Treatments

CAR-T Cell Therapy in India

Quick answer

CAR-T cell therapy collects a patient's own T cells, engineers them in a laboratory to recognise cancer, and infuses them back. It treats certain relapsed or resistant blood cancers such as B-cell leukaemia and lymphoma. India now has approved locally developed CAR-T products. Patients usually need to stay near the centre for several weeks.

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24

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At a glance

Medical OncologySpecialty

CAR stands for chimeric antigen receptor, a receptor added to T cells so they can find a protein on cancer cells, such as CD19. The modified cells multiply in the body and attack the cancer. It is a one-time infusion, but the process before and after takes weeks.

India has approved its own CAR-T therapy, making this treatment more accessible. Close monitoring is essential because of specific side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurological effects.

Who needs car-t cell therapy

Relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma
Selected other lymphomas
Multiple myeloma in some settings
Patients who have failed other treatments

How it is done

Your T cells are collected through a process called apheresis.
Cells are sent to a laboratory and engineered.
While cells are made, bridging therapy may control the cancer.
Lymphodepleting chemotherapy prepares your body.
CAR-T cells are infused through a drip.
You are monitored closely for side effects.

Before you travel to India

Diagnosis and treatment history
Recent bone marrow and imaging reports
Organ function tests
Infection screening
An attendant who can stay for several weeks

Recovery and flying home

Close monitoring in hospital after infusion
Stay near the centre for several weeks
Blood counts may take time to recover
Avoid driving for a period due to neurological risks
Long-term follow-up for response and immune function

Risks

Cytokine release syndrome (fever and low blood pressure)
Neurological effects such as confusion
Low blood counts
Infections
Low antibody levels
Treatment failure or relapse

Alternatives

Bone marrow transplant
Chemotherapy
Bispecific antibodies
Clinical trials

Conditions treated

Hospitals in India for car-t cell therapy

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

Frequently asked questions

Is CAR-T available in India?

Yes, India has approved CAR-T therapy, including locally developed products. Availability is growing. Ask which centres offer it.

How long does the whole process take?

From cell collection to infusion and recovery, it takes weeks. Plan for an extended stay. Your team will give a timeline.

What is cytokine release syndrome?

It is an immune reaction causing fever and low blood pressure. It is treatable. Teams monitor closely after infusion.

Can international patients receive CAR-T in India?

Yes, eligible international patients can be treated. Plan for a longer stay and an attendant. Share reports in advance.

Will I need a transplant afterwards?

Some patients may, depending on response and cancer type. Your haematologist will advise.

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices

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