By Annette Pinder 

CAR T-cell therapy is a relatively new cancer treatment that uses a patient’s own immune system to help fight cancer. It has been particularly beneficial for some patients with blood cancers who have not responded to other treatments. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy in which doctors collect T cells, a type of immune cell, from a patient’s blood and modify them in the laboratory so they can better recognize and attack cancer cells. CAR stands for chimeric antigen receptor, a special protein added to the T cells that helps them locate cancer. 

The process begins with leukapheresis, which is similar to blood donation. During this step, T cells are removed, and the remaining blood is returned to the body. The cells are then sent to a lab where they are genetically modified and multiplied. According to the American Cancer Society, these altered T cells are trained to recognize a specific marker on cancer cells, allowing them to target the disease more accurately. 

Once the CAR T-cells are prepared, the patient receives a short course of chemotherapy. This isn’t intended to kill the cancer but to create space in the immune system so that the new cells can function more effectively. The CAR T-cells are then infused back into the bloodstream, similar to a blood transfusion. 

CAR T-cell therapy is currently approved for the treatment of certain leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is often used when cancer has returned or has not responded to standard treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. For some patients, CAR T-cell therapy has resulted in long-lasting remission and renewed hope. 

Because CAR T-cell therapy strongly activates the immune system, side effects can happen. According to the National Cancer Institute, one of the most common serious side effects is cytokine release syndrome, which can cause fever, fatigue, low blood pressure, or trouble breathing. Some patients may also experience transient neurological symptoms, such as confusion or difficulty speaking. These side effects are closely monitored, and treatment is provided in specialized centers equipped to manage them. 

Researchers continue to improve CAR T-cell therapy. According to the American Cancer Society, it is conducting studies to make the treatment safer, more accessible, and more effective for solid tumors such as breast or lung cancer. 

For patients and families facing tough choices, CAR T-cell therapy exemplifies personalized medicine by using the body’s own defenses to fight cancer. Although it’s not suitable for everyone, it has improved outcomes for many and continues to shape the future of cancer treatment.