ICANS After CAR-T: Neurotoxicity Symptoms Caregivers Should Know

Own your story: https://healthtree.org?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=general_2026q4

CAR-T cell therapy can sometimes cause a neurological side effect called immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Because you know your loved one best, you may be the first to notice subtle changes in how they think, speak, behave, or move. In this HealthTree video, we explain what ICANS is, when to watch for it, early warning signs, how the care team assesses patients in clinic, which symptoms need urgent care, and what to know about steroids used for treatment.

Part of HealthTree University's Caring with Confidence: A Practical Guide for CAR-T Caregivers course.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:28 What is ICANS?

1:26 When to watch for ICANS

2:16 Early warning signs of ICANS

2:42 How the care team assesses for ICANS

5:17 Symptoms that need immediate attention

6:29 Medications used to treat ICANS

This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your CAR-T care team's instructions.

If this video has helped you or a loved one, consider donating to HealthTree. Every donation helps us continue to create free and high-quality blood cancer educational content: https://give.healthtree.org/give/628617/src=htu

For an organized lesson structure, watch on our site here: https://linktr.ee/HealthTreeUniversity

Create a free account to track your progress, bookmark lessons, and keep up-to-date on the latest advancements in treating cancer!

Patients have the key to find cures for cancer. Learn more about HealthTree's services here: https://healthtree.org/curehub?utm_source=social+media&utm_medium=htu+youtube&utm_campaign=htu-curehub&utm_content=general

Educated and empowered patients have better outcomes. We've partnered with hundreds of medical experts and doctors to help you learn more about your disease.