A 25-year-old man with relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) involving the central nervous system has successfully undergone CAR-T cell therapy at Paras Health, Panchkula.
The patient was diagnosed with Ph-negative ALL in April 2024 at the age of 23 and was treated under the BFM protocol. Following chemotherapy, he achieved remission and tested negative for minimal residual disease. In May 2026, he developed severe headache, nausea and vomiting. Investigations revealed that the leukemia had spread to the central nervous system, with cerebrospinal fluid testing confirming the presence of B-cells. Despite intensive chemotherapy with hyper-CVAD and treatment administered directly into the spinal fluid, the disease relapsed, requiring an advanced treatment approach.
Following multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was planned for CAR-T cell therapy, an advanced immunotherapy that uses genetically modified immune cells to recognise and attack cancer cells. Lymphocyte apheresis was performed in August 2026 to collect the required cells. He subsequently received preparatory chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine, followed by CAR-T cell infusion. The documented dose was 490 × 10⁶ cells/kg.
Dr. Ajay Sharma, Director & HOD – Hematology & Hemato-Oncology, Paras Health, Panchkula, said, “Relapsed ALL with CNS involvement can be challenging to treat and requires careful planning. In this case, CAR-T cell therapy offered an advanced treatment option following relapse. The successful infusion and the patient’s stable condition are encouraging steps in his ongoing treatment.” The patient completed the immediate post-infusion monitoring period and was discharged in stable condition on September 10, 2026. He continues to remain under medical supervision with regular follow-up.
Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Facility Director, Paras Health, Panchkula, said, “The successful delivery of CAR-T cell therapy highlights the importance of specialised expertise, advanced treatment capabilities and coordinated care. At Paras Health, we remain committed to strengthening advanced cancer care and providing evolving treatment options for patients with complex blood cancers closer to home.” Paras Health, Panchkula, provides specialised hematology and hemato-oncology care, including treatment for complex and relapsed blood cancers.
