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Medical glossary

CAR-T

CAR-T means taking a patient's own T cells, giving them a receptor in the laboratory that recognises a leukaemia marker, and returning them.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Tubing sets and collection bags mounted on an apheresis machine
Figure 1.CAR-T: T cells are collected by apheresis

01Short answer

The steps are apheresis (collecting T cells), manufacturing in the lab (a few weeks), a short course of chemotherapy, the infusion and close monitoring. The main risks are cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological effects (ICANS), long-lasting low blood counts and infections. In leukaemia it is used mainly for relapsed or resistant B-ALL.

02Simple explanation

Your own T cells.

Changed in the lab.

Risk of CRS and ICANS.

Used in B-ALL.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: CAR T-cell therapy changes a patient's T cells so that they attack cancer.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Afterwards

Stay near the centre for the first weeks.

Collection
Figure 2.Illustration: Collection

Urgent

Fever, confusion or changes in speech.

Locking onto a target
Figure 3.Locking onto a target.

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
AfterwardsStay near the centre for the first weeks.
UrgentFever, confusion or changes in speech.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

CAR
Chimeric antigen receptor.
CRS
Cytokine release syndrome.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

How long does CAR-T take?

Preparation takes weeks and the infusion is short; monitoring is long.

Who is it for?

Your doctor assesses this by disease and condition.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How long does CAR-T take?

  2. Who is it for?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: CAR T-cell therapy
  2. National Cancer Institute. CAR T Cells: Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytokine release syndrome
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: febrile neutropenia
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: platelet
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: transfusion
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fluorescence in situ hybridization
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: peripherally inserted central catheter
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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