CAR-T cancer therapy may become available in Estonia in 2026

Innovative CAR-T cell therapy may become available to patients in Estonia as early as this year. Dr Ain Kaare, head of the haematology and oncology clinic at Tartu University Hospital, announced that the introduction of the new treatment method is planned for 2026.

Dr Ain Kaare, head of the haematology and oncology clinic at Tartu University Hospital, has announced that a completely new cancer treatment method – CAR-T cell therapy – may become available in Estonia as early as 2026. This is an innovative approach that represents one of the most promising directions in modern oncology.

CAR-T therapy is based on genetic modification of the patient's own immune cells – T lymphocytes – which enables the cells to precisely identify and destroy cancer cells. This method has proven particularly effective in treating certain types of blood and lymphatic system cancers where conventional treatment methods have not produced the desired results.

The introduction of the treatment method in Estonia would mean that patients would no longer have to travel abroad for treatment, reducing both costs and burden on patients and their families. Tartu University Hospital is Estonia's largest and most comprehensive medical institution, offering specialist care at the highest level.