Rare Brain Lymphoma Case at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai Treated With CAR T Cell Therapy

Dr. Arun Ramanan V said the 49 year old patient achieved complete remission after NexCAR19 therapy despite serious treatment related complications.

Chennai, July 8, 2026: Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, a part of Fortis Healthcare, has successfully treated a 49 year old patient from Andhra Pradesh diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma using advanced CAR T cell therapy.
The patient had reported persistent headache, giddiness, difficulty in walking and weakness in his left arm and leg. Detailed investigations confirmed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, a rare lymphoma affecting the brain and known to be difficult to treat.

He was initially treated with high dose chemotherapy, the standard first line treatment for the condition. However, the disease continued to progress after four cycles. He later received radiotherapy with chemotherapy, followed by oral targeted therapy as bridging treatment.
As the lymphoma remained resistant, the multidisciplinary team at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai discussed advanced treatment options with the patient and his family. The patient then underwent NexCAR19, also known as Talicabtagene Autoleucel, India’s indigenous CAR T cell therapy.

As part of the treatment, the patient’s immune cells were collected through leukapheresis, modified to recognise and attack cancer cells, and infused back into his body.
Following CAR T cell therapy, the patient developed serious known complications, including Cytokine Release Syndrome, a severe inflammatory response, and Immune Effector Cell Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome, a rare and potentially life threatening condition. His recovery was further complicated by severe infections and a significant fall in blood cell counts.

A team comprising specialists from Medical Oncology, Haematology, Infectious Diseases, Intensive Care and a dedicated CAR T nursing team closely monitored and managed the patient during treatment. After nearly one month of intensive care, he recovered and was discharged.
A follow up PET CT scan conducted two months after CAR T cell therapy showed complete metabolic response, with no evidence of active disease. At his latest follow up, three months after treatment, the patient continues to do well, has recovered normal blood counts, has no further CAR T related complications and remains under regular follow up.

Dr. Arun Ramanan V, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, TRIUM ONCOLOGY GROUP, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, a part of the Fortis Healthcare Network, said, “Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma is a rare and aggressive cancer with limited treatment options when it does not respond to standard chemotherapy. CAR T cell therapy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of such complex cases. This patient’s successful recovery highlights the importance of timely intervention, advanced treatment options, and a multidisciplinary approach in managing both the disease and its treatment related complications.”
Dr. S. Niranjani, Chief Operating Officer and Hospital Head, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, a part of the Fortis Healthcare Network, said, “Delivering advanced therapies like CAR T cell therapy requires specialised infrastructure, clinical expertise, and coordinated patient care. We remain committed to making world class treatment options accessible while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.”

R. Y. Bharath Kanth Reddy, Chief Executive Officer, Chennai and Hyderabad Cluster, Gleneagles Hospitals, a part of the Fortis Healthcare Network, said, “This successful outcome reflects our commitment to making advanced cancer care more accessible to patients. By bringing innovative therapies such as CAR T cell therapy closer to those who need them, supported by multidisciplinary expertise and world class clinical care, we aim to improve outcomes for patients with even the most complex cancers.”
Gleneagles Hospital, Perumbakkam, Chennai, is a quaternary care multi specialty hospital and multi organ transplant centre with expertise across liver, neuro, heart, lung and kidney care. The NABH, NABL and NABB accredited hospital has 241 beds and is equipped with advanced infrastructure including a CathLab, 13 operation theatres, robotic assisted surgical systems, Tesla MRI, nuclear medicine services and advanced imaging technologies.

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