A new therapeutic era with CAR-T cells
Autoimmune diseases affect nearly 3 million French peoplemainly women (80% of cases), with pathologies such as lupus, multiple sclerosis or even the rheumatoid arthritis. Despite progress in biotherapies in recent decades, certain forms remain resistant to treatment. It is in this context that the CAR-T cell technique opens up new perspectives.
Originally developed to treat certain hematological cancers, CAR-T cells (genetically modified T lymphocytes) act by directly targeting the cells responsible for autoimmune reactions. The results obtained, particularly in patients suffering from severe systemic lupusshowed durable remissions, suggesting a possible immune system reset. This innovative approach could thus benefit other pathologies such as sclerodermaTHE inflammatory myopathies or even the Goujerot-Sjögren syndrome.
Professor Bruno Fautrel, co-coordinator of the CRI-IMIDIATE network, emphasizes that this technique, although expensive, could revolutionize the treatment of refractory patients: “This complex but short treatment could transform the way we manage these diseases”.
The PNDS, an essential guide to harmonize care
THE national diagnostic and care protocols (PNDS) play a central role in the treatment of rare diseaseswhere low prevalence often limits clinical trials. These protocols provide standardized recommendations, thus harmonizing care and reducing geographic disparities. They also facilitate access to innovative treatmentsin particular when they have not yet received marketing authorization.
Professor Bruno Fautrel insists on the need to make practitioners aware of the existence of these tools to improve the rapid detection and monitoring of rare diseases, such as interféronopathies : “It is fundamental to quickly identify symptoms to direct patients to reference centers”.
An event to accelerate innovation
The 8th CRI-IMIDIATE/FAI²R research dayscheduled for January 15, 2024 at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, will bring together researchers, health professionals, associations and industrialists. This meeting aims to encourage scientific exchanges and promote new advances in the field of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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