The Mechanism of Action of CAR T-cell Therapy
This webpage contains reference information only. We are unable to provide advice on personal medical matters. Please contact your doctor or other relevant healthcare professional or specific, health-related advice and support.
What is CAR T-cell therapy?
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is an individualised treatment where T-cells (type of white blood cell) are removed from a patient and modified so they can recognise and target cancer cells. The engineered cells are then returned to the same patient.
The process
Cell therapy explained in 5 steps
Step 1
Collect
patient’s white blood cells
Step 2
Isolate
and activate the T-cells
Step 3
Engineer
the T-cells with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene
Step 4
Grow
and expand the number of T-cells
Step 5
Infuse
the same patient with engineered T-cells
Patient eligibilty
Who is CAR T treatment for?
CAR T-cell therapy is a specialised treatment option for patients with specific difficult-to-treat blood cancers who do not respond to (refractory) or fail (relapsed) initial treatment. Patients should speak to their doctor or other relevant healthcare professional for specific, health-related advice and support.
CAR T-cell therapy has been studied in patients with a range of blood cancers, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and multiple myeloma (MM).
Given its complex process, CAR T-cell therapy must be administered at a qualified treatment centre where healthcare professionals have undergone a rigorous training process.
How does CAR T-cell therapy work?
The mechanism of action of CAR T-cell therapy
CAR T-cell therapy is an individualised treatment that is changing the way cancer is treated. Cell therapy technology uses the power of a patient’s own immune system to attack certain types of cancer cells.
More information
The following organisations provide information and support for patients living with either leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, as well as information for their loved ones.
Please note that Gilead and Kite are not responsible for the content provided by these independent organisations.
Acute Leukaemia Advocates Network
The Acute Leukaemia Advocates Network (ALAN) is a worldwide coalition of patient advocacy groups. Their mission is to enhance patient advocacy efforts in the field of acute leukaemia, with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
Follicular Lymphoma Foundation
No one should have to endure an incurable cancer. The Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF) is committed to improving this reality. They are the first pioneering charity dedicated to swiftly discovering a cure for FL.
International Myeloma Foundation
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) stands as the foremost and most extensive global organisation with a distinct focus on multiple myeloma. The IMF spans across 140 countries worldwide, comprising a membership of over 525,000 people.
Lymphoma Coalition
The Lymphoma Coalition, a global network of patient organisations dedicated to offering assistance to individuals with lymphoma, was established in 2002 and officially registered as a non-profit organisation in 2010.