How B-Cell Therapy
B-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses modified B cells to target and destroy cancer cells. It is a promising new treatment for a variety of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Here's how B-cell therapy works:
1. Collection of B cells:
- B cells are collected from the patient's blood or bone marrow.
- This is done through a process called apheresis, which involves separating the B cells from other blood components.
2. Genetic modification:
- The collected B cells are then genetically modified in the laboratory to express a special receptor called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).
- This CAR is designed to specifically recognize and bind to a particular target protein on the surface of cancer cells.
3. Expansion and activation:
- The modified B cells are expanded in the laboratory to increase their numbers.
- They are also activated so that they can effectively recognize and attack cancer cells.
4. Re-infusion into the patient:
- The modified B cells are re-infused into the patient's bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line.
- Once in the body, these "CAR T cells" circulate and search for cancer cells expressing the target protein.
5. Targeting and destruction of cancer cells:
- When the CAR T cells encounter cancer cells, the CAR proteins on their surface bind to the target protein on the cancer cells.
- This binding triggers the CAR T cells to become activated and attack the cancer cells.
- They release toxic substances that kill the cancer cells and induce cell death.
6. Persistence and long-term benefits:
- CAR T cells can persist in the patient's body for a long time, providing ongoing protection against cancer.
- This persistence is particularly valuable in cases where cancer cells may have been resistant to conventional treatments.
B-cell therapy has shown remarkable success in treating certain types of cancer, leading to complete remissions in patients who had previously exhausted other treatment options. However, it is still an emerging therapy, and further research is needed to improve its efficacy, reduce side effects, and make it more broadly applicable across different types of cancers.