MGM Hospitals Introduce CAR-T Therapy for Advanced Cancers; Two Lives Saved
Chennai: MGM Cancer Institute and MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar have successfully administered CAR-T Cell Therapy, a next-generation cell-based immunotherapy, offering new hope to patients with advanced and treatment-resistant cancers.
The hospitals reported saving the lives of two elderly patients with aggressive lymphoma after conventional therapies failed. CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell) therapy works by reprogramming a patient’s own immune T cells to identify and destroy cancer cells, marking a significant breakthrough in personalised cancer care.
A 70-year-old lymphoma patient with underlying cardiac complications, who could not tolerate full-dose chemotherapy, underwent CAR-T therapy at MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, following relapse. In another case, a 62-year-old man diagnosed with refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, unresponsive to first-line chemotherapy, received the therapy at MGM Cancer Institute with positive outcomes.
Dr. M.A. Raja, Director and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, MGM Cancer Institute, said precision oncology continues to expand treatment options even in advanced-stage cancers. He noted that the CAR-T programme has been designed with a focus on patient safety, customised care, and cost-effective delivery through optimal insurance utilisation.
Dr. M. Gopinathan, Consultant, Hemato-Oncology (BMT), explained that the therapy involves collecting T cells through apheresis, genetically modifying them in a GMP-certified laboratory, and reinfusing them to target cancer cells. The process requires advanced laboratory infrastructure, specialised ICU support, and strict temperature-controlled logistics.
Dr. Suman Kalyan N, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology and Director, CAR-T Program at MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, stated that precision oncology enables personalised treatment even in complex cancer cases. He added that structured, cost-effective CAR-T protocols developed at the institution are designed to benefit both Indian and international patients.
Hospital authorities said the programme’s success reflects the strength of their integrated multidisciplinary team, including oncology, transfusion medicine, nursing, pharmacy and critical care specialists.