The NHS and University of Cambridge have partnered to establish a state-of-the-art cellular therapy lab, with the goal of making CAR-T cell therapy—a groundbreaking, personalised treatment for cancer—more accessible and cost-effective.
This innovative treatment reprograms a patient’s immune cells to better identify and destroy cancer cells. Currently, many of these cells are sent abroad for processing, but the new lab, set to open in 18 months, will allow for local production, enhancing access and cutting costs.
CAR-T therapy has already made a life-changing impact. Patients like Lisa Noble, who was given just weeks to live after traditional treatments failed, are now cancer-free. She was one of the first to undergo CAR-T therapy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and her success is a testament to its potential.
The new Cambridge facility will not only expand the reach of existing CAR-T therapies but also drive research into treatments for other cancers and autoimmune diseases.
According to lab director Sarah Albon, this could mean quicker, more personalised care, while reducing costs for the NHS. The lab promises new, "kinder" therapies that may be more effective with fewer side effects, benefiting patients worldwide.
These types of breakthroughs are beyond exciting and are what makes working at Next Phase Recruitment so fulfilling - we genuinely get to be part of a life changing industry!!
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