Page 6 - CAR-T Brochure 2024

CLL SOCIETY
What are some possible disadvantages
associated with CAR-T therapy?
• When CAR-T therapy is working, it may result in an excessive release of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. This can result in cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS is a collection of potentially mild to life-threatening symptoms that might include fatigue, fever, nausea, chills, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, headache, rash, scratchy throat, and shortness of breath.
• Neurological events (adverse changes in the nervous system) occasionally occur, ranging from mild confusion to seizures.
• Although these side effects can be unpleasant, worrisome, and in rare cases dangerous, they can almost always be fully and quickly resolved with supportive treatments.
• With successful CAR-T therapy, there may be a prolonged loss of all B-cells, a type of white blood cell that makes antibodies. This can impair the ability to fight infections. Should this occur, immunoglobulin replacement may be necessary to help prevent infection.
• CAR T-cell production is currently a slow process. Each batch of CAR T-cells is made for an individual patient on an “on-demand” basis and may take as long as four weeks to manufacture.
Where can more information be found about CAR-T therapy clinical trials for CLL?
• Ask your healthcare provider about whether a CAR-T clinical trial is a good option.
• Visit www.clinicaltrials.gov to search for CAR-T therapy trials that are currently open.
What to Know About the Use of CAR-T Therapy