CAR T Cell Therapy Step-by-Step
Step 1: Your Consultation
Your journey starts at a consultation with a healthcare team that specializes in CAR T cell therapy. Your team will provide information around the risks and benefits of cell therapy, evaluate if it’s the best treatment option for you, and understand your interest in moving forward.
Additional tests may be performed, which may include:
- Blood tests
- Body scans
- Breathing tests
If you and your healthcare team decide that CAR T cell therapy is a good option for you, an appointment will be scheduled for you to undergo a blood collection procedure, called apheresis.
You may use the resources below to help start the conversation with your healthcare team about CAR T cell therapy and ensure any questions you may have are answered.
Your Team
May consist of:
- Medical Oncologist
- Specialized Nurse(s)
- Pharmacist
- Social Worker
- Caregiver
Estimated Duration
- 1 to 2 weeks
How You Can Prepare
During this first step of the CAR T cell therapy process, there are a few ways you can prepare for the start of your treatment. You may want to do the following:
Meet with a member of your CAR T cell therapy healthcare team to discuss medications and potential side effects
Discuss with family and friends and ask for someone to be by your side as a care partner during this journey
Arrange a leave of absence from work or disability leave
Meet with a social worker to assist you with aspects of this process, such as arranging a leave of absence from work and/or requesting disability
Arrange childcare and/or pet care, if needed
Your Resources
The CAR T Cell Therapy Process
Learn more about the CAR T cell therapy treatment process and possible side effects in this step-by-step guide.
Starting the CAR T Cell Therapy Conversation
These suggestions can help you start a discussion around CAR T cell therapy with your healthcare team.
CAR T Cell Therapy Myths Debunked
Your guide to what cell therapy is (and isn't).
Appointment Checklist
To help get prepared for your upcoming appointments, download this.
Appointment Tracker
There are a number of steps and appointments involved in receiving CAR T cell therapy, to help navigate this consider using this.