In 2013, at just 21 years old, Lingling (pseudonym) was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Since then, she has faced long-term treatment, frequent relapses, and significant changes to her appearance. Over the next decade, repeated flare-ups brought her immense physical suffering and psychological stress. In the summer of 2024, her condition relapsed for the third time, with severe swelling throughout her body and impaired kidney function. She was even given a critical condition notice. Standard treatments could no longer control her illness, leaving her and her family in a difficult situation.

From her initial diagnosis through the following ten years, Lingling sought care at multiple hospitals and received treatments including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and mesenchymal stem cell infusions. Although these therapies occasionally brought temporary relief, relapses were unavoidable. The frequent hospitalizations and relentless pain left her uncertain about the future. She admitted that the most difficult part was not the treatment itself, but the loss of her youth to illness and the changes in her appearance caused by long-term medication side effects, which placed enormous pressure on her mentally.

In October 2024, Lingling learned through a patient community about the clinical exploration of CAR-T cell therapy for lupus. After further research and consultation, she reached out to Professor Yajing Zhang, Director of Rheumatology and Immunology at Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital. With extensive experience in autoimmune diseases and CAR-T clinical research, Professor Zhang and her team carefully evaluated Lingling's condition and designed a CAR-T treatment plan.

Before starting treatment, the medical team optimized her overall condition, managing swelling, improving nutrition, and addressing complications. Lingling then successfully received an autologous CAR-T cell infusion. During the process, she experienced mild fever and bone marrow suppression, which were effectively controlled under close monitoring and timely care. Over time, her key health indicators improved significantly: kidney function recovered, albumin levels rose, and swelling gradually subsided.

Soon after, Lingling was discharged and returned home to recuperate. Follow-up visits confirmed that her condition remained stable, with continued improvement in energy and physical strength. Within two months, she had overcome the persistent swelling and fatigue that had troubled her for years. Her natural appearance returned, and her outlook on life became much more positive. Today, she is preparing to return to the campus where she teaches, eager to once again stand on the playground and resume her role as a physical education teacher.

Doctor's Commentary

According to Professor Zhang, CAR-T cell therapy works by genetically modifying a patient's own T cells to specifically recognize and eliminate overactive B cells, thereby restoring immune balance in lupus. For patients who do not respond well to conventional therapies, this offers a new treatment option. Lingling's case demonstrates both the potential of CAR-T in autoimmune disease and the importance of team-based, individualized medical management for complex conditions.

*Important Note

This case represents the real experience of one patient and is shared for health education purposes only. CAR-T cell therapy for lupus is still in the clinical research stage. Whether it is appropriate for an individual patient must be determined by professional physicians based on specific medical conditions. Patients should always seek medical advice and avoid self-treatment or unverified approaches.