CAR T Therapy for Cancer Patients from Gulf Coast, FL
People from the Gulf Coast of Florida and throughout the country have access the latest innovations in cancer treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. One such treatment is CAR T therapy, a type of immunotherapy and a "revolution" in lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma treatment that harnesses the body’s innate healing abilities.
What happens during CAR T therapy?
CAR T therapy uses the immune system’s T cells, which are responsible for attacking bacteria, viruses and other noncancerous threats to health. This one-time procedure involves genetically modifying T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), essentially rewiring the cells to seek out and destroy cancer while leaving healthy cells untouched.
Here is a brief overview of the treatment process:
- A blood sample is taken from the patient.
- The blood sample is processed in a lab to isolate and modify the T cells.
- The T cells are reintroduced to the patient after a few days. Chemotherapy may be administered prior to reintroduction to help prepare the body for the modified cells.
How effective is CAR T therapy?
CAR T therapy has proven successful for many patients in the Gulf Coast, FL, region and beyond who have not responded to other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given CAR T therapy breakthrough status when used as treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and B-cell lymphoma. Moffitt is currently spearheading research initiatives to discover more about this therapy’s potential to treat other cancers and help improve quality of life.
Moffitt is among a select few cancer centers in the Gulf Coast, FL, region with oncologists who are certified to administer CAR T therapy. If you are traveling to Moffitt to receive CAR T therapy or another type of treatment, be sure to take advantage of reduced rates at our partner hotels.
To reserve an appointment with a Moffitt physician and learn more about this breakthrough treatment, contact 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online.