CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy that activates a patient’s own immune system to fight off cancer. This personalised treatment involves the use of genetically modified T-cells (T lymphocytes), a type of white blood cell in your immune system that plays many crucial roles in the body’s fight against infections, to detect and kill certain blood cancers. CAR T-cell therapy may be an option when blood cancer relapses or other treatments are no longer effective. This treatment has been successful in eliminating all signs of cancer in some cases, making it one of the most promising cancer treatments.

In the CAR T-cell therapy, T-cells are separated and collected from the patient’s blood through a process called apheresis. In the laboratory, scientists genetically modify the collected T-cells, turning them into CAR T-cells to recognise and attack cancer cells. This process involves adding a lab-made gene to T-cells to produce proteins (special receptors) called chimeric antigen receptors or CARs, which can recognise a specific antigen on the surface of cancer cells. The modified T-cells (CAR T-cells) are then multiplied in the lab and infused back into the patient’s body. As CAR T-cells reach the bloodstream, they find and attack the cancer cells. These CAR T-cells can remain in the patient’s body for months, identifying and destroying cancer cells.

To get this therapy, you will undergo a process, which may take several weeks: Firstly, T-cells or white blood cells are collected from your blood with the help of a tube inserted into a vein in your arm – this procedure is called leukapheresis, which may take 2-3 hours. Next, your T-cells are quickly transported to a laboratory and then modified into CAR-T-cells by adding a gene. This process may take 2-3 weeks. A few days before the infusion, you may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on your situation – while the new T-cells (CAR T-cells) are being grown and multiplied in the lab. These treatments aim to stabilise the disease and give the engineered T-cells a better chance to activate and fight cancer. CAR T-cells are infused back into your bloodstream via an intravenous line (IV). The CAR T-cell infusion procedure usually takes around 15-30 minutes and is done in a hospital setting. After infusion, CAR T-cells will continue to multiply in number, detecting and attacking cancer cells in your body. Once you’ve received the therapy, you will be closely monitored by the care team for any possible side effects and provided treatment, if required. You may need to stay in the hospital for at least 7-10 days, depending on your condition. However, hospital stays may vary for each patient. After CAR T-cell therapy, you may need ongoing care for months to years. This is crucial for managing side effects, monitoring for recurrence, and for supporting overall health and well-being.

CAR T-cell therapy is currently used to treat some types of blood cancers that haven’t responded to other treatments, such as: B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), in a relapsed setting Any B-cell lymphoma in a relapsed setting Multiple myeloma Research is being done to see whether CAR T-cell therapy can also be used to treat many other types of cancers and non-cancerous conditions.

Some of the benefits of CAR T-cell therapy are: It can effectively treat or cure some forms of blood cancer when other treatments are not effective, delivering durable remissions. It is a personalised approach, using the patient’s own T-cells It improves a patient’s quality of life by efficiently targeting the cancer cells Researchers and scientists are actively exploring ways to improve the safety and efficacy of this innovative therapy, as well as to expand its use in solid tumours.

The side effects of this therapy may vary depending on everyone’s unique situation. The two most common side effects are: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which can cause mild or severe symptoms such as fever, fatigue, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, heart or lung issues in rare cases. Neurological problems, which can cause a range of symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, seizures, tremors, headaches, etc. Other possible side effects of CAR T-cell therapy include: Increased risk of infection and fever due to a weakened immune system Allergic reactions Fatigue Low blood counts Increased risk of bruising or bleeding Low sodium and potassium levels

The outlook for CAR T-cell therapy is promising, particularly in treating haematological cancers. The therapy has been effective in treating some hard-to-treat blood cancers, leading to long-term remission or even cure, in some cases, and helping people live longer. However, it may be noted that CAR T-cell therapy is still a new treatment, and doctors are monitoring patients to discover any long-term impacts, in terms of response, side effects, and survival, as they gain more experience with this therapy. Several studies are being conducted to determine if this therapy can be used to treat other cancer types, as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases.

The mode of payment will be either cash or bank transfer or international credit/debit card/Online Payment. 100 % payment needs to be deposited before surgery/procedure/investigations.

✅ Complimentary Airport pickup and drop ✅ Assist with SIM card, provided to you immediately after your arrival, so that you can talk to your relatives back home ✅ VISA/FRRO assistance ✅ Language interpreters ✅ Foreign Exchange conversion ✅ In-room color television & cable connection ✅ Complimentary Wi-Fi in few of our hospitals ✅ Complimentary stay in your room for one attendant (attendant will have to vacate the hospital room while patient is in OT/ICU. Attendant can be accommodated in a nearby guesthouse.) ✅ Special arrangements to meet specific religious or dietary needs.

Our International Patient Coordinator will liaise between you and the hospital. He/She will arrange your appointment and assist for further investigations and treatment.

Basis your requirements, we can arrange accommodation for you and your attendant close to the hospital at nearby guest houses, service apartments or luxurious 5-star hotels. Facilities like hospital visits, cab services and emergency ambulance can also be arranged by International Patient Coordinator.

Sure. Before your arrival, our International Patient coordinator will provide the name and contact details of our representative who will be present at the airport to receive you with your name on Fortis Placard. This person will escort you to the hospital or guest house / hotel booked in advance.

Certainly. Once you confirm your visit to our facility for medical treatment, we will send a visa invitation letter to the Indian Embassy in your country. A copy of the letter will be shared with you on email for reference. Kindly share the following details via email in case you require a visa invitation letter: ✔ Patient's name and passport number (along with a copy of passport) ✔ Medical escort's name and passport number (along with a copy of passport) ✔ Country ✔ Tentative date of arrival at Fortis for treatment. ✔ Incase medical opinion is not taken from Fortis, then please share the medical report/ referral ✔ letter from a local doctor from your country.

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, 4,300 operational beds and 400 diagnostics centers. International Exposure Over 2,00,000 international patients were treated from 175+ countries. We also have 20+ international Govt. tie-ups. Premium Services Fortis is known for providing excellent service for its international patients, making the care delivery system flawless and convenient for everyone. Choice Of Location Fortis Hospitals are located across all major metro and non-metro Indian cities and one can decide to get treated at a location of his/her choice. Value For Money Fortis provides world-class service at competitive rates.

In the recent years, the healthcare technology in India has leaped to the forefront owing to significant contributions from advancements that are at the center of Indian healthcare system currently and are being monitored via new regulatory frameworks so that patients continue to get benefits. Indian Government also aims at promoting MVT (Medical Value Travel) and taking initiative like HEAL IN INDIA, where we seek to provide "integrated and holistic treatment" to the world and enhance patient mobility for access to world class, affordable, and quality healthcare services

Patient attendant needs to report to International Patient care coordinator at least 7 days prior to Visa’s expiry. He/she will assist you with the Visa extension process. Charges for Visa extension must be borne by patient as per Government charges.

We have multiple International Insurance companies on our panel. We request you to kindly share the name of your insurance company or Third-Party Administrator (TPA) and a front/back copy of your insurance card to assist you further.

This depends upon your policy clauses and can be confirmed by your insurance company only. In case you are eligible for pay and reimburse, then Fortis team will help you with all relevant medical documents related to your treatment conducted at Fortis.