Center for Cell & Gene Therapy

 
The Center for Cell & Gene Therapy (CAGT) is a collaboration between experts at Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. We work together to provide the infrastructure of research, manufacturing and clinical care needed to develop and apply innovative and cost-effective cell and gene therapies.

 

It is a top priority at Houston Methodist to make potentially lifesaving treatments available to patients as soon as possible. 

How Can We Help?

An Expert Team Dedicated to Cell & Gene Therapy

Our experts are dedicated to exploring the origins of disease, developing novel therapeutic treatments and applying these therapies in clinical practice for the benefit of adults and children.

The goal of the center is to:

 

  • Facilitate and support collaboration among experts in all areas of human disease so that cellular and genetic therapies may be used as safely and as rapidly as possible
  • Ensure that cell and gene therapy patients have continued access to the latest and most effective cellular and genetic treatments available
 
Our comprehensive approach brings a wide variety of scientists and clinicians together to develop strategies for the treatment of cancer, HIV and cardiovascular disease. Our facility includes a variety of high-tech features, including:

 

  • An adult unit designed specifically for the specialized care of immunocompromised patients, including the use of an advanced air filtration system
  • Pediatric and adult bone marrow and stem cell transplant units, in collaboration with leading institutions
  • A family care setting in the Adult Stem Cell Transplant unit, which includes an activity center, computer business center and entertainment/dining area

 

In addition, the center contains laboratory space to support a wide array of basic and translational research regarding cell and gene therapy.

 

CAR-T Cell Therapy

CAR-T cell therapy is a cutting-edge immunotherapy treatment that uses a patient’s own immune system to fight certain types of cancer, especially blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The process involves collecting a type of white blood cell called T cells from the patient through an apheresis procedure, genetically modifying them in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells, and then infusing them back into the patient’s body. These engineered cells are called “CAR-T cells,” with “CAR” standing for “chimeric antigen receptor,” which is the special receptor added to help the T cells target cancer.

 

One of the biggest advantages of CAR-T therapy is its ability to produce long-lasting remission in patients who haven’t responded to other treatments. It’s a personalized therapy, meaning it’s tailored to each individual. Candidates are typically patients with certain types of relapsed or refractory blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma) who have tried other treatments without success. CAR-T therapy is also being studied for other conditions like autoimmune diseases (lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis). Doctors also consider factors such as overall health, age and how well the patient might tolerate potential side effects, which can include fever, fatigue and, in rare cases, more serious immune reactions.

About Cell & Gene Therapy

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