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Revolutionary CAR T-cell therapy cures hemophilia A in Hanover!
MHH hematologists successfully treat acquired hemophilia A with CAR T cells. New hope through innovative therapeutic approaches.
Revolutionary CAR T-cell therapy cures hemophilia A in Hanover!
In a remarkable advance in medical research and therapy, a team of hematologists at Hannover Medical School (MHH) has successfully treated a 39-year-old patient with CAR T-cell therapy. The patient suffered from acquired hemophilia A, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own clotting factor VIII. Despite all standard therapies failing, the innovative therapy led to a complete regression of the dangerous bleeding within just two months.
CAR T-cell therapy, originally developed to combat cancer, is increasingly being used to treat difficult-to-treat diseases, including rare diseases such as autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic approach involves taking T cells from the patient's blood, genetically modifying them to turn off the misdirected immune cells, and then returning these cells to the patient's body. These procedures take place at the Cellular Therapy Center (CTC) at MHH.
Encouraging results of therapy
The results of this individual treatment were published in the specialist journal “Leukemia”. The MHH is aware of the importance of these forms of therapy and has placed the focus on cell and gene therapies. This enables the direct transfer of novel therapies into clinical use. The CAR T-cell therapy developed for treatment could potentially become the standard therapy for patients with hemophilia A and similar diseases, although further studies are currently needed.
Efficacy studies of CAR T-cell therapy for autoimmune diseases are already underway. To date, one study has noted that patients who received CAR T cells experienced a significant improvement in their health. It was also observed that autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, can be treated by specifically destroying the B cells that are involved in the development of these diseases.
Challenges and future developments
The use of CAR T cells not only requires technological progress in cell therapy, but also close collaboration between experts from different disciplines. The Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology at the MHH has already successfully implemented this strategy in the treatment of hematological diseases and is now researching its use against autoimmune diseases.
In order to reduce treatment costs and make the therapy more accessible, research is also being conducted into the production of CAR-T cells from healthy donor cells. This method could standardize production and make the therapy available to more patients. However, there are risks, especially with the transfer of immune cells, as rejection reactions can occur. The genetic material of the donor cells must be carefully adapted.
The federal agency, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), is already planning to consolidate data from existing registries for cell and gene therapies in order to further promote these innovative treatment methods.
CAR T-cell therapy represents a promising beacon of hope, not only for patients with cancer, but also for those suffering from autoimmune diseases. The progress of this therapy could significantly change the treatment landscape and open up new perspectives for patients.
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