CAR T-Cell Therapy
Puede encontrar esta información en español en lin myeloma.org/car-t
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-Cell therapy is a personalized treatment that uses your own T-cells. CAR-T works better when your immune system is healthier, so ask your doctor early if CAR-T is right for you and when would be the time to use it.
TIMING
2–4 weeks
➍ 2–4 weeks
3–5 days
1 month and then ongoing check-ins
Pros
Step-by-Step
1. Referral: Discuss with your healthcare team whether CAR-T is right for you.
2. CAR-T collection: Your T cells are collected from your bloodstream.
3. Making CAR-T cells: Your own T-cells are modified to fight your myeloma.
4. Bridging therapy: Temporary treatment to control myeloma while your cells are being modified.
5. Lymphodepletion: Low-dose pre-treatment to help your CAR-T cells work.
6. CAR-T infusion: Your healthcare team returns your CAR-T cells to you through an IV.
7. Monitoring: Your healthcare team checks for side effects in the hospital or clinic.
Pros and Cons
CAR-T is a highly effective treatment
Some who don’t qualify for stem cell transplant do qualify for CAR-T
Most have a better experience after CAR-T compared to stem cell transplant
Many patients get a treatment break after CAR-T
Cons
You must have a care partner
Anxiety of waiting for your CAR-T cells
Side effects can be serious
Close monitoring for several weeks near the treatment center
Plan Ahead
Ask your doctor about these possible side effects, which are manageable and usually temporary:
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): Fever, chills
Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS): Headache, trouble talking, clumsiness, confusion, memory problems
Increased risk of infection is managed by preventative medications
Learn about other possible side effects to watch for and how they can be managed.
Ask your healthcare team and contact the IMF InfoLine about available support and resources that can help you:
Get an expert opinion from a myeloma specialist. The IMF can help you find one.
Ask how CAR-T might affect your personal and professional life and/or your care partner’s life.
Learn to build a team of care partners, family, and friends to help you after treatment.
Join a myeloma support group. The IMF can help you find an in-person or virtual group.
Find out about available financial, travel, lodging, meals, parking, and child or pet care help.
Request a calendar for your appointments and medications.
Write down all your questions whenever you think of them.
Want to Learn More?
Scan the QR code for CAR-T podcasts, articles, or go to myeloma.org/car-t As
myeloma.org