Understanding and Optimizing CAR T-Cell Therapy for Patients With B-Cell Malignancies

STATEMENT OF NEED

Although the clinical outcomes of patients with B-cell malignancies such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia have improved during the past decade, many continue to develop relapsed or refractory disease, representing a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. CAR T-cell therapy has been shown to produce significant antitumor responses in these patients, for whom treatment options are limited. However, CAR T-cell therapy is associated with serious adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, anaphylaxis, B-cell aplasia, and tumor lysis syndrome. In addition, the development of resistance to CAR T-cell therapy represents a significant clinical challenge.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. Describe the T-cell manufacturing workflow
2. Differentiate emerging efficacy and safety data on CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies
3. Apply strategies to manage adverse events associated with CAR T-cell therapy, including cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity