What is CAR-T Therapy? An Innovative Cancer Treatment Method

CAR-T therapy is one of the most promising and effective methods in modern oncohematology. This innovative form of immunotherapy is aimed at treating certain types of blood cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

For many patients who did not respond to traditional treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant), CAR-T cell therapy offers a real chance for remission or even recovery.

What does CAR-T stand for?

CAR-T stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy. It is a technology in which the patient’s own T-lymphocytes (immune cells) are modified in a laboratory so that they can recognize and destroy cancer cells.

How CAR-T therapy works:

• The patient’s blood is collected, and T-cells are isolated.
• In the lab, a gene is inserted into the cells, causing them to produce a special receptor (CAR) that recognizes a specific antigen on the surface of cancer cells.
• The modified T-cells are multiplied and then infused back into the patient.
• CAR-T cells begin actively destroying tumor cells in the body.

When is CAR-T therapy used?

CAR-T therapy is used for relapsed or refractory forms of blood cancer. The most common indications include:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and young adults
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Follicular lymphoma
• Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Research is also ongoing into the use of CAR-T for multiple myeloma and solid tumors.

Where is CAR-T therapy available in Spain?

Barcelona is one of the leaders in implementing CAR-T therapy into clinical practice. Several top clinics within the Barcelona International Hospitals group offer CAR-T therapy through accredited programs:

• Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (Barnaclínic+) — One of the first medical centers in Spain approved by the Ministry of Health to perform CAR-T. They also develop their own cell therapy models.
• Centro Médico Teknon (Grupo Quirónsalud) — A clinic with access to international clinical trials and cutting-edge immunotherapy techniques.
• Hospital Universitari Dexeus — Offers diagnostic and supportive care services for patients undergoing CAR-T as part of international medical tourism programs.

Advantages of CAR-T Therapy

• Personalized approach — T-cells are collected from the patient’s own body
• High effectiveness — Complete remission is achieved in some cases
• An alternative to transplantation when other treatments fail
• Use in children — CAR-T is successfully applied in pediatric oncology

However, it’s important to remember: CAR-T is a complex therapy that requires a specialized center, a multidisciplinary team, and intensive monitoring. Side effects can include cytokine release syndrome and neurological reactions, which require experienced medical management.

Cancer Treatment in Barcelona: Modern Opportunities

If you are looking for cancer treatment abroad, Spain — and especially Barcelona — offers some of the most advanced options in Europe. The Barcelona International Hospitals group provides a full treatment cycle for international patients — from diagnosis to CAR-T therapy and post-discharge follow-up.

Patients receive:

• A personal coordinator who speaks their native language
• Assistance with visas, translations, logistics, and accommodation
• Access to top specialists and certified therapy programs
• Support at every stage of the treatment process

Conclusion

CAR-T therapy is a true breakthrough in cancer treatment, offering hope to thousands of patients. Barcelona, with its leading medical centers and world-class experts, is an ideal place to receive innovative therapy.

If you or your loved ones are recommended for CAR-T therapy, contact one of the clinical centers within the Barcelona International Hospitals group — and receive expert care in a comfortable setting.

Click here to request more information or schedule a consultation.