CAR T-cell therapy is a revolutionary treatment for aggressive lymphomas like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), especially when standard therapies fail. It involves genetically modifying a patient's immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
While highly effective, CAR T-cell therapy can lead to a complication known as immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). This syndrome affects a significant portion (20-70%) of CAR T-cell recipients, typically within the first 3 to 10 days after treatment.
ICANS symptoms range from mild to severe and can include:
Most cases are resolved within 7-10 days with appropriate management.
Traditionally, doctors have used a combination of tests to diagnose ICANS, including:
Current guidelines recommend that doctors use a combination of these tests to diagnose ICANS; however, they tests can be costly, invasive, and may not always change the course of treatment.
A recent study published in Blood Advances challenges the routine use of MRI and lumbar puncture for ICANS diagnosis.
"Some of these tests, like a lumbar puncture, can be extremely taxing and invasive for patients. Here, we wanted to get a better sense of when these interventions are necessary versus when we could do without them", shared Dr. Guillaume Manson, one of the study authors.
The study, which involved 190 patients who received a CAR-T, found that EEG was the most helpful test for guiding treatment decisions:
What Does This Mean for DLBCL Patients Receiving CAR T-Cell Therapy?
These findings suggest that EEG monitoring plays a crucial role in early detection and management of ICANS, potentially reducing the need for more invasive procedures like lumbar puncture. Early identification of brain function issues through EEG allows for rapid intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes.
While this study provides valuable insights, more research is needed to confirm these findings and further refine ICANS diagnostic and management strategies. If you or a loved one are considering CAR T-cell therapy, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare team, including the potential for ICANS.
Continue learning about CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma with our patient webinars. Create a free HealthTree accounts to access the recording below:
CAR T-Cell Therapy Advances in Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Sources:
CAR T-cell therapy is a revolutionary treatment for aggressive lymphomas like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), especially when standard therapies fail. It involves genetically modifying a patient's immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
While highly effective, CAR T-cell therapy can lead to a complication known as immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). This syndrome affects a significant portion (20-70%) of CAR T-cell recipients, typically within the first 3 to 10 days after treatment.
ICANS symptoms range from mild to severe and can include:
Most cases are resolved within 7-10 days with appropriate management.
Traditionally, doctors have used a combination of tests to diagnose ICANS, including:
Current guidelines recommend that doctors use a combination of these tests to diagnose ICANS; however, they tests can be costly, invasive, and may not always change the course of treatment.
A recent study published in Blood Advances challenges the routine use of MRI and lumbar puncture for ICANS diagnosis.
"Some of these tests, like a lumbar puncture, can be extremely taxing and invasive for patients. Here, we wanted to get a better sense of when these interventions are necessary versus when we could do without them", shared Dr. Guillaume Manson, one of the study authors.
The study, which involved 190 patients who received a CAR-T, found that EEG was the most helpful test for guiding treatment decisions:
What Does This Mean for DLBCL Patients Receiving CAR T-Cell Therapy?
These findings suggest that EEG monitoring plays a crucial role in early detection and management of ICANS, potentially reducing the need for more invasive procedures like lumbar puncture. Early identification of brain function issues through EEG allows for rapid intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes.
While this study provides valuable insights, more research is needed to confirm these findings and further refine ICANS diagnostic and management strategies. If you or a loved one are considering CAR T-cell therapy, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare team, including the potential for ICANS.
Continue learning about CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma with our patient webinars. Create a free HealthTree accounts to access the recording below:
CAR T-Cell Therapy Advances in Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Sources:
about the author
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.
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