Friday, February 04, 2022 12:41:45 PM
This is why Car-t isn't the answer:
Possible CAR T-cell therapy side effects
CAR T-cell therapy can be very effective against some types of hard-to-treat cancers, but it can also sometimes cause serious or even life-threatening side effects. Because of this, it needs to be given in a medical center that is specially trained in its use, and patients need to be watched closely for several weeks after getting the CAR T cells.
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): As CAR T cells multiply, they can release large amounts of chemicals called cytokines into the blood, which can ramp up the immune system. Serious side effects from this release can include:
High fever and chills
Trouble breathing
Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Headaches
Fast heartbeat
Feeling very tired
Muscle and/or joint pain
As doctors are gaining more experience with CAR T-cell therapy, they are learning how to recognize CRS early, as well as how to treat it.
Nervous system problems: This treatment can sometimes have serious effects on the nervous system, which can result in symptoms such as:
Headaches
Changes in consciousness
Confusion or agitation
Seizures
Shaking or twitching (tremors)
Trouble speaking and understanding
Loss of balance
Because of the risk of these side effects, adult patients are typically advised not to drive, operate heavy machinery, or do any other potentially dangerous activities for at least several weeks after getting treatment.
Other serious side effects: Other possible serious side effects of CAR T-cell therapy can include:
Allergic reactions during the infusion
Abnormal levels of minerals in the blood, such as low potassium, sodium, or phosphorous levels
A weakened immune system, with an increased risk of serious infections
Low blood cell counts, which can increase the risk of infections, fatigue, and bruising or bleeding
If you are getting CAR T-cell therapy, it’s very important to report any side effects to your health care team right away, as there are often medicines that can help treat them.
Possible CAR T-cell therapy side effects
CAR T-cell therapy can be very effective against some types of hard-to-treat cancers, but it can also sometimes cause serious or even life-threatening side effects. Because of this, it needs to be given in a medical center that is specially trained in its use, and patients need to be watched closely for several weeks after getting the CAR T cells.
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): As CAR T cells multiply, they can release large amounts of chemicals called cytokines into the blood, which can ramp up the immune system. Serious side effects from this release can include:
High fever and chills
Trouble breathing
Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Headaches
Fast heartbeat
Feeling very tired
Muscle and/or joint pain
As doctors are gaining more experience with CAR T-cell therapy, they are learning how to recognize CRS early, as well as how to treat it.
Nervous system problems: This treatment can sometimes have serious effects on the nervous system, which can result in symptoms such as:
Headaches
Changes in consciousness
Confusion or agitation
Seizures
Shaking or twitching (tremors)
Trouble speaking and understanding
Loss of balance
Because of the risk of these side effects, adult patients are typically advised not to drive, operate heavy machinery, or do any other potentially dangerous activities for at least several weeks after getting treatment.
Other serious side effects: Other possible serious side effects of CAR T-cell therapy can include:
Allergic reactions during the infusion
Abnormal levels of minerals in the blood, such as low potassium, sodium, or phosphorous levels
A weakened immune system, with an increased risk of serious infections
Low blood cell counts, which can increase the risk of infections, fatigue, and bruising or bleeding
If you are getting CAR T-cell therapy, it’s very important to report any side effects to your health care team right away, as there are often medicines that can help treat them.
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