Lexington, Ky. – A local University of Kentucky HealthCare patient is among the first two people in the United States to receive an experimental CAR‑T cell therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The trial, led by UK HealthCare’s Division Chief of Rheumatology Dr. Paramarajan Piranavan, aims to help patients whose disease has not responded to standard treatments.
Patient’s long battle with lupus
Angela Rondn-Coln, 43, was diagnosed with lupus in 2011 after doctors initially mistook swelling in her knees for arthritis. Over the next decade she endured chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and a regimen of prednisone that left her dependent on a cane for walking. “I thought I would never see my kids graduate or hold my grandchildren,” she said, describing the disease as “a sleeping monster” that could flare without warning.
Why CAR‑T therapy?
In 2025, Rondn-Coln’s primary rheumatologist suggested enrolling her in a new CAR‑T cell trial after she developed an allergy to her last medication. CAR‑T therapy re‑programs a patient’s own T‑cells to target and destroy the rogue immune cells that attack healthy tissue. “We reserve it for treatment‑refractory patients with very severe disease activity,” Dr. Piranavan explained. He likened the process to a dialysis machine that extracts white blood cells, enriches the T‑cells, and then modifies them in the lab before returning them to the patient.
Early results bring optimism
The first infusion took place in March 2026. By mid‑June, Rondn-Coln reported she could walk unaided for the first time in years, even taking her dog on walks. “I’ve never been able to walk without prednisone,” she said. “Seeing myself walking again gives me hope for a better quality of life.” While the trial is still in its early stages and participants will require ongoing monitoring, the initial response has been encouraging.
National significance
Only two patients nationwide have qualified for this trial, making Rondn-Coln’s experience a potential bellwether for future lupus treatments. Lupus affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans, disproportionately impacting women of color and often leading to organ damage and reduced life expectancy. Current therapies focus on suppressing the immune system, which can cause serious side effects. CAR‑T therapy offers a targeted approach that could reduce reliance on steroids and improve long‑term outcomes.
Community response
Local advocacy groups have praised the trial as a sign of progress for patients facing chronic autoimmune diseases. “Seeing a Kentucky resident at the forefront of cutting‑edge research reminds us that world‑class medical innovation can happen right here at home,” said a spokesperson for the Kentucky Lupus Foundation. The foundation plans to host informational sessions for patients interested in clinical trials.
Next steps
Rondn-Coln will continue regular follow‑up appointments at UK HealthCare, and the research team will track her immune response and any side effects over the coming months. Results from the trial will be shared with the broader medical community, potentially paving the way for larger studies and wider access to CAR‑T therapy for lupus patients across the country.
For more information about the trial or to inquire about eligibility, readers can contact the University of Kentucky HealthCare rheumatology department.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
