Whilst I am still within a chemo cycle due to end on the 20th, I've received excellent news that my CAR-T cells have been returned to the UK following their processing. This is something of a relief given their delay through customs back in June. It is reasonable to assume that since the cells have been returned, they are considered viable. There is an NHS Blood and Transplant facility at Filton and it is there that my cells are currently in cold store.
T cells take their name from the Thymus where immature lymphocytes develop and mature enabling them to take up their role as part of the immune system. I was surprised to find that the thymus is located at the upper end of and behind of the breast bone, but in front of the heart
Processing of my T cells converts them to become known as CAR-T cells which will hopefully identify and destroy myeloma cells. Untrained as I am, I find it less easy to define the meaning of CAR:
C - Chimeric. The best I can find is an association with genetics.
A - Antigen. A substance which induces an immune response.
R - Receptor. A protein which binds with specific molecules.
There you have it, a layman's explanation of CAR-T cells.
Ahead of me is first the completion of this chemo cycle. I must then wait a minimum of 14 days (washout) in order that the current drugs have left my system. During that time I will no doubt require a further medical examination and Covid PCR test (s). It makes sense to also self-impose shielding. I've got this far and must take every precaution. Recent trips to the shops suggest that few people (as low as perhaps 10%) are now wearing masks thus surely increasing the risk.
Keep safe, keep well and KBO
Stephen
