Advanced therapies at the University Hospital of Salamanca

Advanced therapies are a group of innovative medical treatments that use biotechnology- and genetics-based approaches to treat various diseases and conditions more effectively than conventional methods. These therapies leverage knowledge in areas such as gene therapy, cell therapy, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine to offer new treatment options.

These advanced therapies represent a significant advance in medicine and have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including genetic diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer and traumatic injuries. However, they can be expensive and complex to implement, and they are often subject to rigorous clinical trials and regulations to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

The procedure for using these new therapies is based on T cells, which are extracted in the laboratory from the patient’s blood and, subsequently, the gene for a special receptor is added that binds to a certain protein on cancer cells of the person to be treated. This special receptor is called the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR). Large quantities of CAR T cells are then produced in the laboratory and given to the patient by infusion.

The general objective is to guarantee the use of CAR medicines in a planned, equitable, safe and efficient manner. As well as promoting public research into these medicines under conditions that guarantee quality, safety and efficacy standards, also including efficiency among its general principles.