Málaga Regional University Hospital has initiated clinical trials using tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for patients with advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma since 2024. This innovative therapy is part of the public health system and aims to provide treatment alternatives in cases of advanced disease.
Details about TIL Therapy
TIL therapy focuses on enhancing the immune system's response to cancer by using the patient's own defenses. To achieve this, a sample of the tumour is obtained, from which lymphocytes that have infiltrated the tumour tissue are extracted. These cells are then multiplied in a specialised laboratory and re-administered to the patient.
Prior to this infusion, patients undergo a preparatory treatment that promotes the expansion and activity of the lymphocytes. According to the clinical trial protocol, this procedure may include the administration of other medications that strengthen the immune response.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Accessibility
The implementation of these trials requires close collaboration between different specialties within the hospital. The Medical Oncology Service leads the programme, with cooperation from other departments such as Haematology, Intensive Care Medicine, and surgical teams responsible for obtaining tumour samples.
Patient inclusion in the trials is carried out individually, considering criteria such as the type and extent of the tumour, previous treatments, the ability to obtain tumour tissue, and the patient's overall condition. This approach allows for the expansion of available therapeutic options when conventional treatments are insufficient.
The clinical trial coordinator, medical oncologist Airam Padilla, has highlighted that “TIL therapy represents a new way to personalise immunotherapy” by using the patient's own lymphocytes. This advancement brings innovative treatments closer to Andalusian patients, thanks to the coordination of highly specialised teams.
You may also like
