Three patients in the UK receive ‘groundbreaking’ treatment for lupus

Three patients in the UK have received a”groundbreaking” treatment for lupus on the NHS, which experts hope could eradicate the need for lifelong drugs. Until now, CAR T-cell therapy in the UK has been used only in cancer patients, but researchers believe it could treat range of diseases including lupus and multiple sclerosis. The therapy works by genetically modifying the body’s own immune system to recognise and attack problem cells, offering people a possible cure. In the new NHS trial, led by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) and University College London (UCL), three patients have received CAR T-cell therapy for the most serious form of lupus, a condition that can be life-threatening and cause damage to the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys. Early indications are that the therapy – which only needs to be given once – could “revolutionise treatment” and remove the need for lifelong medication.