Standard cancer treatment uses three methods: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. These methods do not always help all patients. Chemotherapy has many side effects, which can be life-threatening.
Since the 2000s, cell therapy has been developed. This method uses the human immune system to destroy tumors. Doctors isolate immune cells from the patient's blood, train them to recognize cancer cells, and transplant them back into the patient.
In Estonia, scientists are working together with North Estonia Medical Centre, the University of Tartu, and Icosagen within the CAR-T project. They aim to create a system that allows cell therapy to be produced in Estonia. Initial test productions have been completed.
CAR-T therapy uses T-cells, which are like soldiers in the body. They destroy diseased cells, but cancer cells can hide themselves. Cell therapy gives T-cells weapons to fight cancer.
Currently, CAR-T therapy is used to treat malignant blood diseases. Cell therapy has worked well, and the patient may remain cancer-free for a long time or be completely cured of the disease.
CAR-T therapy works like a blood transfusion. Doctors take blood from the patient, isolate T-cells, and modify them in the lab. Then these cells are transplanted back into the patient. After the procedure, the patient must stay in the hospital for two weeks.
PERH built a new laboratory and purchased the necessary equipment. In December of last year, the first full-scale cell therapy production was carried out. The process was successful, and the cells multiplied well.
Now the system's sterility is being tested. If everything goes well, a test drug will be produced. Healthy human cells are used to create the test drug. It does not go into the patient's body.
The exact time for the introduction of the new treatment method is unknown. Experts say it could happen in a few months. The Medicines Agency must still investigate and approve the project.
PERH must train staff and cooperate with the Health Insurance Fund. This project contributes to the development of new medicines in Estonia.