What If My CAR-T Therapy Fails?
Posted: Apr 23, 2024
What If My CAR-T Therapy Fails? image

CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized DLBCL treatment, offering remission for many patients. However, a subset of patients experience relapse after CAR-T treatment. This article explores potential treatment options for those facing CAR-T relapse and emphasizes the importance of working with your doctor to create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options After CAR-T Failure

While CAR-T therapy offers significant advantages, some patients experience relapse after treatment. Standard chemotherapy options may show limited effectiveness in such cases. Fortunately, ongoing research is exploring new strategies to address post-CAR-T relapse.

Second CAR-T Infusion

In specific situations, a second CAR-T infusion might be an option, particularly if the initial treatment resulted in a rapid decline of CAR-T cells. Factors like cell availability, patient health post-first infusion, and relapse status will determine eligibility for this approach.

Immunotherapy

Bispecific antibodies are a promising new approach. These "molecular bridges" connect T-cells to cancer cells, enhancing tumor cell recognition and destruction. Epcoritamab is one such antibody showing potential success after CAR-T failure.

Therapy combinations

Lenalidomide, an immunomodulator drug, can be considered alongside other immune-based therapies, like tafasitamab, if there is some CD19 positivity after the initial treatment.

Platinum Salvage Regimen

For patients receiving a second CAR-T infusion, a platinum-based salvage regimen might be explored. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this approach compared to other options.

Individualized Treatment Plans

The optimal treatment approach after CAR-T relapse will vary depending on each patient's unique circumstances. Working closely with your doctor is crucial for creating a personalized treatment plan that considers your specific case, medical history, and overall health.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials play a vital role in advancing treatment options for cancer patients. Discussing participation in relevant clinical trials with your doctor might be an option. They can provide access to cutting-edge therapies that are not yet widely available.

Check the HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder tool to explore which studies are recruiting participants near you.

Sources:

To learn more about CAR T-cell therapy in lymphoma treatment, join us in our next event: CAR T-Cell Therapy Advances in Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

REGISTER HERE

CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized DLBCL treatment, offering remission for many patients. However, a subset of patients experience relapse after CAR-T treatment. This article explores potential treatment options for those facing CAR-T relapse and emphasizes the importance of working with your doctor to create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options After CAR-T Failure

While CAR-T therapy offers significant advantages, some patients experience relapse after treatment. Standard chemotherapy options may show limited effectiveness in such cases. Fortunately, ongoing research is exploring new strategies to address post-CAR-T relapse.

Second CAR-T Infusion

In specific situations, a second CAR-T infusion might be an option, particularly if the initial treatment resulted in a rapid decline of CAR-T cells. Factors like cell availability, patient health post-first infusion, and relapse status will determine eligibility for this approach.

Immunotherapy

Bispecific antibodies are a promising new approach. These "molecular bridges" connect T-cells to cancer cells, enhancing tumor cell recognition and destruction. Epcoritamab is one such antibody showing potential success after CAR-T failure.

Therapy combinations

Lenalidomide, an immunomodulator drug, can be considered alongside other immune-based therapies, like tafasitamab, if there is some CD19 positivity after the initial treatment.

Platinum Salvage Regimen

For patients receiving a second CAR-T infusion, a platinum-based salvage regimen might be explored. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this approach compared to other options.

Individualized Treatment Plans

The optimal treatment approach after CAR-T relapse will vary depending on each patient's unique circumstances. Working closely with your doctor is crucial for creating a personalized treatment plan that considers your specific case, medical history, and overall health.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials play a vital role in advancing treatment options for cancer patients. Discussing participation in relevant clinical trials with your doctor might be an option. They can provide access to cutting-edge therapies that are not yet widely available.

Check the HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder tool to explore which studies are recruiting participants near you.

Sources:

To learn more about CAR T-cell therapy in lymphoma treatment, join us in our next event: CAR T-Cell Therapy Advances in Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

REGISTER HERE

The author Lisa Foster

about the author
Lisa Foster

Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, a writer, and a HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.