What is CAR T-cell therapy?

CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy that involves modifying your immune system to fight certain types of cancer. CAR T-cell therapy is available at Northwestern Medicine through standard of care treatments that have been approved by the FDA and through clinical trials.

How does it work?

The process begins with the collection of T-cells (a type of white blood cell) from your blood through a large vein during a procedure called leukapheresis. The collected T-cells are transported to a laboratory where they are genetically modified to express a specific protein on the surface of the cell called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The modified T-cells are then reinfused into your body where the new receptors help them to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

What are the potential side-effects?

CAR T-cell therapy is a highly unique treatment that is associated with side effects that can be severe and even life-threatening. It may cause side effects that can be severe and even life-threatening. The CAR T-cell therapy care team at Northwestern Medicine is specially trained in identifying and treating these side effects. The most frequent side effects are described below.

1. Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): In some patients, the immune system may become overactive as the CAR T-cells travel through the body. This causes substances called cytokines to release into the system. This can make you feel like you have the flu, with a high fever and/or chills. Other symptoms that may occur include low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or confusion. These symptoms can be mild or severe. Your team will monitor you frequently to help control these symptoms.
2. Neurologic side effects: In some patients, the immune activation after CAR T-cell infusion may alter the brain and neurologic system temporarily. These changes can present as confusion, difficulty with talking or memory, or even in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Your team will monitor you frequently and may give you special medications to help prevent or control these problems.

If you qualify for CAR T-cell therapy, your care team at Northwestern Medicine will talk with you in more detail about these and other side effects.

Who can benefit from CAR T-cell therapy?

CAR T-cell therapy has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat:

• Patients with some forms of fast-growing, non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has progressed after prior treatment(s)
• Patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Patients with multiple myeloma that has progressed after prior treatment(s)

CAR T-cell therapy is also currently being studied in clinical trials for its effectiveness with other types of cancers. Click below to find CAR T-cell therapy clinical trials at Northwestern Medicine.

View Open Clinical Trials