LUMC pioneers CAR-T Cell therapy for autoimmune disease in the Netherlands

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) has achieved a national milestone by treating the first Dutch patient with an autoimmune disease using CAR-T cell therapy. This approach, previously reserved for cancer treatment, was applied to a patient with severe neurological lupus (SLE) after receiving special approval from the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate.

CAR-T cell therapy involves extracting a patient’s T-cells, genetically modifying them to target specific cells, and reintroducing them to combat disease. In this case, the therapy aimed to eliminate auto-reactive B-cells responsible for the autoimmune response. Post-treatment, the patient showed significant improvement, including the absence of autoantibodies and reduced inflammation in the spinal cord.

This development showcases LUMC’s commitment to advancing cell and gene therapies, utilizing its in-house production facilities and interdisciplinary expertise. While further research is needed, this case marks a promising step toward the broader application of CAR-T therapy in treating autoimmune diseases

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