Dr. Shah and Dr. Wang on CAR T-Cell Therapy–Associated Toxicities in Hematologic Malignancies

Bijal Shah, MD, MS, associate member, Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Michael Wang, MD, professor, Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discuss the main CAR T-cell therapy–associated toxicities in hematologic malignancies.

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity are unique toxicities commonly associated with CAR T-cell therapy in patients with hematologic malignancies, Shah says. Additionally, infections can arise with this treatment because CAR T-cell therapy is thought to enhance B-cell aplasia. This compromises cellular immunities and makes patients susceptible to potentially life-threatening infections, Wang explains. It is important to monitor patients with hematologic malignancies who receive CAR T-cell therapy for potential cardiac toxicities as well.

Although the toxicities associated with CAR T-cell therapy are broad, they are routinely seen in real-world clinical practice and require specialized management, Shah and Wang conclude.