Five patients diagnosed with severe lupus went into remission following an innovative therapy that genetically modifies immune cells. Doctors involved in the study say the results represent a major advance and offer hope that in the future, lupus could be kept under long-term control or even cured in some cases.
CAR-T therapy involves taking some cells of the immune system, which are genetically modified in the laboratory to eliminate the cells that contribute to the appearance of the disease. Later, they are reintroduced into the body by infusion, according to a material published by The Guardian.
The method is already successfully used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, but British doctors have now demonstrated that the same technology could have spectacular results in the case of autoimmune diseases.
The study was carried out by specialists from University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University College London (UCL) and included nine patients with severe forms of lupus.
Most suffered from lupus nephritis, one of the most serious complications of the disease, which affects the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure.
Six of the UK patients received a lower dose of CAR-T therapy and three received a higher dose. According to the doctors, five of the six patients who received the reduced dose went into remission in just a few months. They were monitored for an average of 11 months.
The three patients treated with the higher dose have only been followed up for three months so far, but doctors believe they too could go into remission as the follow-up period lengthens.
Analyzes showed that the disease began to regress rapidly, including by stabilizing or improving the function of the kidneys affected by lupus.
What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues. This process causes inflammation and damage that can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and heart.
The disease can have mild or severe forms and is manifested by symptoms such as joint pain, skin problems, severe fatigue and inflammation of internal organs.
Specialists estimate that approximately five million people worldwide live with lupus, with the disease affecting women in particular.
“Discovery offers new hope”
Professor Karl Peggs, director of UCLH’s Center for Biomedical Research, believes the results are extremely promising, although he stresses that larger studies are needed to confirm the findings.
“These results are truly revolutionary and offer new hope for people living with lupus,” the specialist told The Guardian.
He explained that the therapy could reconfigure the immune system and eliminate patients’ dependence on lifelong treatments.
“Although more research is needed, the possibility that CAR T-cell therapy can restore the immune system to normal function and relieve patients of the burden of chronic autoimmune disease is a remarkable step forward,” the teacher also said.
Life with lupus. Laura went to about 13 doctors until she got the correct diagnosis
He added: “If these results are confirmed in larger studies, we could be closer than ever to a treatment that cures lupus.“
The story of a patient now in remission
Among the study participants was Katie Tinkler, from Guildford, Surrey, who was diagnosed with lupus in her 20s.
The disease radically changed his life. Due to the pain and fatigue caused by lupus, she had to give up her career as a fitness instructor. Over time, severe complications arose, including damage to the kidneys, heart and lungs, as well as an increased tendency to form blood clots.
His health deteriorated so much that he went through episodes of septicemia and multiple organ failure, ending up in intensive care and even in a coma.
Today, at age 52, Katie is in remission. After treatment, she was able to ski for the first time in ten years and dance at her daughter’s wedding.
“When I think about how life was before and how it is now, the difference is like heaven to earth.” she said.
Katie said that before treatment, lupus affected almost every aspect of her life.
“The disease affected my whole body and the joint pain was so bad that sometimes I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t even hold a cup in my handshe said.
According to the patient, the complications caused by the lupus in the kidneys, heart and lungs continued to progress.
“My kidney, heart and lung problems were getting worse. But today I don’t have to deal with them anymore. For me it’s a miracle. If I look at how I was living two years ago and how I’m living today, the difference is huge. I feel extremely lucky.” said Katie Tinkler.
How do the numbers look in Romania?
Although there is no recent public data on the exact number of lupus patients in Romania, estimates published by patient organizations showed that, in 2018, approximately 8,000 people were diagnosed with this condition nationwide. Worldwide, lupus affects about 5 million people.
According to information presented by specialists on the occasion of World Lupus Day, 9 out of 10 patients are young and active women, which makes the impact of the disease on professional, family and social life all the more important.
Beyond the physical symptoms, lupus can also have a significant impact on patients’ social and emotional lives. According to an article published on the Tei Pharmacy blog, research shows that 43% of people diagnosed with lupus are worried about social isolation, and 30% believe that the emotional impact of their disease is insufficiently understood by those around them.
The cited source also emphasizes the importance of support from family, friends or patient communities. Managing stress is also considered essential, as it can contribute to triggering episodes of intense disease activity.
