BiTE Therapy: A New Hope for Lymphoma and Myeloma Patients in India

Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are two of the most challenging blood cancers to treat. Although advancements in chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and targeted therapies have improved survival rates, many patients experience relapses or develop resistance to standard treatments.

Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) are revolutionising cancer care today. These innovative immunotherapies use the body's own T cells to specifically target and attack cancer cells, offering hope to patients who have tried and failed other treatment options.

India has become a preferred global destination for advanced treatments, such as BiTEs. With the personalised support offered by Healzone, international patients now have a practical pathway to access cutting-edge therapies, world-class expertise, and holistic care.

What is BiTE Therapy?

BiTE stands for bispecific T-cell engager. It is a type of engineered antibody with two “arms”:

• One binds to a protein on the surface of the cancer cell (e.g., CD19 or BCMA).
• The other binds to CD3 on T cells, activating them.

This “bridge” forces T cells to attack cancer cells directly, leading to tumour destruction.

How BiTEs Work (Simplified)

1. Identify cancer cells through a unique marker.
2. Bring the body’s own immune soldiers (T cells) to the cancer site.
3. Trigger a powerful, targeted immune attack.

This precision immunotherapy differs from chemotherapy (which attacks both healthy and cancerous cells) and from CAR-T therapy (which requires complex cell engineering).

BiTE Therapy in Lymphoma

Targets: CD19 and CD20 on B-cell lymphoma.

• Benefits:
  • Works in patients who have relapsed after multiple treatments.
  • It can be administered more quickly than CAR-T.
  • May be given in outpatient settings under close monitoring.

• Challenges:

  • Side effects like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity.
  • The durability of long-term remission remains to be studied.

BiTE Therapy in Multiple Myeloma

Targets: BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen), a hallmark of myeloma cells.

• Benefits:
  • Intense activity in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
  • Promising results even in heavily pretreated patients.
  • Newer BiTEs allow less frequent dosing and subcutaneous injections.
• Challenges:
  • Infection risk due to immune suppression.
  • Careful monitoring is necessary during the initial treatment cycles.

BiTE vs Other Therapies

Why India for BiTE Therapy?

India has become a global destination for cancer immunotherapy because of several key advantages:

• World-class expertise
  • India hosts some of Asia’s leading haematology and oncology centres with experience in bone marrow transplant, CAR-T, and now BiTE therapy.
• Affordability
  • While BiTEs are costly everywhere, treatment costs in India (including hospitalisation, diagnostics, and follow-up) are significantly lower than in the US or Europe.
• Access to trials and new drugs
  • Indian centres increasingly participate in global clinical trials, enabling patients to access next-generation BiTEs earlier.
• Integrated care models
  • Hospitals provide end-to-end pathways — from diagnostics and treatment to recovery and long-term monitoring — often tailored for international patients.
• Location advantage
  • India is geographically closer and culturally accessible for patients from the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Role of Healzone in BiTE Therapy Access

While India offers opportunities, navigating care can be overwhelming. This is where Healzone comes in — bridging the gap between patients, families, and healthcare providers.

How Healzone Supports Patients:

Clinical Eligibility & Records Review

• Evaluate medical history, pathology, and prior treatments.
• Match patients with the right BiTE therapy or trial.

Hospital & Doctor Selection

• Identify accredited hospitals with BiTE expertise.
• Arrange teleconsultations before travel.

Logistics & Travel Support

• Assistance with visas, airport transfers, accommodation, and translation.

Financial Guidance

• Provide transparent cost breakdowns.
• Explore insurance and trial-related support.

During Treatment

• Patient advocates accompany families.
• 24/7 support for emergencies, testing, or admissions.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up

• Coordinate with home doctors.
• Teleconsultations with Indian specialists.
• Monitor labs and imaging remotely.

Emotional & Educational Support

• Patient-friendly education materials.
• Counselling and caregiver guidance.

Future of BiTEs in India

• Next-gen BiTEs targeting multiple antigens.
• Longer-acting, easier-to-administer formulations (e.g., subcutaneous injections).
• Local partnerships with Indian pharma to improve affordability and access.
• A growing trial ecosystem that will attract more global biotech collaborations.

Conclusion

BiTE therapy is one of the latest advancements in modern haematology, offering hope for patients with lymphoma and myeloma worldwide. With India's growing expertise, affordability, and increased participation in clinical trials, patients worldwide now have improved access to this therapy.

Organisations like Healzone play a crucial role in guiding patients through their journey — from eligibility to treatment and long-term follow-up — ensuring that care is safe, affordable, and personalised.

For many families in India, BiTEs are not just a treatment option; they represent a new lease on life.