CAR T cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy made from your own T cells by modifying them in a lab and then infusing them into your body as a therapy specific to your disease. Watch the video below to learn about the CAR T cell therapy process.
A specialized team of healthcare providers will care for you during your CAR T cell therapy journey. Members of each team can vary depending on the institution where you are treated.
Your medical oncologist is a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Your medical oncologist may be your main healthcare provider while you undergo treatment for your cancer, and they may also give supportive care and coordinate treatment given by other specialists.
You will likely encounter many nurses and advanced practice providers, like physician assistants and nurse practitioners, who have specialized training related to CAR T cell therapy. They have critical roles in coordinating your care, educating you and your caregiver(s), and helping to manage any side effects you experience, including potential long-term effects.
A social worker can help you and your family cope with your illness and the challenges it brings. For example, social workers may help you find community resources and support services. They may also provide counseling and help with housing and childcare needs.
A clinical pharmacist who specializes in CAR T cell therapy will discuss your medications with you and your caregiver, teach you how to take them properly, and tell you about any side effects they might cause.
In addition to your CAR T team, you may see other healthcare professionals such as a nutritionist or dietician, physical therapist, and more.
Key Terms to Know
The process of taking blood out of the body, separating and removing certain parts of the blood, and then reintroducing the remaining blood back into the body. This process is done in CAR T cell therapy to remove T cells before adding CARs to them. This may also be called leukapheresis.
A specific receptor (or hook) that is added to a person’s T cells that may help them find and fight specific cells.
A T cell with the specific CAR added.
A type of therapy that adds CARs to a person’s own T cells to work with their immune system to find and fight certain illnesses. Some CAR T cell therapies are FDA approved, some are still being studied in clinical trials.
The body’s natural defense against infection and disease, designed to fight colds and other viruses. The immune system includes white blood cells, organs, bone marrow, and other tissues of the lymph system.
A treatment option that seeks to use a person’s immune system to help fight certain diseases and illnesses.
The process of introducing fluids, such as blood or medicine, into the body using an intravenous (IV) method.
A type of white blood cell that are key fighters in the immune system. T cells can be modified to help fight certain illnesses.
Though CAR T treatment will happen in just one day, the CAR T cell therapy journey from start to finish will take several weeks. You, your caregiver, and your healthcare team will work together through the following steps.
Your care team will consider many factors when determining if you're a good candidate for CAR T cell therapy.
Understand how your T cells are collected and reprogrammed into CAR T cells during the manufacturing process.
What you need to know about receiving your single infusion of your CAR T cells.
