A groundbreaking clinical trial at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has introduced CAR-T therapy for lupus, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of this autoimmune disease.
Lauren Koop Daughtrey, 28, was the first lupus patient to receive this innovative therapy, which is typically used for cancers. In April, she received CAR-T cells from a donor, a method known as 'off-the-shelf' therapy, which could enhance accessibility for patients.
Before the treatment, Koop Daughtrey struggled with severe pain and fatigue from lupus, which had begun affecting her kidneys. Nearly six months after receiving the therapy, she reports a dramatic reduction in pain, stating, 'It's amazing. I feel incredibly lucky.'
Dr. Matthew Lunning, medical director of the gene and cellular therapy program, noted that CAR-T has been effective in treating lymphomas and leukemias and is now being explored for autoimmune conditions like lupus. The therapy aims to reset the immune system by targeting overactive B cells.
Researchers are hopeful that this treatment could lead to more effective options for patients with lupus, a condition that predominantly affects young women and can significantly impair quality of life. However, the clinical trial is still in its early stages, and careful monitoring for side effects is essential.
Koop Daughtrey's experience highlights the potential of CAR-T therapy to transform the lives of those suffering from chronic conditions. 'I hope that it is the continuation of better therapies for patients who have a lifelong condition that's quality-of-life altering,' said Lunning.