CAR T-Cell Therapy

At UMass Memorial Health, you have access to promising new treatment options, such as CAR T-cell therapy for malignant diagnoses such as lymphomas and myelomas and nonmalignant diagnoses such as lupus nephritis and autoimmune disorders via clinical trials. 

What Is CAR T-Cell Therapy?

Also known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, this therapy uses the immune system to fight cancer. It is for cancers that are difficult to treat and ones that often come back after standard therapies.

Therapy involves modifying cells that protect the body against infection (T cells). These modifications help cells produce special CARs that bind to cancer cell proteins, enabling your body to attack them.

CAR T-Cell Therapy in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

CAR T-cell therapy is an advanced option that’s only available in select cancer centers. UMass Memorial is home to highly skilled hematologist-oncologists and cellular therapy specialists who have a depth of experience and guide your care. Our team also includes certified oncology nurses who oversee treatments. Kind and caring providers look after you every step of the way.

Conditions We Treat Using CAR T-Cell Therapy

We currently use CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancers, including specific forms of:

  • Leukemia: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
  • Lupus nephritis via clinical trials
  • Lymphoma: Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL), Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL), Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma

Exciting research is underway at UMass Memorial to expand use to other cancer types. You may be eligible to take part in these efforts through clinical trials.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy: How It Works

CAR T-cell therapy starts by modifying a sample of your T cells. In a laboratory, experts reprogram the cells to produce chimeric antigen receptors. We then put the modified cells back into your body through a vein (infusion). Careful measures are in place throughout this process to ensure safe, high-quality services.

Here’s more about how it works: 

T Cell Collection

We remove blood through a needle in your arm. The blood flows into an apheresis machine, which removes specific blood components (like T cells). The remaining components flow back into your body through a needle in the other arm. 

Infusion

When the modified cells are ready, we admit you to the hospital and deliver them via infusion. Before receiving CAR T-cells, you undergo a few days of chemotherapy followed by a few days of rest. You then receive a blood transfusion containing your T cells.

Monitoring

It’s necessary to stay in the hospital after CAR T-cell therapy so we can monitor your response. You may receive medications to prevent or control side effects, such as reactions to CAR T-cells (cytokine release syndrome), infections or fever. Monitoring may last a few days or up to several weeks. 

Why Choose Us for CAR T-Cell Therapy?

Expertise

You receive services from hematologist-oncologists and cellular therapy specialists who deliver the best available blood cancer treatments. Our depth of experience with CAR T-cell therapy leads to timely, appropriate care. Our attentive approach makes it possible to manage side effects so you can achieve excellent results.

CAR T-Cell Therapy Research

UMass Memorial is one of the few programs in the region advancing blood cancer treatment through research. We participate in regional and national clinical trials exploring CAR T-cell therapy’s effectiveness for additional cancer types and non-malignant diseases such as lupus nephritis and scleroderma. Find out more about cancer research and clinical trials.

Coordinated Care

CAR T-cell therapy is one of many services that make up your personalized care plan. Hematologist-oncologists may arrange additional treatments before or after CAR T-cell therapy. We also offer comprehensive support from pharmacists, nurse navigators, health psychologists, social workers and palliative medicine doctors. Get more information about cancer resources and support. 

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