What is CAR T cell therapy?

CAR T cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy that involves reprogramming a patient's T cells (a type of immune cell) to better recognize and attack cancer cells. CAR stands for chimeric antigen receptor, which is a synthetic receptor that is added to the T cells to enhance their cancer-targeting abilities.

How does CAR T cell therapy work?

T cells are collected from a patient's blood and genetically modified in a laboratory to express CARs on their surface. These CAR-equipped T cells are then multiplied in number and infused back into the patient's bloodstream. Once inside the body, the modified T cells can recognize and bind to specific proteins on cancer cells, leading to their destruction.

What types of cancer can be treated with CAR T cell therapy?

CAR T cell therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of certain types of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Research is ongoing to explore its potential for treating solid tumors as well.

Who is eligible for CAR T cell therapy?

CAR T cell therapy is typically reserved for patients with certain types of blood cancers who have not responded to traditional treatments like chemotherapy or stem cell transplant. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on factors such as the specific type of cancer and the patient's overall health.

What are the potential side effects of CAR T cell therapy?

While CAR T cell therapy can be highly effective, it can also cause side effects, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which can lead to fever, low blood pressure, and other flu-like symptoms. Another potential side effect is neurologic toxicity, which can cause confusion, seizures, or other neurological symptoms. These side effects can range from mild to severe and require close monitoring and management.

What is the success rate of CAR T cell therapy?

The success rate of CAR T cell therapy can vary depending on factors such as the type and stage of cancer being treated. In some cases, CAR T cell therapy has led to long-term remission or even cure for patients with certain types of blood cancers. However, not all patients respond to treatment, and further research is needed to improve its effectiveness and identify predictors of response.

Is CAR T cell therapy covered by insurance?

CAR T cell therapy is a relatively new and expensive treatment, and coverage by insurance providers may vary. Some insurers may cover CAR T cell therapy for certain eligible patients, while others may require prior authorization or may not cover it at all. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers and insurance companies to understand their coverage options and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Are there any ongoing clinical trials for CAR T cell therapy?

Yes, there are ongoing clinical trials exploring the use of CAR T cell therapy for various types of cancer, including both blood cancers and solid tumors. These trials are aimed at evaluating the safety and effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy, as well as identifying ways to improve its outcomes and reduce side effects. Patients may be eligible to participate in clinical trials based on their specific diagnosis and medical history.

 Wire Transfer

Transfer money directly from your bank account to Fortis Healthcare’s account– it takes about seven working days for the funds to be credited. Send us the scanned copy of the money transfer receipt; this will be used to help you settle your bill. On discharge, any excess amount will be refunded to you and any shortfall will have to be paid in cash. Note o We will send you our bank details on request. The transferred amount cannot be used for bill settlement unless you provide us with a copy of the wire transfer receipt

 Direct payment

At the hospital: pay your hospital bill at the hospital directly through cash, card, or traveller’s cheques Note. We accept all major credit cards like VISA, MASTER Card, AMEX and CIRRUS and We accept payment for inpatient services in the following currencies: US Dollar, Euro, Pound Sterling, Omani Riyal, UAE Dirham, Kuwait Dinar, Saudi Riyal and Singapore dollars

Lots!
⦁    Airport pickup and drop

⦁    A SIM card, provided to you immediately after your arrival, so that you can talk to your relatives back home

⦁    VISA/FRRO assistance

⦁    Language interpreters

⦁    Foreign Exchange conversion at the hospital

⦁    Fax, photocopy, and courier services

⦁    Laundry services

⦁    In-room color television, cable connection, DVD player

⦁    Complimentary Wi-Fi in most of our hospitals

⦁    Complimentary stay in your room for one attendant (while you are being operated on, we will provide alternative accommodation for your attendant)

⦁    Special arrangements to meet specific religious or dietary needs

⦁    Daily updates for your referring doctors and family
 

Our International Patient Coordinator will liaise between you and the hospital. He will arrange your appointments as well as the referrals that will be needed for various services like the outpatient clinic, laboratory and pathology, medical imaging, and inpatient surgical procedures.

Depending on your budget, we can arrange accommodation for you and your attendant close to the hospital at nearby guest houses, service apartments or luxurious 5-star hotels. Facilities like hospital visits, on-call doctor, cab services and emergency ambulance can also be arranged by us.

Sure. Before your arrival, our International Patients Services Team will send you the name and contact details of the staffer being sent to meet you. This person will escort you to the hospital or accommodation. If you are unable to find the person sent to pick you up, all you need to do is call our hospital helpline.

Certainly. Once you confirm your visit to our facility for medical treatment, we will send a visa requisition letter to the Indian Embassy in your country. A copy of the letter will be marked to you. Please send us the following details via email if you want us to send a visa requisition letter to the Indian Embassy in your country:

⦁    Patient's name and passport number

⦁    Medical escort's name and passport number

⦁    Country

⦁    Your tentative date of arrival at Fortis for treatment Note

⦁    If you are traveling on a medical visa, you are required to register at the Foreigner’s Regional Registration   Office within 14 days of your arrival. Our team will help you with all these formalities.

⦁    Patients from Pakistan and Bangladesh are required to register with the nearest Police Station or Police Commissioner’s office within 24 hours of arrival. Refer to your Visa/ Transit document for instructions.

⦁    Please bring 10 passport size photographs with you for the above formalities.
 

⦁    A large network of integrated healthcare services across Asia-Pacific

⦁    World class medical facilities that use the latest technologies

⦁    A team of highly specialized, internationally trained doctors who are globally renowned for their expertise and         skills

⦁    Seamless services and personalized care and attention

⦁    Great value for money

India has some of the world's best healthcare facilities, staffed by doctors with international qualifications & vast and varied experience. The cost of treatment is substantially lesser than in developed countries, in some cases the difference can result in as much as 60% savings. For patients, the result is a win-win situation, world class medical attention and patient care services and savings too.