CAR-T cell therapy, considered the "fifth pillar" of cancer treatment, may be incorporated into the Unified Health System (SUS), which can democratize access to this treatment in Brazil. Almost a decade ago, the first CAR-T cell therapies completely changed the prognosis of patients with certain types of leukemia and lymphoma that no longer responded to any treatment.
Before CAR-T, patients with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma had, according to the largest international survey ever conducted on the topic, an overall response rate of only 26%, with 7% complete remission and median survival of six months. Until then, these cases were considered hopeless.
After the arrival of CAR-T therapy, this scenario was completely reversed, with significantly better results for patients. The therapy represents a paradigm shift in oncological treatment.
The article also briefly mentions that the Minister of Health, Padilha, is trying to contact the United States individually regarding the case of Lito Sousa, and that Pirula published a video in support of Lito Souza, who thanked him calling him an "inspiration".