What is CAR T-cell therapy?Pronounced “CAR TEE” stands for: CAR T-cell therapy, sometimes called CAR T, uses your body’s own immune system and cells to fight cancer. It has been shown to help patients with certain blood cancers such as:
Generally speaking, patients eligible for CAR T therapy are those who have received prior treatments that were unsuccessful or were not an option. |
1Collecting T cells from your blood and sending them to a specialized facility. |
2Changing your T cells |
3Returning your CAR T cells to your blood, where they help your immune cells find and fight cancer. |
Receiving CAR T TreatmentIn the US, CAR T isn’t offered at every cancer clinic. Nebraska Cancer Specialists and Methodist Hospital are proud to be among the few in the region offering the CAR T treatment. |
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Planning AheadMore than one visit can be expected for the treatment. You may want to talk with your caregivers about helping with transportation and home safety. Lodging options are available if you live a long distance from the hospital. |
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Ask for Help and SupportYou may want to have more than one caregiver with you during the CAR T treatment process. It’s especially important to have a full-time caregiver with you for several weeks after your CAR T infusion. |
Receiving CAR T Treatment In the US, CAR T isn’t offered at every cancer clinic. Nebraska Cancer Specialists and Methodist Hospital are proud to be among the few in the region offering the CAR T treatment. |
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Collecting your T cells (apheresis) On the day of your collection, you will go to the hospital for your appointment. Your T cells will be collected from your blood, then shipped to a specialized facility. |
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Waiting for your CAR T cells After the collection process is complete you can go home. The CAR T cells will be ready in approximately 2 – 4 weeks. You will work with your care team to identify next steps depending on your individual care plan. |
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Receiving your CAR T cells The CAR T-cell therapy will be given at the hospital. A few days prior to your infusion, you’ll receive a low dose of chemotherapy to prepare your body. The CAR T cells are inserted into your body by an infusion similar to chemotherapy. |
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Recovering from treatment You may need to stay near the hospital for a few weeks after your treatment. Your CAR T care team will continue care for you and will manage any side effects you may experience. |
You may need one or more caregivers with you during the CAR T treatment process.
It’s especially important to have a full-time caregiver with you for several weeks after your CAR T infusion. Consider thinking about who this person may be and discuss the involvement of the support that will be needed.
There are programs that may help with the extra costs that go along with CAR T.
Your health insurance may also provide some coverage. A patient financial advocate from NCS will meet with you to review what to expect and what assistance is available.
You are not alone. Your care team is always here for you.
Additional resources are also available to help you through your treatment journey such as counseling, peer mentors, and support groups. These programs are specifically designed to help support you throughout your treatment process.
When you experience any symptoms or side effects, or if you have any questions at any time, please call us.
We are here to help you on this journey.
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