4 CAR T Myths for Lymphoma Patients

Moffitt is an established leader in the field of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and chimeric antigen receptor or CAR T cell therapy. Our Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy Program individually assesses each patient’s condition, and our multispecialty team recommends the most appropriate option.  Dr. Michael Jain addresses some of the most common myths our Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy team hear:

• Myth #1: Some patients are too old for CAR T cell therapy or autologous stem cell transplant.
  Older age does not exclude patients for CAR T cell therapy or autologous stem cell transplant. There are abundant studies showing that patients over the age of 70 have similar outcomes to younger patients with these therapies. At Moffitt we have previously treated patients with CAR T cell therapy who are well into their 80s.
   
• Myth #2: My patient has a lot of health issues, CAR T cell therapy too aggressive for them.
  Our studies show that patient comorbidities do not strongly affect outcomes after CAR T cell therapy. We have safely treated patients with heart, lung, or kidney problems, as well as with chronic infections and other issues.
   
• Myth #3: Patients may have long term cognitive or other health issues after CAR T cell therapy or autologous stem cell transplant.
  In studies of both objective and subjective outcomes, almost all patients recover physical and cognitive function within months after these therapies. In truth, patients feel worse when they have uncontrolled cancer, and if the therapy provides durable disease control, patients often feel much better after treatment.
   
• Myth #4: My patient will be in the hospital for a month for CAR T cell therapy or autologous stem cell transplant and it will it take them a long time to recover.
  Patients are spending much less time in hospital than in the past. Some patients can have their CAR T cell therapy or autologous stem cell transplant entirely as outpatients, or with only a brief admission. However, some patients do require longer hospitalizations, and the provider and team will guide patients on their expected stay and recovery that is unique to their situation. In terms of recovery, most patients feel close to their pre-admission energy levels and personal functioning by 6-8 weeks after therapy.

Due to the specialization of our Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy Program (BMT CI), we are able to achieve exceptional outcomes for our patients, and also offer transplantation and CAR T services for many patients with potential contraindications. 

If you'd like to refer a patient to Moffitt Cancer Center, complete our online form or contact a physician liaison for assistance. As part of our efforts to shorten referral times as much as possible, online referrals are typically responded to within 24 - 48 hours.