performed by the renowned Mumbai-based oncologist Dr. Vijay Patil at P. D. Hinduja Hospital, represents a significant leap forward in the field of cancer therapy.

The pioneering procedure involved harvesting T-cells from a donor and infusing them into the patient, bringing fresh hope for those battling solid organ tumors. Previously, CAR-T therapy was primarily available for certain types of blood cancers. However, with the approval of NexCar-19, an indigenously developed CAR-T innovation by ImmunoACT, the therapy is now expanding to offer new possibilities for treating various cancers.

CAR-T therapy involves genetically modifying T-cells, or immune cells, to target and destroy cancer cells within the patient's body. The allogeneic procedure utilized Gamma-Delta T-cells, often referred to as a 'master key' due to their ability to recognize a wide range of antigens. These cells activate direct killing mechanisms that burst cancer cells, while also releasing cytokines that enhance the immune response by recruiting additional cells, including Alpha-Beta T-cells.

Mr. Prakash Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Europe, expressed his enthusiasm about this advancement, stating, "This breakthrough not only represents a significant step forward in cancer treatment but also embodies our commitment to providing cutting-edge medical solutions. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovative therapy and look forward to the positive impact it will have on patients' lives."

This landmark procedure opens new avenues for cancer care in India, offering renewed hope and optimism for patients and their families.

About P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre 

P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, part of the Hinduja Group, started as a clinic in 1951 and is today ranked as one of the leading multi-specialty tertiary care hospitals in the country. For over seven decades, this institute has worked to ensure that world-class healthcare delivery is provided to all. It currently has two units, one at Mahim with 400 beds and the other at Khar with 100 beds. Both the units are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and have on-board some of the best nationally and internationally recognized doctors. P. D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim has always been an early adopter of technology in delivery of care; being amongst the first few hospitals in the country to bring in the most advanced fully integrated Robotics System, Gama Knife, Digital Broadband MRI with ambient themes, True Beam Linear Accelerator and more. Quality care being the focus, it was amongst the early few hospitals that has been accredited and certified by NABH, CAP, and ISO. It continues to partner with leading International Institutes, latest being an arrangement with The Division of AIDS (NIAID, NIH), U.S.A, to establish a centre of excellence for infectious disease research in India. P. D. Hinduja Hospital has consistently been bestowed with several Best Multi-Specialty Hospital awards by different industry bodies. In the Newsweek World's Best Hospital Survey in 2023 for the 3rd time, it was ranked No.1 in western India, 3rd amongst private hospitals in India and 6th amongst all hospitals in India. On the Charity front, the hospital provides free or concessional treatment to the needy and also runs the Serve with Passion rural health programme, under which free healthcare services are provided to the tribal areas in Maharashtra.

About the Hinduja Group

The Hinduja Group is one of India’s premier diversified and transnational conglomerate. Employing about 200,000 employees, with a presence across 38 countries, it has a multi-billion-dollar revenue. The Group was founded over a hundred years ago by Shri PD Hinduja whose credo was "My duty (dharma) is to work so that I can give." The Group owns businesses in Mobility, Digital Technology, Banking and Financial Services, Media, Project Development, Lubricants and Specialty Chemicals, Energy, Real Estate, Trading, and Healthcare. The Group also supports charitable and philanthropic activities across the world through the Hinduja Foundation.

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