Lupus patients in remission after NHS trial of genetically modified cell therapy
8 reported
Five lupus patients in England are in remission after receiving CAR T-cell therapy, a treatment that genetically modifies their own white blood cells to attack disease, according to doctors involved in an NHS trial. The therapy, which patients receive once via infusion, aims to reset the immune system and has already been used in cancer treatment. The trial, led by University College London hospitals foundation trust (UCLH) and University College London (UCL), recruited nine patients with severe lupus who had not responded to previous treatments. Six patients received a lower dose of CAR-T and three received a higher dose. Five of those on the lower dose, followed for an average of 11 months, went into remission within a few months. The three on the higher dose have been followed for three months, with doctors believing they too could achieve remission. One patient, Katie Tinkler, a 52-year-old from Guildford, Surrey, said she no longer has main symptoms after more than three decades with the disease and was able to ski and dance at her daughter’s wedding. Prof Karl Peggs, director of UCLH’s biomedical research centre, called the findings “truly groundbreaking” but said larger studies are needed.
What’s reported
Five lupus patients in England are in remission after CAR T-cell therapy in an NHS trial.
The therapy involves removing T lymphocytes, engineering them to spot and destroy disease, and infusing them back into the patient.
The trial was led by University College London hospitals foundation trust (UCLH) and University College London (UCL).
Nine patients with severe lupus were recruited; six received a lower dose and three a higher dose.
Five patients on the lower dose, followed for an average of 11 months, went into remission within a few months.
The three on the higher dose have been followed for three months; doctors believe they could also achieve remission.
Patient Katie Tinkler, 52, from Guildford, Surrey, had lupus since age 20 and is now in remission.
Prof Karl Peggs stated larger studies are needed but called the findings “truly groundbreaking.”
Key figures
Katie Tinkler, patient, 52, from Guildford, Surrey
Prof Karl Peggs, director of UCLH’s biomedical research centre
Sources: The Guardian
