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Treatment and the treatment process

How CAR-T cells are made

Making CAR-T takes several weeks and needs careful coordination.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An apheresis machine.
Figure 1.An apheresis machine.

01Short answer

First comes apheresis: a machine filters your blood, collects T cells and returns the rest, over a few hours. The cells are frozen and shipped to a manufacturing lab, where the CAR gene is added and they are multiplied. After quality checks they are returned to the centre. Meanwhile "bridging" treatment may be given to keep the leukaemia under control.

02Simple explanation

Topic. how CAR-T is made.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

03Scientific explanation

Vector: a disabled virus that carries the CAR gene into the cell.

Quality control: cell number, sterility and function are checked.

04What happens in the body?

How CAR-T is made

First comes apheresis: a machine filters your blood, collects T cells and returns the rest, over a few hours. The cells are frozen and shipped to a manufacturing lab, where the CAR gene is added and they are multiplied. After quality checks they are returned to the centre. Meanwhile "bridging" treatment may be given to keep the leukaemia under control.

In more detail

Vector: a disabled virus that carries the CAR gene into the cell. Quality control: cell number, sterility and function are checked.

A lab flask — How CAR-T cells are made
Figure 2.A lab flask — How CAR-T cells are made

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

Frozen cells — How CAR-T cells are made
Figure 3.Frozen cells — How CAR-T cells are made

05How CAR-T is made: the steps

Four steps.

Apheresis — Collection.1ApheresisCollection.
Shipping — Frozen.2ShippingFrozen.
Manufacture — CAR plus expansion.3ManufactureCAR plus expansion.
Return — Checked.4ReturnChecked.

06Stages

StageDurationWhat you do
ApheresisA few hoursSit comfortably, say if you feel cold
ManufactureSeveral weeksBridging treatment, tests
ReturnPlanned datePrepare for admission

07Key terms

Vector
A carrier that delivers a gene into a cell.
Bridging therapy
Treatment to control leukaemia during manufacture.

08Key points

  • Everyone’s plan is individual.
  • Write down and bring your questions.
  • Report new symptoms early.
  • Do not change medicines yourself.
  • For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
  • Overview: “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

09Frequently asked questions

Can manufacture fail?

Rarely; then re-collection is discussed.

Is this the same for everyone?

No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.

Where is the overview?

In the article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.

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. Can manufacture fail?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer
  3. MedlinePlus. Leukemia
  4. American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
  5. Cancer Research UK. Chemotherapy
  6. Cancer Research UK. How you have chemotherapy
  7. Cancer Research UK. Side effects of chemotherapy
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Types of chemotherapy
  9. Macmillan Cancer Support. Chemotherapy — what it is, types, treatment and side effects
  10. American Cancer Society. Targeted Therapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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