Modern medicine is evolving rapidly, and one of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years has been CAR-T therapy. This innovative treatment makes it possible to target complex forms of blood cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma, especially when traditional methods are no longer effective.
The leading medical institutions of Centro Médico Teknon and Fundación Puigvert and Sant Joan de Déu and Institut Guttmann and Barnaclinic+ and Quirónsalud Barcelona and Hospital Universitario Dexeus have made Barcelona a worldwide leader in CAR-T cell therapy. The city provides international patients with access to innovative medical technologies that define the next generation of cancer treatment.
What is CAR-T Therapy?
CAR-T therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell therapy) is an advanced form of immunotherapy. The process involves collecting the patient’s own T-cells, modifying them in the laboratory, multiplying them, and then reinfusing them into the body. These “reprogrammed” cells are able to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively, giving the immune system powerful new tools to fight disease.
Why Barcelona?
Barcelona serves as both a European cultural center and a global pioneer in medical breakthroughs. The city contains multiple leading European clinics which operate research initiatives while maintaining active international partnerships.
Hospitals such as Teknon and Quirónsalud Barcelona have already gained extensive experience using CAR-T therapy for adult patients, while Barnaclinic+ plays a leading role in global research and international partnerships.
Key advantages of receiving CAR-T therapy in Barcelona:
- A high concentration of specialized medical centers
- Extensive experience treating international patients
- Multidisciplinary teams including oncologists, hematologists, immunologists, and researchers
- Participation in international clinical trials
Who Can Benefit from CAR-T Therapy?
The medical team provides CAR-T therapy to patients who have exhausted all available conventional treatment options. The treatment targets patients who have received multiple chemotherapy sessions and bone marrow transplants but their disease keeps advancing or coming back.
Main indications include:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) : particularly when the disease has relapsed after several courses of treatment
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) : aggressive forms resistant to standard therapies
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) : when conventional methods no longer work
It may also be considered for patients with other rare hematologic cancers if they meet international protocol criteria. The decision is always made individually after a full evaluation by a multidisciplinary team.
How Does CAR-T Compare to Other Treatments?
- Chemotherapy: remains a standard treatment, but it affects both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to significant side effects. CAR-T is more selective, targeting only cancer cells and reducing the impact on healthy tissue.
- Bone marrow transplantation: for many years the only option for relapsed patients, but donor matching is difficult and rejection is a serious risk. CAR-T can be used even when transplantation has failed.
- Targeted therapies: effective for certain mutations, but not always durable. CAR-T therapy creates a longer-lasting immune response, lowering the risk of relapse.
How to Access CAR-T Therapy in Barcelona
Barcelona has designed a transparent and patient-friendly process for international patients seeking CAR-T therapy:
- Submission of medical records: Patients or relatives send reports, test results, and doctor summaries from their home country so specialists can review the case in advance.
- Initial evaluation: A team of oncologists and hematologists at one of the BIH clinics assesses whether the patient meets international CAR-T protocols.
- Treatment planning and logistics: If approved, the patient receives a personalized plan, cost estimate, and support with travel and accommodation in Barcelona.
- Hospitalization and therapy: T-cells are collected, modified, and reinfused. This process takes several weeks, during which the patient stays under close medical supervision.
- Follow-up care: After infusion, doctors continue to monitor the patient’s progress to assess effectiveness and adjust treatment as needed.
International departments at hospitals such as Teknon, Dexeus, and Quirónsalud Barcelona offer multilingual support and coordination for every step of the journey.
Safety and Side Effects
Like any innovative treatment, CAR-T therapy can cause side effects. Their severity depends on the patient’s condition and the type of cancer, but they are well understood and carefully monitored in Barcelona’s hospitals.
The most common reactions include:
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): an immune overreaction that can cause fever and low blood pressure, managed quickly with established protocols
- Fever and fatigue: a natural response to immune activation, usually temporary
- Low blood counts: requiring close monitoring and supportive care
- Neurological symptoms: short-term speech or concentration issues, generally reversible
The hospital in Barcelona provides the best possible care because it has modern intensive care units and skilled medical staff who work together to provide safe treatment to international patients.
Barcelona as a Global Center for Cell Therapy
CAR-T therapy is only part of a broader strategy that makes Barcelona one of the world’s leaders in cell and gene therapy. The city is advancing in:
- Immunotherapy for solid tumors (lung cancer, melanoma, brain tumors)
- Molecular and genetic research for personalized medicine
- International clinical trials shaping the future of oncology and hematology
Pediatrics is also a strong focus. At Sant Joan de Déu, CAR-T therapy is successfully applied to children with rare and aggressive blood cancers, bringing new hope to families.
Each BIH hospital contributes:
- Barnaclinic+: engaged in international research programs
- Teknon: developing complex oncology services
- Institut Guttmann: offering rehabilitation after intensive therapy
CAR-T Therapy in Barcelona: A Chance for the Future
Adult patients with hematologic cancers can receive CAR-T therapy in Barcelona which provides them with access to advanced medical treatment within a leading European healthcare environment. The city has established itself as a global cancer care reference point through its specialized hospitals and experienced medical staff and international patient support services.
Want to know more or send your medical documents? Contact us, and our team will get in touch.
FAQs about CAR-T Therapy in Barcelona
Can international patients access CAR-T therapy in Barcelona?
Yes. Barcelona’s top hospitals have dedicated international departments that provide translation services, travel assistance, and complete coordination throughout the treatment.
How much does CAR-T therapy cost in Spain?
The cost depends on the clinic, the patient’s condition, and the complexity of the treatment. A personalized estimate is provided after reviewing medical records.
How long does treatment take?
From first consultation to cell infusion, the process usually takes several weeks, including preparation, hospitalization, and follow-up.
Are there age limits?
CAR-T therapy is available for both adults and children. The decision is based on a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Why Barcelona over other CAR-T centers?
Barcelona stands out as a European medical hub because it unites top-notch medical expertise with worldwide research opportunities and specialized facilities for international patients.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit our website: Barcelona International Hospitals.
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