Western Australian cancer patients are a step closer to accessing breakthrough cancer treatments locally, with Royal Perth Hospital licensed to manufacture CAR T-cells and the first in Australia to manufacture tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for clinical trials.
Royal Perth Hospital is now the only hospital in Australia authorised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to manufacture TILs and continues to be recognised internationally as a leader in CAR T-cell therapy.
CAR T-cell therapy re‑engineers a patient’s own immune cells so they can recognise and destroy cancer cells, transforming outcomes for people with certain blood cancers. TIL therapy multiplies immune cells already present inside a patient’s tumour and is showing strong promise for melanoma and other solid cancers.
“This TGA licence is a proud moment for Western Australia, confirming Royal Perth Hospital’s place at the forefront of cell and gene therapy,” said Medical Research Minister, Stephen Dawson.
“Through having these new licences, WA cancer patients will have greater access to care closer to home, where they can stay closer to family and loved ones.
“The Cook Labor Government will keep backing our researchers and clinicians driving these life-changing breakthroughs.
“Through initiatives such as the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund and our Clinical Trials Roadmap, our government is supporting the development of new treatments and helping ensure Western Australians can benefit from the latest advances in health care.”
The first clinical trial and patient treatment using locally manufactured CAR T-cell and TIL therapies is expected to commence before the end of the year.
