Can CD4/CD8 T-Cell Ratio Predict Parkinson-Like Side Effects After BCMA CAR-T in Myeloma | IMS 2026

Theresia Akhlaghi, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses immune risk factors for delayed neurotoxicity after BCMA CAR-T at IMS 2026 in Glasgow. Some patients develop Parkinson's-like movement symptoms or memory and thinking changes after CAR-T. Her team found changes in patients' T cells and that a high CD4 to CD8 ratio, measured with a routine blood test before CAR-T, was linked to a much higher risk. This could shape conversations about timing and monitoring.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:23 What is delayed neurotoxicity after CAR-T?

0:53 Studying T cells before and after CAR-T

1:41 The CD4/CD8 ratio as a simple blood test

2:41 What patients should discuss with their doctor