Encouraging Outcomes of CAR T-cell Therapy for Leukemia and Lymphoma in Sweden

Recent advancements in immunotherapy have shown promising results with CAR T-cell treatment for patients suffering from certain blood cancers. A comprehensive analysis conducted within the Swedish SWECARNET network highlights that patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma (ABCL) treated with CAR T-cell therapy exhibit improved survival rates and experience fewer severe side effects than previously recorded in early trials. The study, published in the journal Leukemia, encompasses data from 93 adult patients treated between 2019 and 2024.

The findings reveal that approximately 66% of these patients achieved complete remission, with no detectable cancer within 30 days post-treatment. Moreover, over half of these patients, about 53%, remained in remission one year after therapy. Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in treatment outcomes between older and younger patients, indicating that age may not be a limiting factor for this advanced therapy.

Since Uppsala University Hospital pioneered the first European clinical trial of CAR T-cell therapy for B-cell lymphoma, Sweden has become a leader in this innovative treatment approach. The advancements are attributed not only to improvements in the therapy itself but also to better patient selection and management of side effects, marking an important step toward refining cancer immunotherapy.

Overall, CAR T-cell therapy offers a beacon of hope for patients with treatment-resistant blood cancers, demonstrating enhanced efficacy and safety profiles. Ongoing research and clinical experience continue to shape its role in standard cancer care, providing new opportunities for successful treatment of previously incurable hematologic malignancies.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-results-car-cell-therapy-leukemia.html]