CAR T-Cell Therapy
A New Frontier in Immunotherapy
At John Theurer Cancer Center, we are proud to be among the few centers offering CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge form of immunotherapy that shows great promise for treating certain blood cancers. This innovative treatment has been researched for nearly a decade and is now FDA-approved for specific patient groups.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved CAR T-cell therapy for patients up to age 25 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) that has returned or stopped responding to other treatments. It is also approved for adult patients with certain types of large B-cell lymphoma who have relapsed after at least two prior treatments. Ongoing studies suggest that CAR T-cell therapy may soon be available for other blood cancers.
What Is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy involves harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. The process includes:\
- Apheresis: T-cells (a type of immune cell) are extracted from the patient’s blood.
- Genetic Modification: Using a disarmed virus, the T-cells are genetically engineered to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface, allowing them to target specific cancer cells.
- Multiplication: These modified T-cells are grown in large quantities—hundreds of millions.
- Reinfusion: The modified CAR T-cells are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream, where they seek out and destroy cancer cells.
Benefits of CAR T-Cell Therapy
Clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy have shown remarkable results, especially in patients whose cancer returned after multiple treatments. Many patients achieved remissions lasting for years. Others have been able to live longer without their cancer worsening, and some have gone on to receive curative treatments, like stem cell transplantation.
CAR T-Cell Therapy Side Effects
While CAR T-cell therapy has shown significant promise, it is a highly intensive treatment that requires close monitoring. Some patients may experience serious side effects, including:
- Fevers
- Low blood pressure
These side effects occur as the modified T-cells become active in the body. The John Theurer Cancer Center is well-equipped to manage these side effects due to its experience as one of the largest bone marrow transplantation centers in the country. Our specialists have strong backgrounds in immunology, making them particularly skilled at supporting patients through the CAR T-cell therapy process.
John Theurer Cancer Center is committed to offering cutting-edge treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, helping patients with advanced blood cancers achieve lasting remission. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.