CAR T-cell (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) therapy is a form of immunotherapy
that enhances the patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells
more effectively. This therapy can be an option for adults with
lymphoma that hasn’t responded to traditional chemotherapy, as well as for
children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic
leukemia.
In the immune system, T-cells are responsible for destroying abnormal or
infected cells, including viruses and cancer.
Patients benefit OU Health being home to the state’s only
CAR-T therapy program.
Oklahoma’s Only CAR-T Therapy Program
OU Health is home to the state’s only CAR-T therapy program. CAR-T
is a specialized form of immunotherapy that uses genetically engineered
T-cells to enhance the ability of a patient’s immune system to attack
cancer cells. There is a possibility of it being found in adults with
the following types of cancers:
Other types of cancer and medical conditions undergoing clinical studies
However, in some patients, T-cells may not detect or destroy cancer cells
effectively, or there may not be enough T-cells. CAR T-cell therapy involves
genetically modifying T-cells to improve their ability to detect, target,
and destroy cancer cells.
Comprehensive CAR-T Therapy Process
Our cancer specialists assess each patient to determine their eligibility
for CAR T-cell therapy. After determining eligibility, this comprehensive
treatment process takes a few weeks and involves the following steps:
Blood Collection
Initially, the patient’s blood is processed through a specialized
machine that extracts T-cells and returns the blood to the body. This
procedure is painless and similar to donating blood, though it takes several
hours to complete.
Genetic Modification of T-Cells
In a specialized laboratory, the T-cells are genetically altered using
a disarmed virus. During this period, you will stay in the hospital, typically
for several weeks. The T-cells are modified to recognize cancer cells
and then multiplied to effectively combat the disease. These modified
T-cells, now equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), are cultured
to multiply into millions. This step can take several weeks.
Chemotherapy
The patient undergoes a short course of chemotherapy to reduce certain
immune cells that might interfere with the new T-cells. To help improve
the function of the cells, a lymphodepleting chemotherapy treatment is
given to the patient before the CAR-T infusion.
Infusion
The modified cells are infused into the body under the monitoring of the
CAR-T care team on an outpatient basis. After the infusion, our CARt team
will closely monitor you for side effects and ensure your condition is
stable before you are discharged to go home.
Once infused, the genetically modified T-cells continue to multiply and
circulate throughout the patient’s bloodstream, enhancing the body’s
ability to target and attack cancer cells.
Post-Infusion Care at OU Health
After receiving the CAR T-cell infusion, patients are required to stay
near the hospital for at least four weeks. Depending on the type of cancer,
the patient’s condition, and the specific treatment plan, this period
may involve outpatient care or a combination of inpatient and outpatient
care. It is essential for all patients to have a caregiver with them at
all times to assist with care and monitor for any
side effects.
Request an Appointment
Learn more about how CAR-T may benefit your unique condition.
As part of your Stephenson Cancer Center experience, you’ll partner
with our dedicated, knowledgeable hematology nurse navigator who coordinates
all aspects of your care. You and your caregivers can count on your navigator
to serve as the best resource for helpful information, guidance and scheduling
assistance throughout your journey.
Your Specialized CAR-T Therapy Team
Your choice to get care at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center means you
benefit from expertise you won’t find at other cancer centers in
the state or region. You’ll work with experienced physicians who
hold significant training in malignant hematology, cellular therapy and
transplantation, as well as an expert hematopathologist onsite for quick
evaluation of test results, specially trained nurses devoted to your care
and a wide range of health professionals from multiple disciplines who
apply their knowledge to your specific situation.
Clinical Trials & Innovative Research
At OU Health, you have access to the latest CAR T-cell therapy clinical
trials for a variety of cancers. These trials include additional subtypes
of leukemia and lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and solid tumors such as
breast cancer,
lung cancer,
pancreatic cancer, and
prostate cancer.
Choosing Stephenson Cancer Center means you benefit from expertise you
won’t find at other cancer centers in the state or region. You’ll
work with experienced physicians who hold significant training in malignant
hematology, transplant and cellular therapy. Benefits also include an
onsite expert hematopathologist for quick evaluation of test results,
specially trained nurses devoted to your care and a wide range of health
professionals from multiple disciplines who apply their knowledge to your
individual condition and dedicated to your care.
Hematology & OncologyOklahoma City, OK
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