By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
In this video, I talk through a recent case of CAR-T therapy used in ulcerative colitis and why it has generated so much interest.
For those who want to look at the original report, you can read the journal case here: PubMed journal case report.
What exactly was reported in this case?
This was a 21-year-old patient with severe ulcerative colitis who had not responded to multiple biologics including infliximab, ustekinumab, ozanimod, vedolizumab, upadacitinib and mirikizumab.
Despite this, the disease remained active and surgery was being considered.
After CAR-T therapy, the patient went into remission within weeks and was off all medication at follow-up.
What is CAR-T therapy and how does it work?
CAR-T therapy is a treatment where immune cells are taken from the blood, modified in a laboratory, and then returned to the body.
Unlike biologics, which block inflammation signals, this approach targets immune cells directly, suggesting a reset of the immune system rather than just control.
Why is this different from what we usually do?
Most treatments for ulcerative colitis, including biologics, work by blocking specific parts of the inflammatory process.
CAR-T therapy works at a deeper level by targeting immune cells themselves.
Does this mean CAR-T therapy is now a treatment option?
No.
This is a single case, and CAR-T therapy is not something we are using routinely for ulcerative colitis.
It is a complex and intensive treatment currently used mainly in cancer care and only being explored in immune conditions.
So why does this matter?
It matters because it shows what may be possible.
If this kind of response can be repeated, it suggests that in some patients, we may need to think beyond simply blocking inflammation.
It points towards a different treatment approach.
What are the limitations?
This is early data.
It is one patient.
It is not scalable in its current form.
And it carries risks that require specialist care.
What could this mean going forward?
If further studies show similar results, the real value will not be CAR-T itself.
It will be the development of simpler, safer treatments that can achieve the same kind of effect.
What next? (Part 2)
In the next video, I will talk through what happened to this patient after 8 months, based on follow-up data presented at a conference.
CAR-T Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis: Part 2 Update
This short update reviews what happened next after initial remission at eight months in the patient.
👉 Watch the Part 2 update below:
FAQ
What exactly was reported in this CAR-T therapy ulcerative colitis case?
This was a 21-year-old patient with severe ulcerative colitis who had not responded to multiple biologics including infliximab, ustekinumab, ozanimod, vedolizumab, upadacitinib and mirikizumab. After CAR-T therapy, the patient went into remission within weeks and was off all medication at follow-up.
How is CAR-T therapy different from biologics in ulcerative colitis?
Most biologics work by blocking inflammatory signals. CAR-T therapy targets immune cells themselves, suggesting a deeper immune reset rather than simply controlling inflammation.
Is CAR-T therapy available as a routine treatment for ulcerative colitis in Dubai?
No. This is a single case report and CAR-T therapy is not currently used as a routine treatment for ulcerative colitis.
Why does this case matter for the future of ulcerative colitis treatment?
It matters because it suggests a different treatment direction. If similar responses are reproduced, future therapies may become simpler and safer while aiming to achieve the same kind of deeper immune reset.
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Biologics / Treatment section
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Ulcerative Colitis Diet, Lifestyle & Flare Control
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Gut Microbiome, Leaky Gut & Overlooked Issues
- Diet, microbiome and biologic response in ulcerative colitis
- How the Oxygen Trap May Be Driving Your IBD — And Why Diet Still Matters
- New Test for Diagnosing Crohn’s & Colitis: Microbiome-Based IBD Diagnosis
- Leaky Gut in IBD — What It Really Means
- IBD Breakthrough: How Gut Bacteria Unlock Natural Anti-Inflammatories
- SIBO in IBD — The Overlooked Issue You Shouldn't Ignore
Nutritional Deficiencies & Complications in IBD
Related Gastroenterology Topics
Digestive Conditions
- Gut Microbiome Test
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Acid Reflux Treatment
- Gastritis
- H- Pylori Treatment
- Abdominal Pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Fatty Liver
- Rectal Bleeding
- Functional Dyspepsia
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- Food Intolerances
- Hemorrhoids
Diagnostic Tests & Procedures
- Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test (SIBO)
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT Abdomen / CT Enterography
- MRI Abdomen / MR Enterography
- Urea Breath Test
- Fecal H. pylori Antigen
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