Townsville Hospital and Health Service launches revolutionary CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancer patients

After years of planning and advocacy, Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is now home to CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancer patients.

The revolutionary treatment uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer through a process in which the patient’s T cells, a type of white blood cells, are removed from the patient’s blood.

The T-cells are then flown overseas, where they are transferred to Gilead Sciences’ laboratory.

In the lab, scientists add Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR) to the T-cells, which helps them recognise and attack cancer cells.

The modified CAR T-cells are then multiplied into large numbers in the lab, before being carefully transported back to Townsville and reinfused into the patient’s body through an IV.

The treatment is available for north Queensland patients with certain types of blood cancer.

This is the first time CAR T-cell therapy has been offered to Australians outside of a major capital city, reducing the burden of travel for patients in north Queensland.

Townsville HHS haematologist and medical director of cancer services Dr Andrew Birchley led the team that brought the service to north Queensland.

He said this treatment will make a world of difference for north Queensland patients who would otherwise have had to travel to Brisbane.

“The launch of CAR T-cell therapy in Townsville has been an enormous team effort; I’d like to thank the local team, as well as everyone externally who’s played a role in making this a reality,” Dr Birchley said.

“We expect to treat five to 10 patients through CAR T-cell therapy during the first year of this new service.

“Blood cancer patients who have not responded to traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or patients whose cancer has come back after treatment, may be considered for CAR T-cell therapy.”

Townsville HHS chief executive Kieran Keyes said this milestone highlighted the service’s commitment to bringing advanced medical treatment to north Queensland.

“We want to ensure our community has access to the best possible care without the added burden of travel,” Mr Keyes said.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of medical advancements and by expanding our life-saving treatment option, we’re giving some of the sickest members of our community the opportunity to access world-class care close to home.

“I want to thank our amazing staff, led by Dr Andrew Birchley, for working tirelessly to make this treatment a reality for patients in the region.”

CAR T-cell therapy in Townsville has been made possible through a collaboration with the statewide CAR T-cell therapy service, which is based at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

The service for Queenslanders is jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments through highly specialised high-cost therapies block funding.