DMC&H achieves landmark with region's first CAR-T Cell Therapy

Ludhiana, May 20, 2025: DMC&H has reached a significant milestone in cancer treatment, successfully performing the region's first Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. This groundbreaking procedure was conducted at DMCH Cancer Care center, DMC&H by Dr. Suvir Singh, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT), DMC&H.

Giving information about the therapy, Dr Suvir Singh  said that CAR-T therapy is a revolutionary type of immunotherapy where a patient's own immune cells are genetically modified to target and destroy cancer cells. In simple words, the patient’s own cells or immune system is trained to identify and fight cancer cells, offering a new hope when other treatments haven't worked. ImmunoACT provided crucial scientific support and CAR-T cell manufacturing for this groundbreaking procedure.

This pioneering achievement marks the first CAR-T cell therapy performed in Punjab, bringing this highly complex and advanced treatment option closer to patients in the region. Previously, individuals with refractory B lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B cell lymphoma often had to travel to other parts of the country or abroad for this specialized care. With approximately 120 such procedures performed in India to date, DMC&H now stands as one of the first institutions in the state to offer this cutting-edge therapy, paving the way for the future of cancer treatment in Punjab.

In his message, Bipin Gupta, Secretary DMC&H Managing Society said that the Department of Clinical Hematology and BMT at D&MCH Cancer Care Centre is also a well-established center for bone marrow transplantation for both adults and children, having performed close to 100 stem cell transplants utilizing autologous (using the patient's own cells), allogeneic (using cells from a related donor), and matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplants. This latest success with CAR-T therapy further solidifies DMCH's position as a center of excellence for the treatment of refractory, relapsed, or treatment-resistant blood cancers, offering comprehensive and advanced care within the region.

Dr G S Wander, Principal, DMC&H said that doing CAR-T therapy at DMC&H is a big breakthrough for cancer patients in Punjab. It shows how far medical care has come and proves our dedication to giving world-class treatment to cancer patients  people. DMC&H is now on the national map for advanced cancer care.”

Dr G S Brar, Surgical Oncologist, DMC&H said that CAR-T therapy offers new hope to people who have no other options left. I’m proud to be part of a team bringing the latest cancer treatments to our region. At DMC&H Cancer Care Centre, we are committed to providing the most advanced treatments to the patients who need them.

Harpal Singh, father of the patient expressed his heartfelt gratitude to DMC&H for the exceptional care and support provided during this challenging time.