"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#CancerTreatment

Good News

President Launches India’s First Indigenously Developed Breakthrough Cancer Therapy

In a historic event held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, President Droupadi Murmu marked a momentous occasion with the launch of India's first indigenous CAR T-cell therapy for cancer treatment. This groundbreaking therapy, named NexCAR19, developed jointly by IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Centre, signifies a significant advancement in India's medical research and underscores the success of the 'Make in India' initiative. A Game-Changing Breakthrough CAR T-cell therapy is recognized as a revolutionary approach in medical science, and its development within India is an evidence of the prowess of Indian scientists and physicians. President Murmu emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating that it represents a new ray of hope in the global battle against cancer. She highlighted the therapy's accessibility and affordability, which will undoubtedly benefit countless individuals worldwide. Affordable Treatment, Global Impact Sudeep Gupta, Director of Tata Memorial Centre, shed light on the economic aspect of this breakthrough. He revealed that NexCAR19 is priced at approximately one-tenth of its cost outside India, making this life-saving treatment accessible to a broader population. This significant reduction in cost is a game-changer for cancer patients, offering hope and relief to those previously unable to afford such advanced therapies. From Costly to Accessible: The Impact of NexCAR19 Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director of IIT Bombay, elaborated on the exorbitant costs associated with similar treatments abroad, citing a staggering figure of ₹4 crore. The development and deployment of NexCAR19 at a significantly lower cost in India mark a monumental achievement in cancer care. This achievement not only positions India as a leader in cell and gene therapy but also underscores the nation's commitment to making critical medical innovations accessible to all. A Historic Milestone in Cancer Care Mr. Gupta emphasized the historic significance of NexCAR19, describing it as a turning point in the field of cancer care and genetic engineering. He expressed confidence that this therapy will save countless lives and alleviate the suffering of many families affected by cancer. The practical application of NexCAR19 is poised to transform the landscape of cancer treatment, not only in India but globally. Looking Ahead: Hope and Healing This pioneering therapy not only represents a breakthrough in medical science but also provides hope for those battling cancer. With affordability and accessibility at its core, NexCAR19 promises to redefine cancer treatment and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.

8 Apr 2024
Good News

Breakthrough Pill by Tata Institute Shows Promise in Preventing Cancer Recurrence

The Tata Institute in Mumbai, India's foremost cancer research and treatment institution, claims to have developed a medication that can prevent cancer from returning. The institute's researchers and clinicians toiled for ten years to produce a pill that they believe can prevent cancer from recurring in patients and lessen the negative effects of therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy by 50 percent. Dr. Rajendra Badve, a top cancer surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital and member of the study group, told NDTV that human cancer cells were implanted in rats, resulting in a tumor. The rats were subsequently subjected to radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and surgery. It was discovered that when cancer cells die, they split into microscopic bits known as chromatin particles. These particles can move to other regions of the body via the circulation, and if they reach healthy cells, they can cause cancer." The Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) discovered that dying cancer cells produce cell-free chromatin particles (cfChPs, or chromosomal fragments), which can transform healthy cells into malignant ones. Some of the cfChPs may merge with healthy chromosomes, resulting in new malignancies. "To find a solution to this problem, doctors gave pro-oxidant tablets with resveratrol and copper (R+Cu) to the rats," the doctor told NDTV. The R+Cu reaction produces oxygen radicals, which degrade chromium particles. When taken orally, 'R+Cu' produces oxygen radicals in the stomach, which are swiftly absorbed and reach the bloodstream. The oxygen radicals kill cfChPs released into the bloodstream, preventing ' metastases' - the transfer of cancer cells from one area of the body to another. The researchers stated that R+Cu inhibits chemotherapy toxicity. The researchers in their presentation called it the "Magic of R+Cu"~ This pill reduces the negative effects of cancer treatment therapy by approximately 50%, and it is also approximately 30% effective in cancer prevention. It is also effective against pancreatic, lung, and oral cancer. "Tata physicians have been working on this tablet for over a decade. The pill is pending certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). TIFR scientists have asked the FSSAI to approve this tablet. After receiving permission, it will be accessible in the market from June to July. This pill will significantly improve cancer treatment," the renowned cancer surgeon stated. "While the budget for the treatment ranges from lakhs to crores, this tablet will be available everywhere for just ₹ 100," said Mr. Singh. The doctor stated that the adverse effects were studied on both rats and people, but the preventative test was only done on rats. The human trials will take around five years to complete. There were difficulties during the research, and many people believed it was a waste of time and resources. But today, everyone is upbeat and thrilled. It's a huge success.

29 Feb 2024
Good News

Global Inspirations

A new gene altering cancer treatment gives hope

A new method to fight cancer has raised hopes of cancer patients as a US Food and Drug Administration panel unanimously recommended that the agency approves a new form of treatment in which the patient’s own cells are genetically altered to fight cancer. This will open a new era in medicine where a person’s cells are transformed into ‘a living drug’ that powers the immune system to knock out the disease. FDA is likely to accept the recommendation which will make the treatment the first gene therapy to reach the market. For decades researchers and drug companies have been competing to reach this milestone. This technique calls for a unique treatment for each patient. Their cells are removed at an approved medical centre, frozen, shipped to a centre for gene alteration, frozen and shipped back to the treatment centre. Studies have shown that a single dose of the resulting product has resulted in long remissions and even cures, to many patients who had lost all hopes of survival as other forms of treatment had failed. Emily Whitehead is one such patient who at the age of six was the first child to be administered the altered cells. The treatment saved her life and she is now twelve years old. She was present at the meeting of the panel with her parents to advocate the approval of the drug.

14 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Archives