R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JULY 8
In a landmark medical achievement that underscores the transformative potential of next-generation cancer therapies, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, part of the Fortis Healthcare Network, has successfully cured a 49-year-old Andhra Pradesh man suffering from an aggressive and treatment-resistant Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL) using India’s indigenous CAR-T cell therapy.
- Gleneagles Hospital Chennai achieves complete remission in aggressive Primary CNS Lymphoma after conventional therapies fail
- 49-year-old Andhra Pradesh patient overcomes life-threatening complications to become one of India’s notable CAR-T success stories
- Homegrown NexCAR19 therapy, multidisciplinary critical care and precision oncology combine to defeat one of the deadliest brain lymphomas
- Doctors hail breakthrough as a milestone in expanding advanced cancer treatment options for complex neurological malignancies
- Case underscores India’s growing leadership in cutting-edge cell therapy and personalised oncology
The patient, who had exhausted conventional treatment options and developed multiple life-threatening complications following therapy, has now achieved complete metabolic remission, offering fresh hope for patients battling one of the rarest and most difficult forms of brain cancer.
The patient had approached the hospital with persistent headaches, giddiness, difficulty in walking and weakness affecting the left side of his body. Comprehensive investigations confirmed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, an uncommon but highly aggressive cancer confined to the brain, where treatment options become extremely limited once standard therapies fail.
The successful treatment marks another important milestone for India’s rapidly evolving precision oncology landscape, demonstrating that indigenous cell therapies are increasingly capable of delivering outcomes comparable to global standards while making advanced cancer treatment more accessible to Indian patients.
Initially, the patient underwent high-dose chemotherapy—the internationally accepted first-line treatment—but the disease continued to progress despite four treatment cycles. Subsequent radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and targeted oral medication also failed to halt the advancing malignancy.
Faced with a rapidly progressing cancer, Gleneagles Hospital’s multidisciplinary tumour board recommended NexCAR19 (Talicabtagene Autoleucel)—India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy—offering the patient a final opportunity for survival.
Doctors collected the patient’s immune cells through leukapheresis, genetically re-engineered them to identify and destroy lymphoma cells, and reinfused them into his bloodstream as personalised CAR-T therapy.
Although the treatment successfully targeted the cancer, the patient subsequently developed severe but recognised complications associated with CAR-T therapy, including Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)—an intense inflammatory response—and Immune Effector Cell-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome (IEC-HS), a rare but potentially fatal immune disorder. His condition was further complicated by severe infections and critically low blood cell counts.
A dedicated team of specialists from Medical Oncology, Haematology, Infectious Diseases, Intensive Care and the hospital’s specialised CAR-T nursing unit provided round-the-clock monitoring and intensive supportive care. After nearly a month of multidisciplinary treatment, the patient recovered sufficiently to be discharged.
The breakthrough was confirmed two months later when a PET-CT scan revealed complete metabolic response, with no evidence of active lymphoma. Three months after therapy, the patient remains cancer-free, has regained normal blood counts, has experienced no further CAR-T-related complications and continues under regular follow-up.
Explaining the significance of the case, Dr Arun Ramanan V, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, TRIUM Oncology Group, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, said:
“Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma is a rare and aggressive cancer with limited treatment options when it does not respond to standard chemotherapy. CAR-T cell therapy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of such complex cases. This patient’s successful recovery highlights the importance of timely intervention, advanced treatment options, and a multidisciplinary approach in managing both the disease and its treatment-related complications.”
Highlighting the sophisticated ecosystem required for such advanced therapies, Dr S. Niranjani, Chief Operating Officer and Hospital Head, said:
“Delivering advanced therapies like CAR-T cell therapy requires specialised infrastructure, clinical expertise, and coordinated patient care. We remain committed to making world-class treatment options accessible while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.”
Emphasising the institution’s long-term vision for cancer care, R. Y. Bharath Kanth Reddy, Chief Executive Officer, Chennai & Hyderabad Cluster, Gleneagles Hospitals, said:
“This successful outcome reflects our commitment to making advanced cancer care more accessible to patients. By bringing innovative therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy closer to those who need them, supported by multidisciplinary expertise and world-class clinical care, we aim to improve outcomes for patients with even the most complex cancers.”
The patient who was also present along with his brother, wife and son expressed their gratitude to the team of doctors who had treated him.
