CAR-T 19: the innovative treatment
for children with leukemia
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. The disorder causes uncontrollable growth of abnormal white blood cells, affecting the production of:
Red blood cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues
Platelets involved in the initial phase of coagulation
Healthy white blood cells essential for fighting infections.
Symptoms include:
- Tiredness, often due to anemia, which causes a decrease in red blood cells
- Frequent or difficult-to-eradicate infections caused by a lack of normal white blood cells that fight infection
- Petechiae (red spots on the skin), spontaneous bleeding from the nose or gums, and/or bruising. These are caused by low platelets
- Fever or night sweats
- Loss of appetite and weight
Although these symptoms are not exclusive to leukemia and could be caused by more common diseases, should you observe any of these symptoms in your child, consult their treating physician immediately for evaluation.
How is leukemia diagnosed and treated?
Leukemia is the leading cause of death from childhood cancer across the globe. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, there is a high chance of cure.
The most common treatments for this disease include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Depending on the diagnosis and the patient’s characteristics, this procedure can be performed using different types of transplants.
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow tests
- Genetic tests
The most common treatments for this disease include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Depending on the diagnosis and the patient’s characteristics, this procedure can be performed using different types of transplants.
What is CAR-T 19 treatment?
CAR-T 19 (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell) immunotherapy is a personalized treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common type in children. It is an advanced immunotherapy that modifies the patient’s immune system cells so they can recognize and attack cancer cells.
This non-drug treatment is especially indicated for cases where the patient has received other treatments, but the results have not been as successful as expected.
CAR-T 19 immunotherapy is based on extracting lymphocytes from the patient’s immune system cells. These lymphocytes are modified so that they can recognize and attack tumor cells. They are then transferred back into the patient’s body through an intravenous infusion to attack the cancer cells.
According to Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, CAR-T 19 combines three types of advanced therapy:
- Cell therapy: uses cells from the patient – and not drugs
- Immunotherapy: uses cells from the patient’s immune system to fight their own disease
- Gene therapy: lymphocytes are genetically modified to fight the disease
In some cases, patients may suffer adverse effects, however more than 80% of children and adolescents who receive this treatment enter remission within a few months, and their cancer symptoms diminish or disappear.
You can learn more about innovative treatments for pediatric leukemia patients in our CAR-T 19 webinar.
How can I access this treatment?
Your VUMI® plan gives you access to this revolutionary treatment and top oncology specialists, like those at the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona. This institution is ranked as one of the world’s leading hospitals and the first pediatric center in Spain authorized to offer CAR-T 19 therapy.
Exclusive benefits of your VUMI® plan:
- Access to state-of-the-art treatments at home and abroad
- Second medical opinion from international experts
- Medical coordination for all your appointments and procedures
To find out how to access this treatment and make the most of the comprehensive benefits of your VUMI® plan, consult your insurance agent. You can also learn here how to access specialized treatments and medical centers abroad through your international coverage
Frequently asked questions about CAR-T 19 treatment
CAR-T 19 immunotherapy is mainly used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common type of leukemia in children and adolescents, especially in patients who have not responded adequately to other treatments
This treatment modifies cells from the patient’s own immune system so they can recognize and attack cancer cells more precisely. These modified cells are then reinfused into the body through an intravenous infusion.
No. Treatment depends on the type of leukemia, the patient’s response, and the progression of the disease. While some patients may respond well to treatments such as CAR-T 19 immunotherapy, others may require a bone marrow transplant as part of specialized treatment.
Yes. Through VUMI® international health plans, insured members can access hospitals and medical centers specialized in complex treatments, depending on their plan coverage.
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This information is for guidance only, it does not replace the information provided by your doctor.
Sources:
- https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/childhoodleukemia.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/es/sintomas-de-leucemia-en-ninos#sintomas-comunes
- https://www.cancer.org/es/cancer/tipos/leucemia-en-ninos/acerca/estadisticas-clave.html#:~:text=La%20leucemia%20es%20el%20c%C3%A1ncer,leucemia%20linfoc%C3%ADtica%20aguda%20(ALL).
- https://www.sjdhospitalbarcelona.org/es/patologias-tratamientos/inmunoterapia-cart-19
- NIH: Instituto Nacional del Cáncer
