Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Immunotherapy
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy reprograms patient T-cells with a synthetic CAR construct targeting CD19 or BCMA antigens, destroying relapsed B-cell ALL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and multiple myeloma.
CAR-T cell therapy (blood cancers)
Clinical Overview & Disease Information
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy reprograms patient T-cells with a synthetic CAR construct targeting CD19 or BCMA antigens, destroying relapsed B-cell ALL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and multiple myeloma.
Signs & Symptoms
- • Rapidly enlarging painless lymph nodes or abdominal fullness
- • B-symptoms (fever, drenching night sweats, weight loss > 10%)
- • Relapsed B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)
- • Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) after 2+ lines of chemo
- • Relapsed Multiple Myeloma unresponsive to proteasome inhibitors
- • Severe Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS - high fever, hypotension, hypoxia)
- • Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS - delirium, dysphasia, seizures)
Causes & Risk Factors
Primary Causes & Etiology
- Refractory B-cell malignancies expressing surface CD19 antigen
- Relapsed Multiple Myeloma expressing B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)
Who is at Higher Risk?
- Patients with refractory DLBCL, B-ALL, or Myeloma who have failed standard chemotherapy and prior stem cell transplant
Diagnostic Evaluation & Testing
| Diagnostic Test | Clinical Purpose / What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Flow Cytometry CD19 / BCMA Surface Expression & Whole-Body PET-CT | Confirms target antigen positivity on tumor cells and measures metabolic tumor volume |
| Baseline Ferritin, CRP, & Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Inflammatory Biomarkers | Establishes safety baseline for Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) monitoring |
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Autologous T-Cell Leukapheresis, Genetic CAR Construct Transduction & Infusion
Harvesting patient T-cells, viral vector genetic transduction, lymphodepleting chemotherapy (Fludarabine + Cyclophosphamide), and CAR-T cell infusion.
CRS & ICANS Neurotoxicity Management Protocol (Tocilizumab + Dexamethasone)
Immediate IL-6 receptor antagonist Tocilizumab administration upon CRS onset.
Advanced Medical Technologies Available in Partner Hospitals
Possible Complications If Untreated
Recovery Timeline, Diet & Lifestyle Care
Recovery Timeline
| Procedure / Stage | Expected Recovery Duration |
|---|---|
| Lymphodepleting Chemotherapy | Days -5 to -3 |
| CAR-T Cell Infusion & Inpatient CRS Monitoring | Days 0 to +14 |
| Outpatient Follow-up & PET-CT Scan | Month 1 to Month 3 |
Recommended Post-Treatment Diet
- Neutropenic clean diet
- Adequate fluid hydration
Essential Lifestyle Changes
- Stay within 30 minutes of CAR-T treatment center for first 4 weeks
- No driving for 8 weeks post-infusion (ICANS precaution)
- Wear N95 mask
Prevention & Long-Term Health
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CAR-T cell therapy work?
Your own T-cells are genetically engineered in a specialized lab to recognize and destroy CD19 or BCMA cancer cells upon re-infusion.
Top Recommended Specialists Available
Dr. Gaurav Dixit
Head – Haematology Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant (Unit II)
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Dr. Arun Singh Danewa
Senior Consultant – Pediatric-Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant (Unit II)
View Doctor Profile →Global Cost Comparison Matrix
| Procedure | USA (Avg) | India (ISG) | Turkey (Avg) | Thailand (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAR-T cell therapy (blood cancers) | $450,000 | $38,000 | $80,000 | $90,000 |
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Get Free Treatment EstimateCommonly Prescribed Medications
- Tocilizumab (Actemra) 8mg/kg IV (CRS Antidote)
- Dexamethasone 10mg IV
- Fludarabine + Cyclophosphamide
- IVIG Immunoglobulin
International Patient Guide
- Passport & Visa
- Flow Cytometry CD19/BCMA & PET-CT Records