Uruguay Implements and Produces CAR-T Therapy, Transforming Pediatric Cancer Care in the Region
Pérez Scremini Foundation has achieved a historic milestone in Latin American oncology by implementing and producing CAR-T cell therapy for children and adolescents with cancer for the first time in Uruguay. This breakthrough offers new hope where no options previously existed, positioning the country as a regional pioneer and a leader in scientific and healthcare innovation.
CAR-T therapy, approved by the National Institute of Donation and Transplantation and developed under internationally validated clinical protocols, is provided free of charge to patients. To date, two children have successfully completed the treatment, and two more will begin in the coming days.
What makes this initiative particularly groundbreaking is that the CAR-T cells are produced directly at Pérez Scremini Foundation, within the same hospital where children are treated. This local, point-of-care approach not only shortens critical waiting times but, most importantly, significantly reduces costs, making one of the world’s most advanced cancer therapies accessible in Uruguay.
In addition, Pérez Scremini Foundation is working in close cooperation with Hospital de Clínicas (Clinics Hospital), one of the country’s largest public hospitals, to expand CAR-T production for adult patients. This partnership paves the way for broader access to this state-of-the-art immunotherapy across the Uruguayan population.
This historic advance was made possible thanks to the support of the Maestro Cares Foundation, co-founded by global artist Marc Anthony and entrepreneur Henry Cárdenas, who donated the specialized equipment needed to carry out CAR-T therapy in Uruguay. Their contribution was essential in making this transformative step in cancer treatment possible.
About Pérez Scremini Foundation
Pérez Scremini Foundation is dedicated to curing childhood and adolescent cancer in Uruguay. The Foundation manages the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Service at Hospital Pereira Rossell, the country’s main public pediatric hospital.
Its mission is to ensure that every child and adolescent in Uruguay diagnosed with cancer receives comprehensive, high-quality, and completely free care. This includes access to the most advanced technologies and treatments available, along with psychosocial support for patients and their families to maximize chances of recovery.
Each year, Pérez Scremini treats approximately 1,500 patients from across the country and has achieved a remarkable 80% cure rate. This commitment to excellence and universal access has made the Foundation a regional reference in pediatric oncology.
You can find more posts featuring Pérez Scremini Foundation on OncoDaily.
