It is difficult to put into words the fear and anxiety that comes with knowing that you have cancer. But modern medicine is improving day by day. Today we are going to talk about one of the newest, most advanced treatments. Imagine, you can use your own body's own fighting cells to fight cancer, not just external drugs. This is one such special treatment.
What is Brexucabtagene Autoleucel?
The name may sound a bit complicated, but let's keep it simple. Brexucabtagene Autoleucel is not a regular pill or an injection. It's a gene therapy . That means it's made from your own immune cells.
Simply put, this is what happens:
1. Some of your body's immune cells (like our body's security guards) are isolated from your blood.
2. Then, these cells are genetically modified in a specialized laboratory. It's like giving our security guards special training and weapons so they can accurately identify and attack the enemy, cancer cells.
3. The trained and strengthened cells are then reintroduced into your body through a vein.
These empowered cells travel throughout the body, seeking out cancer cells, attaching to them, and destroying them.
This treatment is mainly used to treat two types of cancer called mantle cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia . In the market, this treatment is known as TECARTUS .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Because this treatment is so specific, it is extremely important that the medical team is aware of your complete health status before starting treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Heart disease: If you have or have had heart disease in the past.
- Paralysis: If you have had a stroke before.
- Infections: Any current infectious condition (such as fever, cough, cold).
- Other diseases: Kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (such as asthma), or any other inflammatory disorder.
- Vaccinations: If you have recently received any vaccinations or are scheduled to receive them in the future (especially live vaccines).
- Seizures: If you have a history of seizures.
- Allergies: If you have allergies to this medicine or any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: You should definitely inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
Do not hide this information from the medical team. All of this information is very important for your safety and the success of your treatment.
How to give the treatment and what to be careful about
This treatment is given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of trained medical professionals. The cell mixture is given as an infusion, just like a saline solution. Because it is made from your own cells, it is a treatment that is specific to you.
Your doctor or hospital staff will give you a special leaflet about this treatment. It is important to read and understand it carefully.
Things to remember during treatment
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy after this treatment. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Risk of infection: This treatment may temporarily reduce your body's ability to fight off illness. Therefore, if you develop any symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, cough, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. It is also a good idea to stay away from people who are sick during this time.
- Blood donation: Avoid donating blood while taking this treatment and for a period of time as prescribed by your doctor.
- What if you overdose? This is not usually the case as the dosage of this medicine is determined by doctors. However, if you suspect that something has happened, immediately inform the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
- Giving to children: If this treatment is given to children, special care should be taken according to the advice of a pediatrician.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any powerful treatment, there are some side effects that can occur. Some of these should be reported immediately, while others are not so serious. Let's look at these clearly in a table.
| Side effect/symptom | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that should be reported to the doctor or hospital immediately | |
| Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Difficulty breathing | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Confusion, loss of consciousness | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea | Inform your doctor. |
| Paleness, extreme fatigue, fainting (signs of low red blood cells) | Inform your doctor. |
| Fever, chills, cough, sore throat (signs of infection) | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Symptoms that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Constipation | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Anorexia | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Headache, muscle pain | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Tremor, insomnia | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- Brexucabtagene autoleucel is a highly advanced and specialized gene therapy that uses your own immune cells to treat cancer.
- Before starting treatment, it is imperative to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies.
- Avoid activities that require attention, such as driving, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur during treatment.
- If you develop symptoms of infection such as fever and cough, do not self-medicate and seek medical advice immediately.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about this treatment. They are there to help you.
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