Zhejiang University has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the field of medicine by becoming the first institution to apply CAR-T therapy for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This innovative treatment, known as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, has been primarily used for B-cell malignancies but is now showing promising results in addressing severe autoimmune disorders like SLE.
In a historic move in March 2024, the Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine initiated the use of CAR-T therapy for a pediatric patient suffering from refractory childhood-onset SLE. This marked a significant advancement in medical science as it was the world’s first application of CAR-T therapy in a pediatric SLE case.
The patient, a 12-year-old girl referred to as Cancan for privacy reasons, had been battling SLE for over three years. Her condition was characterized by various symptoms, including low blood white cell count, recurrent skin rashes, oral ulcers, and joint pain with synovial effusion. Despite undergoing multiple treatments such as high-dose glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, and cyclophosphamide, her health continued to deteriorate, leading to significant proteinuria in February 2024.
After careful consideration by Prof. MAO Jianhua and his team, it was decided to proceed with CD19-targeted CAR-T therapy for Cancan. The CAR-T cells were produced by Chongqing Precision Biotechnology Co., Ltd. following successful leukapheresis. Prior to the cell infusion, all other treatments were stopped, and Cancan underwent preparatory lymphodepletion with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. Additional medications were given to prevent infections.
On March 12th, Cancan received the infusion of CD19-targeted CAR-T cells, which lasted around 10 minutes and was well-tolerated without any discomfort. The procedure was similar to a regular intravenous infusion treatment, showcasing the potential for this innovative therapy in pediatric patients with SLE.
This milestone achievement by Zhejiang University opens up new possibilities for the treatment of childhood-onset SLE and underscores the importance of continued research and innovation in the field of autoimmune disorders. The successful application of CAR-T therapy in this case paves the way for future advancements in personalized medicine and targeted therapies for complex autoimmune conditions.
