A Milestone in Indian Oncology
Qartemi: India’s First CAR-T Cell Therapy for Blood Cancer : India has entered a new era in cancer treatment with the launch of Qartemi, the nation’s first licensed CAR-T cell therapy developed specifically for adult patients with B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL). As the country witnesses a rising burden of blood cancers, this innovation offers personalized immunotherapy to patients who fail to respond to conventional chemotherapy or radiation.
Understanding CAR-T Therapy
CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is an advanced treatment that modifies a patient’s own T-cells to better identify and attack cancer cells. These modified cells are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream, where they act as a “living drug” against tumors. This revolutionary therapy shifts the paradigm from generalized chemotherapy to targeted, individualized cancer care, particularly useful in hematological malignancies like B-NHL.
Clinical Success: IMAGINE Trial and Outcomes
Qartemi was tested under the IMAGINE trial conducted in premier hospitals such as Narayana Hospital and Apollo Cancer Hospital. In its Phase 2 trial, Qartemi demonstrated an Overall Response Rate (ORR) of 83.3%, which surpasses international benchmarks for treating relapsed or refractory B-NHL. This indicates strong clinical potential for remission and survival extension in patients who previously had few options.
The Blood Cancer Challenge in India
With nearly 1.2 lakh new blood cancer cases annually in India, diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are increasingly contributing to the national cancer burden. Qartemi arrives as a high-precision solution for aggressive and relapsed cases of blood cancer, particularly Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and Follicular Lymphoma, which are common subtypes of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in India.
Driving Innovation: Indigenous Manufacturing & Access
Developed with indigenous technology, Qartemi not only marks a medical milestone but also reflects India’s capacity to produce high-end biologics. By localizing CAR-T production, India aims to reduce treatment costs and enhance accessibility for patients, ensuring that cutting-edge cancer therapies are not limited to the elite.
What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system—a key part of the immune system. It includes malignancies of lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other lymphatic organs. Unlike Hodgkin’s lymphoma, NHL includes a wide variety of fast- and slow-growing subtypes. Some of the most aggressive types include DLBCL and Follicular Lymphoma, often requiring advanced interventions like CAR-T therapy after standard treatments fail.
Static GK Snapshot
Qartemi: India’s First CAR-T Cell Therapy for Blood Cancer :
| Topic | Fact |
| Annual Blood Cancer Cases in India | Nearly 1.2 lakh new cases annually |
| First Indian CAR-T Therapy | Qartemi, approved for adult B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma |
| Clinical Trial Sites | Narayana Hospital and Apollo Cancer Hospital |
| Response Rate (Phase 2) | 83.3% ORR under the IMAGINE trial |
| Key NHL Subtypes | Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Follicular Lymphoma |
| Lymphatic System Components | Lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow |
| Mechanism of CAR-T Therapy | Genetically reprogrammed T-cells infused into the patient |
