Before moving forward, think about the following:

• Treatment history. Your doctor will consider how many lines of therapy you’ve had and whether lymphoma has stopped responding to treatment (refractory).
• Physical health. Your doctor will measure this using a scale called the ECOG Performance Status Scale. Most centers accept patients with a performance status of ECOG 0 to 2 for CAR-T, including performance status using the ECOG scale:
  • ECOG 0: Fully active.
  • ECOG 1: Limited in physically strenuous activity, but can do light house or office work.
  • ECOG 2: Able to walk and do self-care, but cannot do work activities. Must be up and out of bed or off the couch more than half the time when awake.
• Support system. You’ll need access to a healthcare center for cell collection, infusion, and follow‑up. You'll also need a caregiver. If you don't have a caregiver, you may still be able to receive CAR-T. Learn more here: What If I Don’t Have a Caregiver for CAR T-Cell Therapy?
• Impact of wait time. Manufacturing can take weeks. If the lymphoma is progressing too quickly, you may not be eligible for CAR-T unless another treatment, such as a bridging therapy, could work to control the lymphoma while you wait.