Scientists recently developed the revolutionary T-cell immunotherapy that can permanently kill cancer. This new drug will not only kill the cancer cell immediately but also keep a check on future possibilities of re-occurrence of cancer. If studies are to be believed then the effect of this treatment will last for around 14 years in the patient’s body.

Currently, addressed as a “living drug”, and the working of this treatment is similar to vaccines that keep a check on the return of any disease. This immunotherapy is created using T-cells removed from patient’s body. T-cells basically prevent bacteria and viruses from affecting the body, and scientists genetically modify the removed T-cells to enable them to recognise and attack cancer cells. Then, these modified T-cells are infused inside the body of the cancer patient and let it fight the disease.

Last year, British baby named, Layla Richards, became one of the very first persons to go through this T-cell immunotherapy. This unique and possibly groundbreaking treatment is made of body’s own cells. And, this year two studies on this therapy have displayed some very promising potential.

As per one study, the treatment will last around 14 years in the patient’s body which further help to find permanent cure of cancer. The other study suggests that 94 percent of the terminally ill patients were cured completely by this therapy.

About the potential of this therapy Researcher Chiara Bonini stated that, “T-cells are a living drug and they have the potential to persist in our body for our whole lives. Our findings have profound implications for the design of T-cell-based immunotherapies.”

Though these studies show tremendous potential of this treatment but there are side-effects that can not be neglected. In fact, these side-effects can also be fatal for the patient. Apart from this, T-cell immunotherapy has been successful on patients with leukaemia and other form of “liquid” cancers. Its effect on breast, prostate and other forms of tumours has to be seen. Also, getting the modified T-cells inside solid forms of cancer will be difficult as well as cost consuming. As the treatment will vary from patient to patient, the cost of T-cell immunotherapy will also vary.

Cambridge University has released this following video that shows how T-cells attack the cancer cells.

Video Courtesy: Cambridge University

Story Inputs: Daily Mail UK