CAR T-cell Therapy Side Effects
The immune system finds and defends the body from infection and disease. T cells are immune system cells that help the immune system respond to disease and directly kill diseased cells. In Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, T cells are modified to recognize and attack cancer cells.
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of cellular immunotherapy. Side effects generally occur immediately after infusion but can also occur several weeks later. It is important to talk to your healthcare team about symptoms to look for and steps to take if you experience them. Because of the unique toxicity associated with CAR T-cell therapy, patients must stay close to their treatment center for 30 days after treatment begins.
If you experience side effects during or after treatment, your care team can prescribe medications to help manage them.
What are the side effects of CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy side effects can vary from person to person and depend on several factors, such as:
- Your overall health before treatment
- The type and stage of your cancer
A potentially serious side effect is cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Cytokines are chemical messengers produced by T cells. They help organize the immune system’s fight against disease. In CRS, too many cytokines are produced.
CRS can be mild, with symptoms such as a fever. Some cases are serious, causing dangerously low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and/or organ failure. After patients receive their CAR T infusion, doctors monitor for CRS and have effective treatments for those who develop the condition.
Other side effects from CRS may include:
- Chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Muscle/joint pain
CAR T-cell therapy can sometimes have severe effects on the nervous system, which can result in symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
Due to the potential side effects on the nervous system, patients may be advised to avoid activities like driving or operating heavy machinery for several weeks after treatment.
Other possible side effects of CAR T-cell therapy can include:
- A weakened immune system that can lead to fever and infections
- Low blood cell counts that may cause fatigue or bruising
- Allergic reactions
CAR T-cell therapy is a newer treatment and doctors are monitoring patients to uncover any long-term impacts. Talk with your care team about this treatment's potential risks and benefits.
Learn more about CAR T-cell therapy.
