Going through CAR-T cell therapy is a significant process that takes place over several weeks. Here's a general overview of what to expect:
Before Treatment
- Your T cells are collected from your blood through a process where a machine separates them out — this is called apheresis
- The collected T cells are sent to a lab Show Full Answer
Going through CAR-T cell therapy is a significant process that takes place over several weeks. Here's a general overview of what to expect:
Before Treatment
- Your T cells are collected from your blood through a process where a machine separates them out — this is called apheresis
- The collected T cells are sent to a lab where they are genetically engineered to recognize and attack myeloma cells
- This preparation process can take up to three weeks
Receiving the Treatment
- Before the new T cells are returned to your body, you'll go through a short round of chemotherapy called lymphodepletion — this clears the way for the new T cells to work more effectively
- The modified T cells are then given back to you through an IV infusion Hospital Stay & Recovery
- Most people stay in the hospital for several weeks after the infusion so doctors can monitor how things are going and manage any side effects
- Even after being discharged, staying close to the treatment center for a month or more is often required, just in case any complications arise
Side Effects to Be Aware Of
Nearly everyone in clinical trials experienced some side effects. The most common ones include:
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Two more serious side effects to know about are cytokine release syndrome (CRS) — which can cause flu-like symptoms and in rare cases be life-threatening — and neurotoxicity, which can affect thinking and communication. Most cases of CRS are mild, and treatments are available if it becomes severe.
The good news is that CAR-T generally causes fewer side effects than a stem cell transplant, and many people with hard-to-treat myeloma have seen real benefits from it. As always, a thorough conversation with your care team about the risks and benefits is the best first step.
June 20
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