The Royal Marsden Private Care is proud to announce that it is the first in the UK to treat multiple myeloma patients with CAR-T cell therapy, outside of clinical trials.
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is a type of CAR-T cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell therapy) developed for the treatment of multiple myeloma – an incurable but treatable blood cancer – that does not respond to treatment, or relapses quickly after treatment.
This personalised treatment is generally offered when other therapies have failed or are no longer effective. Clinical trial results have shown that CAR-T cell therapy can achieve better long-term responses than existing treatment options, offering renewed hope for patients with relapsed or difficult to treat myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infection by producing antibodies. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells produce ineffective antibodies, weakening the immune system and increasing vulnerability to infections. While this cancer cannot currently be cured, treatments can effectively control symptoms, extend remission periods, and improve patients’ quality of life.
CAR-T cell therapy is an innovative immunotherapy that modifies a patient’s own T cells to better recognise and destroy cancer cells. The process begins with collecting T cells from the patient, which are then genetically engineered in a specialised laboratory to produce receptors that target specific proteins on cancer cells, such as the BCMA protein in multiple myeloma. These enhanced T cells are expanded in number and infused back into the patient, where they seek and destroy the cancer cells.
The therapy is primarily used for blood cancers because it targets specific proteins found on cancerous immune cells. However, research is ongoing to expand its use to other cancers, including certain solid tumours.
Dr Emma Nicholson, Consultant Haematologist at The Royal Marsden, said: “We are delighted to bring CAR-T cell therapy to our patients. While many myeloma patients respond well to targeted drugs and stem cell transplants initially, relapse is common. The therapy has demonstrated superior long-term outcomes for those who have exhausted other options, giving patients a chance at sustained remission.
“We always strive for excellence for our patients and our haematology team has a breadth of experience in treating blood cancers and in cell therapy. We are involved in clinical trials of novel therapies and work collaboratively with other centres to improve access to leading-edge treatments.”
Julian Money-Kyrle, 64, from Wiltshire, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016, and has received various treatments over the last nine years.
He said: “With my myeloma progressing rapidly and new lesions developing in my bones, I was running out of treatment options, which is when CAR-Tcell therapy was recommended. CAR –T cell therapy has worked well for other types of blood cancer, and although myeloma is not currently thought to be curable, my understanding is that the therapy can control it for a long time. One month on, my biopsies and scans have already shown no sign of myeloma. It would be great to have a few years without treatment.”
“From the very beginning, the care I received from The Royal Marsden Private Care was exceptional. The staff combined professionalism with genuine kindness, making my treatment much easier.”
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust operates a successful integrated NHS and Private Care model, with surplus income reinvested for the benefit of all patients. This integrated model ensures that the Trust can offer all patients the very highest standard of research, diagnostics, treatment, and care, including access to leading-edge clinical trials and technology.
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.
