Two of South India’s longest-known survivors of Car-T cell therapy — a cutting-edge cancer treatment — are now returning to normal life with renewed strength. Rehan (43) and Parimala (66) (names changed) recounted their powerful recovery stories at an event hosted by Narayana Health City.
Rehan, who was diagnosed with stage 3 follicular lymphoma, had exhausted all standard treatments. In November 2022, he underwent Car-T therapy, which uses a patient’s genetically modified T-cells to attack cancer. Now, 31 months into remission, he says, “There were no severe side effects like chemo — no hair loss or nausea. I’ve regained 80-85% of my energy.”
His treatment included two palliative chemo cycles, followed by a 30-day hospital stay for the Car-T cell infusion. He now works full-time in sales and marketing, takes no daily medication, and leads a relatively normal life, though he once had a mild infection during Umrah.
Parimala, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2018, relapsed after initial chemotherapy and turned to Car-T therapy as a last resort. Today, she walks unaided, enjoys regular meals, and helps with housework — a remarkable turnaround, said her son-in-law, who translated her account.
Dr. Sharat Damodar, lead researcher, said both patients were part of the centre’s Immuneel Car-T trial, launched three years ago. With over 20 patients treated, they are now the longest survivors in South India.
The hospital plans to expand trials to myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. Talks are ongoing with the Karnataka government and insurers to include Car-T under reimbursement schemes.