CAR T-cell Therapy
Cutting-edge Cellular Immunotherapy by Dr. Shobha Badiger
CAR T-cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy) is a groundbreaking form of immunotherapy that reprograms a child’s own immune cells to fight cancer. It is especially promising in treating relapsed or chemotherapy-resistant blood cancers such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
At Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Narayana Health City, Dr. Shobha Badiger offers access to this advanced treatment through approved pediatric clinical programs, bringing cutting-edge cancer care to children in India.
What is CAR T-cell Therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of personalized cellular immunotherapy. The patient’s T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are extracted, genetically engineered in a lab to express a cancer-targeting receptor (CAR), and then reinfused into the child to seek and destroy cancer cells.
Conditions Treated with CAR T-cell Therapy
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – especially relapsed or refractory cases
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (in specific clinical scenarios)
Ongoing research is evaluating its potential for use in solid tumors and other childhood blood cancers.
When is CAR T-cell Therapy Recommended?
- Relapse after chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant
- Resistance to standard treatments
- High-risk leukemia with poor prognosis
- Eligibility confirmed through genetic and clinical assessment
Warning Signs That May Indicate CAR T-cell Therapy Need
- Recurrent fevers or infections
- Persistent fatigue or pallor
- Easy bruising or frequent bleeding
- Bone pain or swelling in lymph nodes
- Confirmed relapse of leukemia or lymphoma
Children with these signs should be referred to a pediatric hemato-oncologist urgently for evaluation.
How CAR T-cell Therapy Works – Step-by-Step
- Leukapheresis: T-cells are collected from the child’s blood.
- Engineering: T-cells are modified to express CAR proteins.
- Multiplication: Millions of CAR T-cells are cultured and prepared.
- Pre-conditioning: The child receives mild chemotherapy to prepare the immune system.
- Infusion: CAR T-cells are infused back into the bloodstream.
- Monitoring: Child is observed closely for response and side effects.
Benefits of CAR T-cell Therapy in Pediatric Cancer
- Highly effective for relapsed/refractory leukemia
- Uses the child's own immune system – no donor needed
- Potential for long-term remission
- Reduces dependence on chemotherapy or radiation
Possible Side Effects to Watch For
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): Fever, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty
- Neurotoxicity: Headache, confusion, seizures (usually reversible)
- Temporary low blood counts
- Increased risk of infection during immune reconstitution
Dr. Shobha’s team is trained to manage these complications using global safety protocols.
Why Choose Dr. Shobha Badiger for CAR T-cell Therapy?
- Over 15 years of pediatric oncology and BMT experience
- Advanced expertise in cellular and immune therapies
- Strong track record with relapsed/refractory leukemia cases
- Treatment delivered at Narayana Health City – a CAR-T approved center
- Multilingual care: English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi
- Empathetic, child-friendly approach to care and counseling
Family Guidance & Post-Treatment Care
- Strict adherence to post-infusion monitoring protocols
- Isolate the child temporarily to reduce infection risks
- Watch for behavioral changes or new neurological symptoms
- Ensure balanced nutrition and hydration
- Prompt medical attention for fevers or unusual symptoms
Book a Consultation with Dr. Shobha Badiger
If your child’s leukemia or lymphoma has relapsed or failed standard treatments, CAR T-cell therapy may be a life-saving option.
Clinic: Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Narayana Health City, Bangalore
Call: 080 67506836
FAQs – CAR T-cell Therapy for Children
- Q. Is CAR T-cell therapy safe for children?
- Yes, when managed by trained pediatric oncology teams. Risks are present but manageable.
- Q. How long does the full treatment take?
- Approximately 3–6 weeks from T-cell collection to recovery.
- Q. Is this therapy available in India?
- Yes, it is offered at specialized centers like Narayana Health City under approved programs.
- Q. Is CAR T-cell better than bone marrow transplant?
- In some relapsed or resistant cases, yes. It can be used in addition to or after BMT failure.
CAR T-cell therapy is not just a treatment — it’s a new chapter in pediatric cancer care. Let your child receive it from one of Bangalore’s most trusted pediatric oncology experts – Dr. Shobha Badiger.
