What is CAR T-cell therapy?

CAR-T cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy, which means it trains the immune system to find and attack cancer cells. To do this, a sample of blood is taken from the patient, and T-cells (white blood cells that are a part of the immune system) are separated out from the sample. Using genetic engineering in a laboratory, these T-cells are then modified to produce CARs (chimeric antigen receptors) on their surface. Once the CAR T-cells are infused back into the patient’s bloodstream, the new receptors allow them to recognize malignant cells, attach to them and kill them.