New generation of immunotherapies based on the collection and genetic modification of immune cells should complement the treatment of myeloma and leukemia, but will hardly be used by the public health system

The development of a new generation of immunotherapies has advanced cancer treatment. Recently, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the first health registration in Brazil for a drug that is based on the collection and genetic modification of immune cells. This is a new product option with innovative technology that can complement other existing methods for treating myeloma and leukemia.Jornal da USP no Ar 1st EdiçTreatment against hematological cancer may advance with Anvisa-approved drugNew generation of immunotherapies based on the collection and genetic modification of immune cells should complement the treatment of myeloma and leukemia, but will hardly be used by the public health systemThe development of a new generation of immunotherapies has advanced cancer treatment. Recently, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the first health registration in Brazil for a drug that is based on the collection and genetic modification of immune cells. This is a new product option with innovative technology that can complement other existing methods for treating myeloma and leukemia.

The Jornal da USP no Ar 1st Edition talked about the subject with Professor Vanderson Rocha, head of Hematology, Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy at the USP School of Medicine and a researcher in the field of genetic therapies.Rocha explains that the approved drug uses cells called CAR-T, which are collected from the patients themselves and modified to fight tumors. “This type of therapy is a new hope for those patients where all therapeutic weapons have already been used,” he says.First, lymphocytes (defense cells) are taken from the patient and sent to a factory in the US. These cells are then modified by means of a viral vector, which modifies their nucleus. After about four weeks, they return as a drug infused into patients.Continue reading at https://jornal.usp.br/atualidades/tratamento-contra-o-cancer-hematologico-pode-avancar-com-medicamento-aprovado-pela-anvisa/He didn't talk about it with Professor Vanderson Rocha, head of Hematology, Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy at the USP School of Medicine and a researcher in the area of ​​genetic therapies.

Rocha explains that the approved drug uses cells called CAR-T, which are collected from the patients themselves and modified to fight tumors. “This type of therapy is a new hope for those patients where all therapeutic weapons have already been used,” he says.

First, lymphocytes (defense cells) are taken from the patient and sent to a factory in the US. These cells are then modified by means of a viral vector, which modifies their nucleus. After about four weeks, they return as a drug infused into patients.

Continue reading at https://jornal.usp.br/atualidades/tratamento-contra-o-cancer-hematologico-pode-avancar-com-medicamento-aprovado-pela-anvisa/