CAR-T cells

T cells are immune system cells capable of recognizing and eliminating abnormal cells, including cancer cells. However, some tumors develop mechanisms that allow them to evade this surveillance.

CAR-T therapies were designed to restore T cells’ ability to effectively identify and attack tumor cells. 

• CAR-T cells are made from the patient's own T cells. 
• These cells are modified in the laboratory to recognize cancer cells. 
• After being reinfused, they specifically target and destroy tumor cells. 
• This approach is primarily used to treat certain types of blood cancers. 
• Gustave Roussy has been authorized to administer CAR-T therapies since 2019. 

How do CAR-T cell therapies work?

Play video - Le parcours de soins CAR - T CELLS à Gustave Roussy

Step 1: Collection of T cells

T cells are collected from the patient’s blood. These cells are part of the immune system and play an important role in the body’s defense. 

Step 2: Genetic modification

The collected T cells are then modified in the laboratory. This modification enables them to express a specific receptor on their surface, called a CAR, which is designed to recognize certain cancer cells. 

Step 3: Multiplication of CAR-T Cells

Once modified, the CAR-T cells are multiplied in the laboratory to obtain a sufficient number of cells before they are administered to the patient. 

Step 4: Preparatory Chemotherapy

Before the CAR-T cells are injected, the patient receives a short course of chemotherapy. This prepares the body to receive the modified cells and enhances their effectiveness after reinfusion. 

Step 5: Reinfusion

The CAR-T cells are reinfused into the patient via an IV infusion. They then circulate throughout the body to recognize the targeted cancer cells. 

Step 6: Destruction of cancer cells

Once in the body, the CAR-T cells recognize the cancer cells via the CAR receptor, activate against them, and help destroy them. Close monitoring is implemented to assess the treatment’s effectiveness and manage any potential side effects. 

CAR-T cell therapies are currently used in the treatment of certain blood cancers, including some forms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma. They may be a treatment option when the disease no longer responds to standard treatments or recurs after initial treatment. Their use is also being studied for other types of cancer and new indications. 

Like any innovative treatment, CAR-T cells can cause side effects that require specialized monitoring.

Specialized Care

CAR-T cell therapies require highly specialized medical, biological, and pharmaceutical expertise. Since 2019, Gustave Roussy has been authorized to administer these innovative treatments and provides dedicated support at every stage of the care journey. 

A Center Committed to Innovation

The teams at Gustave Roussy are actively involved in developing the next generation of cell therapies. Their work focuses in particular on improving the efficacy of CAR-T cells, gaining a better understanding of tumor resistance mechanisms, and expanding these approaches to a larger number of patients. 

In particular, researchers are exploring:

• the development of CAR-T cells for a wider range of cancers;
• allogeneic CAR-T cells derived from healthy donors;
• new strategies to improve the persistence and efficacy of the cells in the body;
• innovative cell therapy approaches currently being evaluated in research.