Risks of CAR-T
CAR-T is a powerful treatment; its particular risks are well known and treated early.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
Topic. the risks of CAR-T.
Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.
Write down. Your questions.
Overview. The article “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.
03Scientific explanation
CRS: cytokines released by activated cells; treated with specific medicines.
ICANS: immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity.
04What happens in the body?
The risks of CAR-T
The most common is cytokine release syndrome (CRS): fever, chills and falling blood pressure. The second is neurological effects (ICANS): confusion, trouble speaking and writing, and rarely seizures. The team does simple daily tests (for example writing a sentence). Long-term risks include low blood counts, low B cells and infections.
In more detail
CRS: cytokines released by activated cells; treated with specific medicines. ICANS: immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity.
The overview
This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Immunotherapy and CAR-T”.
05The risks of CAR-T: the steps
Four steps.
06Risks
| Risk | Sign | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| CRS | Fever, chills, weakness | Contact your team now |
| ICANS | Confusion, speech trouble | Contact your team now / 103/112 |
| Infection | Temperature 38 °C or above | Contact your team now |
07Key terms
- CRS
- Cytokine release syndrome.
- ICANS
- A neurological effect of CAR-T.
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
Does everyone get these?
No; for many they are mild and treatable.
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.
Does everyone get these?
Is this the same for everyone?
Where is the overview?
12Sources
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
- New England Journal of Medicine, 2017. Midostaurin plus Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia with a FLT3 Mutation
- New England Journal of Medicine, 2020. Azacitidine and Venetoclax in Previously Untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). T-cell Transfer Therapy
- American Cancer Society. What Is Immunotherapy?
- American Cancer Society. CAR T-cell Therapy and Its Side Effects
- American Cancer Society. Monoclonal Antibodies and Their Side Effects
- American Cancer Society. Immunotherapy for CLL