The Royal Marsden Private Care becomes the first in the UK to
treat multiple myeloma patients with CAR-T cell therapy
The Royal Marsden Private Care is proud to announce that it is the first in
the UK to treat multiple myeloma patients with CAR-T cell therapy.
Cilta-cel is a type of CAR-T cell therapy developed for the treatment of
multiple myeloma, an incurable but treatable blood cancer.
CAR-T cell therapy can achieve better long-term responses than existing
treatment options, offering renewed hope for patients with relapsed ordifficult to treat myeloma.
September is Global Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 25, 2025: This Blood Cancer Awareness
Month, The Royal Marsden Private Care is proud to be the first in the UK to treat
multiple myeloma patients with CAR-T cell therapy outside of clinical trials, with five
patients now having received the treatment.
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is a type of CAR-T cell therapy (Chimeric
Antigen Receptor T cell therapy) developed for the treatment of multiple myeloma –
an incurable but treatable blood cancer – that does not respond to treatment, or
relapses quickly after treatment.
This personalised treatment is generally offered when other therapies have failed or
are no longer effective. Clinical trial results have shown that CAR-T cell therapy can
achieve better long-term responses than existing treatment options, offering renewed
hope for patients with relapsed or difficult to treat multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell
responsible for fighting infection by producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma,
abnormal plasma cells produce ineffective antibodies, weakening the immune
system and increasing vulnerability to infections. While this cancer cannot currently
be cured, treatments can effectively control symptoms, extend remission periods,
and improve patients’ quality of life.
CAR-T cell therapy is an innovative immunotherapy that modifies a patient’s own T
cells to better recognise and destroy cancer cells. The process begins with collecting
T cells from the patient, which are then genetically engineered in a specialised
laboratory to produce receptors that target specific proteins on cancer cells, in
multiple myeloma. These enhanced T cells are expanded in number and infused
back into the patient, where they seek and destroy the cancer cells.
The therapy is primarily used for blood cancers because it targets specific proteins
found on cancerous immune cells. However, research is ongoing to expand its use
to other cancers, including certain solid tumours.
Dr Emma Nicholson, Consultant Haematologist at The Royal Marsden,
said: “We are delighted to bring CAR-T cell therapy to our patients. While many
myeloma patients respond well to targeted drugs and stem cell transplants initially,
relapse is common. The therapy has demonstrated superior long-term outcomes for
those who have relapsed after standard treatment options, giving patients a higher
chance at sustained remission.
“We always strive for excellence for our patients and our haematology team has a
breadth of experience in treating blood cancers and in cell therapy. We are involved
in clinical trials of novel therapies and work collaboratively with other centres to
improve access to leading-edge treatments.”
Roger, a private patient at The Royal Marsden said: “I was diagnosed with
myeloma ten years ago and had tried almost all of the treatments available, but as
with most myeloma patients, the disease would always come back after a time.
“I had heard about CAR-T therapy when it was at the early research stage, but of
course it wasn’t available at the time. Then, a year ago, when I was having to again
change to a different treatment, my consultant at The Royal Marsden told me that
there might be an opportunity for me to have CAR-T therapy. I fitted the criteria as I
had already had the three main classes of drugs for myeloma, and they were no
longer controlling the disease.
“The CAR-T therapy took about ten weeks between extracting my T cells and
returning the modified T-cells for infusion. I was monitored carefully afterwards for
three weeks in The Royal Marsden, but I only had minimal side effects. A month
after the therapy, they re-started the tests to check for markers in my blood to see if
the cancer was still there. The markers could not be detected, and four months later
that remains the case. After ten years, I am no longer taking any anti-cancer
treatments, which is a great feeling.”
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson
Innovative Medicine.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust operates a successful integrated NHS and
Private Care model, with surplus income reinvested for the benefit of all patients. This
integrated model ensures that the Trust can offer all patients the very highest standard of
research, diagnostics, treatment, and care, including access to leading-edge clinical trials
and technology.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is participating in a research study called the
CARTITUDE-5 trial, which is evaluating how well cilta-cel CAR-T cell therapy works for
people who have newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and are unable to have a stem cell
transplant, a common treatment option for myeloma patients. This is one of the first major
studies testing CAR-T cell therapy right after diagnosis, instead of later when other
treatments fail. If it works well, CAR-T could become a first-line treatment option for people
who are unable to have a stem cell transplant. The trial was available to eligible NHS
patients.
About The Royal Marsden:
The Royal Marsden opened in 1851 as the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer
diagnosis, treatment, research and education.
Today it operates as a world-leading specialist cancer centre with global impact.
The Trust was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, who
became Joint Patron with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, in January this year.
Together with its principal academic partner The Institute of Cancer Research London (ICR),
The Royal Marsden is designated as the UK’s only National Institute for Health and Care
Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) dedicated solely to cancer.
The Royal Marsden and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) are recognised as one of the
top four comprehensive cancer centres in the world for the impact of their research,
influencing cancer treatment and care for all cancer patients. As a centre of excellence, we
pioneer the very latest in cancer treatments and technologies, as well as leading the way in
innovative cancer diagnosis and education
About The Royal Marsden Private Care:
The Royal Marsden Private Care operates across two sites, in Chelsea and Sutton, and from
a Medical Daycare Unit at Kingston Hospital. We also have a diagnostic and treatment
centre at Cavendish Square in Central London.
