A private hospital in the city said on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, that it had successfully treated two senior citizen patients who had cancer, with CAR T-cell therapy.

Addressing a press conference, M.A. Raja, director and senior consultant, medical oncology, MGM Cancer Institute, explained how CAR T-cell therapy worked. In essence, the T-cells (immune cells) are extracted from a patient’s blood, these cells are then genetically engineered to be empowered to fight cancer cells, and then they are infused back into the patient’s body, ensuring that the patient’s own defence system is fighting the cancer.

Suman Kalyan N., senior consultant, medical oncology and director, CAR-T program, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, detailed the case of a 70-year-old patient who had been battling lymphoma for over eight months. He'd already undergone chemotherapy and had cardiac issues as well. He was assessed, and CAR T-cell therapy was decided upon.

Dr. Suman said insurance had covered the patient’s therapy. M. Gopinathan, consultant, haemato-oncology (BMT), MGM Cancer Institute, described the case of a 62-year-old man who had lymphoma, and whose cancer had come back after chemotherapy. He too, was offered and underwent CAR T-cell therapy.

The doctors stressed the safety of the procedure and the numerous protocols followed to ensure that comprehensive care was given to patients, including monitoring them for side-effects. The T-cells were sent to facilities in Mumbai and Bengaluru for genetic engineering. The doctors said they hoped CAR T-cell therapy would further improve, offering hope to more patients with cancer.

Source: The Hindu - March 03,2026