Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, also known as CAR T-cell therapy, is a form of immunotherapy that has shown great promise in treating certain types of blood cancers. CAR T-cell therapy uses a personalized approach to target and destroy cancer cells using the patient’s own immune system.

CAR T-cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for a range of blood cancers. It utilizes genetically modified T cells to help target and eliminate cancer cells. CAR-T cell therapy has expanded and offers new hope for patients with previously limited treatment options.

CAR T-cell therapy is an example of how immunotherapy is transforming cancer treatment

The process of CAR T-cell therapy

CAR T-cell therapies are personalized for each patient. They are made by obtaining the patient’s T cells and recreating them in a specialized laboratory through an intricate process that can take several weeks.

NIH. National Cancer Institute.  CAR T-Cell Therapy Infographic

Cell collection

Patient’s blood is drawn, and T cells are collected, removed, and separated from the blood.

Cell creation

CAR T-cells are created in a special laboratory through a process. CAR genes are inserted into the T cells. Millions of CAR T-cells are produced.

Cell infusion

CAR T-cells are returned to the patient’s bloodstream via IV infusion in a hospital or clinic.

Cell activation

The CAR T-cells circulate in the bloodstream, attaching to the cancer cells and killing them.

Cell expansion

The CAR T-cells can continue to multiply which helps provide long-term activity of these cells with the goal of preventing cancer relapse.

Learn more about this process here.

Which blood cancers are available for CAR T-cell therapy?

The field of CAR T-cell therapy is rapidly evolving. Ongoing research is expanding its use to include additional blood cancers and solid tumors. CAR T-cell therapy provides viable treatment options for patients who may not have many options left.

Patients with blood cancers should discuss treatment options and eligibility for CAR T-cell therapy with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate course of action based on individual patient factors.

CAR T-cell therapy can help treat the following blood cancers:

• B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
• B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
  • Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
    • Primary Mediastinal B-cell Lymphoma (PMBCL)
  • Follicular Lymphoma (FL)
  • Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
• Multiple Myeloma (MM

These treatments are typically appropriate in patients who have tried and failed other treatment options. Consider discussing with your provider if CAR T-cell therapy may be an option for you.

Hope for the future

CAR T-cell therapy continues to develop with ongoing research aiming to improve its safety and effectiveness. For patients facing challenging blood cancers, CAR T-cell therapy represents a treatment option that offers hope for remission and improved quality of life.

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References

• National Cancer Institute. CAR T Cells: Engineering Patients’ Immune Cells to Treat Their Cancers
• American Cancer Society. CAR T-cell Therapy and Its Side Effects