Mohali, June 3, PD Bureau:
The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC), New Chandigarh, Punjab, has achieved a landmark milestone in pediatric oncology by successfully treating a 15-year-old leukemia patient with advanced Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy.
CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a personalised cancer immunotherapy in which a patient’s own immune cells are collected and modified in specialised laboratories to recognise and attack cancer cells. These enhanced cells are multiplied and infused back into the body, where they help the immune system target and destroy remaining cancer cells.
The launch of the CAR-T programme at HBCH&RC places the institution among a select group of centres in North India equipped with the clinical expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory approvals required to provide this life-saving treatment.
The patient, a 15-year-old boy from Haryana, was diagnosed with Very Early Relapsed B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (BCP-ALL). He had experienced an early relapse of cancer in the bone marrow within months of beginning chemotherapy. After detailed multidisciplinary evaluation, the team at HBCH&RC, New Chandigarh recommended him for CAR-T therapy.“
Following a bridging chemotherapy phase to control the disease, the patient underwent leukapheresis — a process in which immune cells are collected from the blood. The cells were then sent for specialised manufacturing. After preparing the patient for treatment, the CAR-T cells were infused. He was closely monitored in our dedicated Bone Marrow Transplant unit and received intensive care during every phase of treatment. The patient has now been discharged home in good health with excellent treatment outcome. This is a moment of immense joy for the entire care team and the patient’s family,” said pediatric oncology consultant Dr Jasmeet Sidhu.
Head of Department of Medical Oncology, Dr Seema Gulia, said, “CAR-T therapy is among the most advanced forms of cancer treatment available today and requires highly specialised infrastructure, expert clinical teams, and round-the-clock monitoring. The journey from collecting a patient’s cells to successfully delivering the therapy involves close coordination and precision at every step. Seeing our young patient return home healthy and hopeful is deeply rewarding for our entire team. Our Medical Oncology Department is equipped with modern treatment facilities like monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapies and targeted therapies for patients with solid tumors as well as hematological malignancies.”
Director Dr Ashish Gulia said, “This achievement marks a new chapter in cancer care in the region and reflects our commitment to bringing the latest treatment technologies to patients closer to their homes. Our aim is to ensure that patients receive world-class cancer care and advanced treatments at affordable costs, without having to leave the region.”
