Researchers at Monash Health have achieved a significant milestone in lupus treatment, leveraging a technique initially designed for leukemia. This innovative approach, known as CAR T-cell therapy, is still in trial phases but has shown encouraging outcomes.
In a groundbreaking event, 32-year-old Lani Watson from Melbourne became the first Australian to undergo this therapy for lupus. Before her treatment, Watson endured severe symptoms that greatly diminished her quality of life, explaining that she experienced ”sharp pain everywhere”, which hindered her daily activities and passion for football. Reflecting on her struggles, she noted, “It was very hard to think about what’s going to happen next.”
Since beginning the therapy in July 2022, Watson has achieved remission, sharing that her swelling has decreased significantly and she has not experienced any flare-ups since. “My hands started to be less swollen,” she expressed, alongside a newfound feeling of relief in her feet as well.
CAR T-cell therapy consists of extracting a patient’s T cells, modifying them genetically to target the cells driving lupus, and reinfusing them back into the patient. Associate Professor Alberta Hoi, leading the Monash Lupus Clinic, described this approach as potentially transformative for treating autoimmune disorders.
Although the therapy is currently costly and limited to trial participants, the promising results have fostered optimism among clinicians regarding the potential for a cure. “That’s the hope – but it’s really early days,” Hoi commented regarding the future of this treatment.
As interest grows in this novel therapy, Watson’s inspiring journey highlights the potential advancements in lupus treatment, bringing hope to many who suffer from this challenging condition.