Common brand names

• Breyanzi

How it is administered

Lisocabtagene maraleucel is administered as a single intravenous (IV) infusion. This therapy is made from your own T cells, which are collected through a process called leukapheresis. The cells are then genetically modified in a laboratory to recognize and attack cancer cells, and are returned to the clinic for infusion back into your body.

Before receiving lisocabtagene maraleucel, you will receive a short course of chemotherapy (called lymphodepleting chemotherapy) to prepare your body for the treatment. The medication is supplied in patient-specific vials and must be thawed and infused within a specific time frame. The infusion is given in a hospital or specialized clinic, and you will be closely monitored for at least 7 days after the infusion.

How it works

Lisocabtagene maraleucel is a type of CAR T-cell therapy. It works by using your own immune system to fight cancer. Your T cells are collected and genetically engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically targets CD19, a protein found on the surface of certain cancer cells, including those in follicular lymphoma.

Once these modified T cells are infused back into your body, they seek out and bind to CD19-positive cells. This binding activates the T cells, causing them to multiply and release substances that kill the cancer cells. The therapy is designed to provide a targeted and powerful immune response against your lymphoma, potentially leading to remission even when other treatments have not worked.

Who should take it

Lisocabtagene maraleucel is indicated for adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) who have received two or more prior lines of systemic therapy. It is also approved for certain other blood cancers, such as large B-cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), under specific conditions.

This therapy is generally considered when standard treatments have not been effective, or if the disease has returned after prior therapies. Your healthcare team will determine if you are eligible based on your medical history, the type and stage of your lymphoma, and your overall health.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for lisocabtagene maraleucel, but it should not be given to patients with active, significant infections or those who are pregnant, as the effects on a fetus are unknown and may be harmful.

Patients with poor organ function, uncontrolled infections, or active graft-versus-host disease may need to delay or avoid treatment. The safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Your doctor will carefully review your health status to ensure this therapy is appropriate for you.

Commonly used with

Lisocabtagene maraleucel is typically used as a single, stand-alone therapy. However, before the infusion, you will receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide to prepare your body for the CAR T-cell therapy.

Supportive medications, such as acetaminophen and antihistamines, are given before infusion to reduce the risk of infusion reactions. Tocilizumab and corticosteroids may be used to manage side effects like cytokine release syndrome or neurologic toxicities if they occur.

Commonly tested with

Lisocabtagene maraleucel has been studied in combination with lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimens (fludarabine and cyclophosphamide) as part of the treatment protocol.

During clinical trials, supportive medications such as tocilizumab (for CRS) and corticosteroids (for severe side effects) were also used as needed. The therapy is not typically tested with other anti-cancer drugs at the same time, but your doctor may consider bridging therapies to control your disease while waiting for your CAR T cells to be manufactured.