10-Year Cancer Remission Thanks to T Cell Therapy​​ | SciShow News

TL;DR

Genetic engineering of T cells using CAR T cell therapy shows promising long-term results in leukemia patients.

Transcript

Thanks to Brilliant for supporting  this episode of SciShow. Go to Brilliant.org/SciShow to learn  how you can take your STEM skills to the next level! [♪ INTRO] Our immune system generally does  a good job at keeping us alive by fighting off foreign invaders  like bacteria and viruses. But sometimes, it's your own body that’s  an invader in the fo... Read More

Key Insights

• 👊 CAR T cell therapy genetically engineers T cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells.
• 🛀 The therapy has shown promising long-term results in maintaining leukemia patients in remission.
• 💅 Future research aims to address side effects and improve the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy.
• 😃 The therapy involves a complex process of genetic engineering and training T cells outside the body.
• 🧑‍🔬 Scientists are exploring the potential of regrowing limbs in humans based on studies on African clawed frogs.
• 🧗 Targeting stem cell activation and tissue regeneration has shown promising results in limb regrowth studies.
• 👨‍🔬 Human trials for limb regeneration are still a distant possibility, requiring further research and development.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does CAR T cell therapy work to combat cancer?

CAR T cell therapy involves genetically engineering T cells outside the body to better recognize and attack cancer cells when reintroduced into the patient's system. This therapy enhances the immune response against cancer.

Q: What are the potential long-term benefits of CAR T cell therapy?

The study showed that two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia remained in remission for ten years after receiving CAR T cell therapy, indicating its potential for long-term efficacy in cancer treatment.

Q: What are some of the side effects associated with CAR T cell therapy?

CAR T cell therapy can lead to side effects like trouble breathing and seizures, making it necessary for further research to minimize these adverse effects and improve patient outcomes.

Q: How does CAR T cell therapy differ from traditional cancer treatments?

CAR T cell therapy is a personalized approach that targets cancer cells specifically, unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy that can affect healthy cells as well.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• An innovative therapy called CAR T cell therapy genetically engineers T cells to better recognize and fight cancer cells.

• Two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia received this therapy in 2010 and have remained in remission for a decade.

• While CAR T cell therapy has shown great potential, further research is needed to address side effects and long-term efficacy.