In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...
CAR T-Cell Therapy: A Revolutionary Cancer Treatment
Introduction
CAR T-cell therapy is an advanced form of immunotherapy that utilizes a patient's own immune cells (T-cells) to fight cancer. It has shown remarkable success in treating blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Recently, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved India's second "living drug," Qartemi, a CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancer treatment.
What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy is a type of personalized medicine that modifies a patient's T-cells in the laboratory to help them recognize and attack cancer cells. This therapy harnesses the power of the immune system to specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
How Does CAR T-Cell Therapy Work?
The process involves several key steps:
T-Cell Collection: A patient's T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are extracted from their blood using a process called leukapheresis.
Genetic Modification: In a specialized lab, scientists introduce a gene that encodes a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into the T-cells. This receptor helps T-cells recognize and bind to specific proteins on cancer cells.
Cell Expansion: The modified T-cells are multiplied in large numbers to create a powerful army against cancer.
Infusion into the Patient: The engineered CAR T-cells are infused back into the patient’s bloodstream.
Cancer Cell Attack: Once inside the body, CAR T-cells recognize and destroy cancer cells by binding to their surface markers.
Why is CAR T-Cell Therapy Called a "Living Drug"?
CAR T-cell therapy is considered a "living drug" because the modified T-cells remain active in the patient's body and can continue to target and eliminate cancer cells for months or even years.
Benefits of CAR T-Cell Therapy
- High Precision: Targets specific cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
- Long-Lasting Effect: CAR T-cells persist in the body, reducing the chance of cancer recurrence.
- Single Treatment Approach: Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which requires multiple sessions, CAR T-cell therapy often works with a single infusion.
Challenges and Considerations
- Side Effects: May cause Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), leading to inflammation and flu-like symptoms.
- High Cost: The therapy is expensive due to the personalized nature of the treatment.
- Limited Availability: Currently used mainly for blood cancers; research is ongoing for solid tumors.
Conclusion
CAR T-cell therapy is a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients with blood cancers. With ongoing research and development, this therapy is expected to become more accessible and effective for a broader range of cancers.