UVic-UCC coordinates an interuniversity specialisation course on Car-T therapy - one of the most advanced therapies in the fight against cancer

The University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), with the University of Barcelona and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, is offering a 15-credit online specialist course on Car-T therapy, which is considered the most advanced therapy currently available in the fight against acute leukaemia and other haematological cancers. The lack of training for this treatment among haematologists and paediatric oncologists has led to the organisation of this pioneering course in Catalonia, which is being coordinated by Dr Albert Altés, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the UVic-UCC and head of the Haematology and Haemotherapy service at the Althaia Foundation, which is cooperating with the organisers.

Genetically modified lymphocytes using the AIDS virus

Car-T cell therapy is used in patients with malignant haematological diseases, when all possible steps have been taken using conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and even transplants.

This technique selects the T-lymphocytes in the patient’s immune system, transforms them by genetic engineering, using the modified AIDS virus as a vector, and programs them to attack a molecular target. The modified cells selectively fight the malignant cells after they have been reintroduced into the body.

Very good results in childhood leukaemia

This therapy is especially helpful in childhood leukaemia, which is the most common cancer among children. Up to 85% of cases are currently cured with traditional therapies, while 80% of the 15% who died under previous circumstances are cured with the Car-T technique. In adults, Car-T therapy cures 50% of some types of malignant lymphomas that would have no other solution. "What is most spectacular is that this is being achieved with a single treatment," says Dr Albert Altés, who is convinced that "this technique can mean the beginning of the end of conventional therapies for haematologists, and could open up very exciting prospects for a large number of incurable diseases."

This therapy emerged ten years ago in the United States, and there are currently very few centres in Spain that are accredited by the Ministry of Health to carry it out. Six of them are in Catalonia, which is the autonomous region with the most accredited centres.

Top Car-T experts

The course, which will be take place online from November to May, will provide specialised training in this therapy based on its immunological and genetic foundations, and will cover cell manipulation procedures, patient treatment, indications, results, adverse effects, and prospects for the future. It is aimed primarily at haematologists and paediatric oncologists, as well as professionals in the pharmaceutical world interested in recognising who the therapy may be suitable for, knowing how to explain it, knowing its adverse effects and how to treat them, and how to treat the patient after the treatment has been carried out.

The teaching staff will consist entirely of Car-T experts who work in the six accredited Catalan centres and who understand all the phases involved in this technology, from the production of Car-T cells, to their use in clinical practice and management in the event of complications. "I wanted to bring together all the specialists currently working in Catalonia, which adds considerable value to the course," says Dr Altés, referring to the heads of Haematology at the hospitals that perform Car-T and other researchers specialising in the therapy.  

The course is also taking place in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Gilead, and is endorsed by the Spanish Society of Haematology and Haemotherapy and the Spanish Society of Haematology and Paediatric Oncology.