Sandra Hajlo, a 59-year-old woman from Winnipeg Beach, was diagnosed with stage four B-cell lymphoma in 2015 after experiencing debilitating back pain. She underwent chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free after six months. However, the cancer returned eight years later, leading to a second round of chemotherapy. Her doctor then recommended chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment that targets cancer cells. Hajlo became the first person in Manitoba to undergo this therapy, which involved collecting cells, modifying them to be attracted to cancer cells, and reintroducing them to her body. The treatment does not guarantee survival, but for many patients, it can be life-saving.
Dr. David Szwajcer, Manitoba Blood & Marrow Transplant Director, explained the process of CAR T-cell therapy and its potential outcomes. While not all patients respond to the treatment, for some, it can lead to remission and potential cure of the cancer. Szwajcer highlighted the evolving nature of cancer treatment and the importance of providing the best care possible to patients, even if a cure is not always achievable. He expressed hope for Manitoba to establish its own T-cell manufacturing facility, allowing more patients in the region to access this innovative therapy.
The cost of CAR T-cell therapy is substantial, and strict criteria are used to determine eligibility for the treatment. As technology advances, more individuals may become eligible for this type of therapy, raising questions about the goal of cancer treatment. Szwajcer emphasized that the goal may not always be curative but could involve prolonging life and providing support for patients and their families throughout their illness. The focus is on delivering the best care possible and ensuring patients feel supported through their journey.
For patients like Hajlo, CAR T-cell therapy provided a second chance at life. After undergoing the treatment in December 2023, she received the news that she was once again cancer-free. Hajlo expressed gratitude to her medical team for their care and support throughout her treatment process. Her successful outcome with CAR T-cell therapy serves as a testament to the potential of this innovative treatment in fighting aggressive forms of cancer. The advancements in CAR T-cell therapy offer hope to patients facing challenging diagnoses and demonstrate the ongoing progress in cancer treatment and care.
