What is CAR T therapy?
CAR T is a type of immunotherapy, which means it uses the body’s own immune system to help fight the cancer. Unlike other
cancer treatments, it is made from the patient’s own T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that form part of the immune
system. The normal role of T cells is to target and remove bacteria, viruses and harmful cells like cancer cells.1,2
How does CAR T work with the immune system?
CAR T therapy works by transforming cells from a patient’s own immune system – specifically the T cells – to help them find and fight cancer cells. Normally, T cells help to find and fight off infections and cancer cells in the body.1
Sometimes, T cells are not able to “see” the cancer cells. This may allow cancer to grow.1
CAR T can help the T cells fight cancer again. It does this by adding a CAR to the T cells. CAR stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor.1
Once in the body, CAR T cells can help find and fight cancer cells.1
CAR T involves:1
- Collecting T cells from the blood and sending them to a specialised laboratory
- Changing the T cells into CAR T cells
- Returning these modified CAR T cells to the blood, where they may help immune cells find and fight cancer
> Read more about who CAR T therapy is useful for and where it’s accessible