Three patients in the UK have received a groundbreaking CAR T-cell therapy as part of a clinical trial for severe lupus, offering hope for a potential cure. The trial, led by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) and University College London (UCL), marks the first time CAR T-cell therapy has been used for lupus in the UK, having previously been limited to cancer treatment. Early indications suggest the therapy could revolutionize lupus treatment and eliminate the need for lifelong medication.
CAR T-Cell Therapy for Lupus
The CAR T-cell therapy involves genetically modifying a patient's own immune cells to recognize and attack the cells causing lupus. This approach aims to correct the underlying defect in lupus, potentially leading to long-term remission. In a German study, patients who underwent CAR T-cell therapy more than a year ago are now in remission and no longer require lupus drugs. The therapy requires a 10-day hospital stay, and patients are monitored for potential side effects, such as increased susceptibility to infection.
Patient Experiences
The first British patient, Katherine, a 32-year-old mother from Manchester, received the treatment in July. She reported feeling more energetic and experiencing no joint swelling even after a few weeks. Another patient, 50-year-old Katie Tinkler, who has had lupus for 30 years, expressed excitement about participating in the trial, hoping for a lupus-free life. Both patients had experienced limited success with traditional lupus treatments and were eager to explore the potential of CAR T-cell therapy.
Expert Perspectives
Professor Ben Parker, consultant rheumatologist and study lead at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, stated that this research could revolutionize treatment for patients with high-risk lupus, potentially leading to a cure. He highlighted that current lupus treatments primarily suppress the immune system and are only partially effective for many patients. Dr. Maria Leandro, UCLH consultant rheumatologist, expressed hope that the trial would replicate the positive results seen in a small German trial.
Trial Details
The CAR T-cell therapy used in the study is obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel), and the clinical trial is sponsored by Autolus Limited. The early phase trial aims to recruit 12 people worldwide and will follow patients for 15 years to fully assess the long-term effects of the treatment. The trial includes patients with severe lupus who have not responded well to conventional therapies and are at risk of organ damage.
