YouTube channel is born that ‘explains’ advanced medical therapies, we start with Car-T

They sounded like science fiction, yet they exist today and offer new and innovative treatment opportunities to people who had lost all hope. To explain advanced therapies, the result of scientific advances in the field of cellular and molecular biotechnology, the new YouTube channel “Innovations for life” is born, a real hub of information and in-depth analysis, promoted by Novartis and dedicated to all those who are in treatment with advanced therapy, but also to those who want to know more. A project born from listening to the needs of patients and families. Among the first contents to populate this new online window on the latest frontiers of scientific innovation, will be the thematic playlist ‘Car-T You’ dedicated to Car-T therapy, a complex technology that represents the last frontier in the fight against cancer, a begin with those of the blood. Informative videos, insights with experts, patient and family testimonies, but above all the illustrated story, ‘The stellar adventures of Sole and Toni’, which takes shape starting today with the face and voice of the actress Serena Rossi in a series of seventeen animated video-readings. Video after video, the advanced Car-T therapy is explained through the journey of the little girl Sole and Toni, her T lymphocyte, which thanks to technology is taken and taken to the laboratory, where it is genetically modified and becomes a superhero, able to attack the tumor of Sole and save her life. “The story of Sole and Toni has taught me to believe in the impossible, because even where there seems to be no hope, extraordinary opportunities can open up. – comments Serena Rossi – From the first time I leafed through this book I had no doubts. This story moved me and led me with delicacy and imagination to discover a world I did not know, which brings to light the contribution that scientific innovation can make to people’s lives. I am convinced that it is important to explain what science can do, with clear and truthful information, so that more awareness and trust can arise from information. This is why I am happy to have had the opportunity to give voice to a delicate story, for young and old, which deeply touches and which wants to color with hope the difficult journey of so many adults and children against the disease, to rediscover life ” .Car-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) is a highly technological cellular treatment – recalls a Novartis note – classified among the innovative therapies by the regulatory authorities. The therapy consists of engineering the patient’s immune system, a process that allows T lymphocytes to recognize and fight cancer cells. To date, these advanced therapies are approved for the treatment of pediatric and young adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Lla) and for the treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (Dlbcl) in adults who have not responded to previous therapies or who have had a relapse. “Advanced therapies, such as Car-T, in the context of haematological neoplasms represent the latest expression of a personalized approach to treatment and are based on cutting-edge genetic and technological knowledge. In this case we can really speak of a window to the future, a future that in some cases has already become a reality “, comments Paolo Corradini, director of the Hematology Division of the Irccs Foundation National Cancer Institute (Int) of Milan, University of Milan. “The clinical results, in terms of long-term survival are very encouraging, especially if we think that Car-T therapies are used in patients with aggressive haematological diseases, in multiple relapses or who have not responded to other treatments”. “However, the implementation of this therapeutic path requires – underlines Corradini – complex organizational and management structures and the implementation of adequate support programs for patients and their families. For this – he concludes – information initiatives can be a valid help to offer patients and their families support to address the many doubts and questions related to the therapeutic path they are facing “. Sergio Amadori, president of the Association agrees. Italian against leukemia, lymphomas and myeloma (Ail), who explains: “Those who undertake Car-T therapy are faced with new needs, linked to the many aspects of this advanced therapeutic path, starting from the need for many patients to move to a new treatment center, changing all the established points of reference and with logistical difficulties that affect the whole family. Added to this is the strong psychological impact – he underlines – which sees the alternation of hopes and fears, for a therapeutic process that offers opportunities for treatment where other treatments have not given the desired results. Information therefore plays a fundamental role and I hope that this new YouTube channel can offer a valid contribution to adult patients, but also to pediatric patients “. A theme, that of information and assistance to pediatric patients, which is center of the activities of the Italian Federation of non-profit oncohematology and pediatric parents associations (Fiagop), as the president, Angelo Ricci comments: “Children and adolescents who face the Car-T path face a further upheaval in their lives. For this reason, explaining this path in a simple and clear way is the first step to involve the little patients as an active and aware part and to undertake a path of assistance also towards their families. The illustrated story ‘The stellar adventures of Sole and Toni’ goes in this direction and I hope it will help young and old and better understand the meaning and value of this advanced therapy. “After ‘Car-T You’, in the coming months the ‘Innovation for Life’ hub will be enriched with other thematic playlists, dedicated to other advanced therapies, so as to offer a wide range of information and materials on the most innovative treatment paths for different types of patients, adults and children.