In the first stage, a sample of the patient's T-cells (a type of white blood cell involved in fighting infections) is taken from their blood. These cells are then taken to the lab where they have genetically modified sensor cells, called antigen receptors, added to them.
The second stage focuses on targeting cancer cells. Here, the modified cells are allowed to multiply. Then, these engineered T-cells are infused back into the patient where the new antigen receptors allow them to target and destroy the cancer.
One of the researchers, Stanley Riddell, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Washington state says that "there are reasons to be optimistic, there are reasons to be pessimistic." Studies have been conducted on "patients that have failed everything. Most of the patients in our trial would be projected to have two to five months to live". Researcher Chiara Bonini also showed enthusiasm, who said that she has not seen remission rates like those of recent trials in over 15 years, and has referred to this new treatment as a "revolution".
The new treatment helps the patient's immune system better find and destroy cancer cells. more