KFSH&RC SUCCESSFULLY TREATS 100TH LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKAEMIA PATIENT WITH CAR T-CELL THERAPY

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) celebrated its success in treating the 100th patient with lymphoid leukaemia using Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy, aligned with its vision to be the optimal choice for specialised healthcare.

CAR T-cell therapy is an innovative treatment that enhances the ability of T-cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells after genetic modification in the laboratory to improve their targeting ability.

According to a statement, this approach overcomes the challenge of distinguishing between cancer and normal cells, offering a promising method for treating lymphoid leukaemia.

KFSH&RC emphasised that this innovative technology provides hope for patients with resistant leukaemia and lymphoid tumours, especially those not effectively treatable with traditional methods.

As a strategic healthcare partner, the hospital is sharing information about CAR T-cell therapy, its positive impact on healthcare improvement, and various healthcare solutions and innovations during the Global Health Exhibition taking place in Riyadh from Oct 29 to 31.

The hospital explained that this advanced therapy consists of four stages, namely, extracting blood from the patient to obtain specific cells; and then genetically modifying them in the lab for three to four weeks.

Next, shortly before CAR T-cell therapy, the patient receives a low dose of chemotherapy to enhance its effectiveness and the body's ability to fight cancer. Ultimately, CAR T-cells are infused into the patient's arm, which is closely monitored for four weeks to ensure the body's adaptation.

The application of this advanced treatment in the Kingdom represents a qualitative addition to specialised medical care, reducing the financial, social and health burdens of sending such cases abroad, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and its healthcare objectives.

-- BERNAMA