health
The emerging cancer treatment that’s exciting scientists: ‘We’ve just scratched the surface on what’s possible’
After embarking on a trial of CAR T-cell therapy, actor Sam Neill announced he is cancer-free. Researchers are enthusiastic the therapies could be a major weapon in the battle against cancer
TL;DR
- CAR T-cell therapy genetically engineers a patient's T-cells to enhance their ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.
- Actor Sam Neill's remission from stage three cancer after undergoing CAR T-cell therapy has brought attention to the treatment.
- While successful for blood cancers, researchers are working on adapting CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors, which present greater challenges.
- The cost of CAR T-cell therapy is a significant barrier, but future developments like in vivo therapies aim to reduce expenses.
- Access to CAR T-cell therapies is a concern, with calls for increased investment in research and domestic manufacturing capabilities in Australia.