First leukaemia patient to receive pioneering treatment on NHS says it is 'very sci-fi'
Summary
Oscar Murphy, aged 28, is the first leukemia patient to receive CAR-T therapy treatment on the NHS in the UK. This treatment involves using genetically modified immune cells to target cancer, and is now available at several NHS centers for patients with a specific aggressive type of leukemia. Oscar's treatment marks a significant advancement in the fight against this cancer.Key Facts
- Oscar Murphy is the first NHS patient to receive CAR-T therapy for an aggressive blood cancer.
- CAR-T therapy modifies a patient's immune cells to target and kill cancer cells.
- NHS England offers this treatment at various centers, benefiting around 50 patients annually.
- Oscar was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March 2025.
- He previously underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, but his cancer returned.
- CAR-T therapy trials showed 77% of patients went into remission, with significant life extension.
- The NHS receives a confidential discount on the treatment, which usually costs £372,000 per infusion.
- The treatment is available to patients over 26 with B-cell ALL, and not yet approved in Scotland.
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