Car T-Cell Treatment

Using your own immune system to fight cancer

What is CAR T-cell therapy?

Pronounced “CAR TEE” stands for:
C
himeric Antigen Receptor T cell

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:

  • B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
  • B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
  • Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Generally speaking, patients eligible for CAR T therapy are those who have received prior treatments that were unsuccessful or were not an option.

How does CAR T work with my immune system?
CAR T uses your own T cells. CAR T involves:

1

Collecting T cells from your blood and sending them to a specialized facility.

2

Changing your T cells
into CAR T cells.

3

Returning your CAR T cells to your blood, where they help your immune cells find and fight cancer.

How to prepare for CAR T Therapy

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.

Planning Ahead

More 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.

Ask for Help and Support

You 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.

Your care team at Nebraska Cancer Specialists and Methodist Hospital will be with you every step of the way.

What is the process like?

CAR T-cell therapy is given as an infusion. The entire treatment process can take several weeks, but generally happens only once. You, your caregiver, and your healthcare team will make a plan that’s customized and unique to you and your needs.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Supportive Care and Resources

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.

Questions for healthcare team:

  • Is CAR T-cell therapy right for me?
  • How can I plan or prepare for CAR T?
  • Where can I learn more about CAR T?
  • How is CAR T different from other treatments?
  • What side effects should I be aware of?
  • Will my cancer go away with this treatment?
  • How long does the treatment take?
  • Can I be around other people during my treatment?
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