The American University of Beirut Medical Center Celebrates the Successful Launch of the CAR-T Cell Therapy Program

The American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) announced the successful launch of its new academic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T Cell Therapy Program, a transformative step in advancing personalized cancer treatment in Lebanon.

The CAR-T Cell Therapy Program team at AUBMC has successfully treated the first patient with chemotherapy-resistant lymphoma. This comprised of local production of CAR-T cells, quality check, infusion to patient, and confirmation of tumor response. This marks a major milestone in the institution’s commitment to innovative, patient-centered cancer care.

Commenting on this achievement, AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri said, “This is the transformation of a university that believes in excellence, in specialization, and in creating impact that goes far beyond our campus.”

CAR-T cell therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that involves reprogramming the patient’s own immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells, offering new hope for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant blood cancers. The CAR-T Cell Therapy Program represents the culmination of years of research, clinical expertise, and multidisciplinary collaboration.  

As the director of the Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) Program at AUBMC, Dr. Ali Bazarbachi expressed pride for this accomplishment, saying, “Our aim is curing patients with blood cancers. This can only be achieved by continuing to bring innovative therapies that are provided through fantastic team work, like an orchestra performing a piece of music.”

AUBMC is thrilled to offer this potentially curative and life-saving therapy to patients in Lebanon and the region and to contribute to the global effort in transforming blood cancer treatment.

Launching this program is not just about scientific innovation; it is about pioneering healthcare, delivering hope to patients and their families, and redefining what is possible in blood cancer treatment in the country and region.