Dr. Anderson on the Challenges Faced With CAR T-Cell Therapy in Myeloma – OncLive

Larry Anderson, MD, PhD, discusses thechallenges faced withCAR T-cell therapyinpatients with multiple myeloma.

Larry Anderson, MD, PhD, associate professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, discusses thechallenges faced withCAR T-cell therapyinpatients with multiple myeloma.

AlthoughCAR T-cell therapyhas demonstrated efficacy as atherapeutic option forthis patient population,this modality is known to come with specific associated toxicities, according to Anderson.As such, the availability ofCAR T-cell therapy is currently limited to large referral centers,such asbone marrow transplant centers or academic medical centers that have expertiseinstem cell and cell therapies, Anderson explains.

Additionally, CAR T-cell therapyoften requires a multidisciplinary team comprised of social workers, caregivers, and others, Anderson says. After receiving CAR T-cell therapy, patients cannot drive for 2 months due to the risk of neurotoxicity and seizures; as such, patients receiving this modality may require a caregiver.Moreover,due to fevers or other symptoms of cytokine release syndrome,other medical professionals a patient visits will need to be made aware of the treatment, Anderson adds. Additionally, patients generally need to live within hours of theirtreatmentcenter for at least the first month oftherapy, whichcouldimpacttheirlifestyle, according to Anderson.

However, the challenges faced with CAR T-cell therapyare often balanced out by the freedom of not needing to be onadditionaltreatment for the coming years, Anderson concludes.

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Dr. Anderson on the Challenges Faced With CAR T-Cell Therapy in Myeloma - OncLive