IIT Bombay Breakthrough: Gentler Cell Recovery for Cancer Therapy

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay have developed a gentler method for recovering T-cells, a critical step in CAR T-cell therapy for cancer. This new approach, detailed in Biomaterials Science, aims to preserve the viability and immune function of these crucial cells outside the body.

T-cells are essential components of immunotherapy, acting as the body's defense against infections and abnormal cells. CAR T-cell therapy involves engineering a patient's T-cells to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. A major hurdle has been retrieving these lab-grown cells intact from fibrous scaffolds, which mimic natural body conditions.

The IIT Bombay team tested enzymes like TrypLE and Accutase for cell recovery. They found that Accutase, a gentler enzyme, significantly improved cell survival and maintained normal immune function compared to harsher methods. This gentle recovery ensures cells are ready for therapeutic use, enhancing the reliability of advanced cancer treatments.

This advancement has significant implications for India's burgeoning CAR T-cell therapy efforts, aiming to reduce the exorbitant costs seen internationally and make these treatments accessible to more patients. The research also suggests that T-cells grown on scaffolds might be more effective cancer fighters than those grown on flat dishes.