This ultrasound test provides pictures of your heart chambers and valves to show how well your heart is functioning. “The process of leukapheresis can strain the heart, so we want to make sure the person is cardiovascularly fit,” explains Daniel Verina, a nurse practitioner at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
An echocardiogram
These tests measure breathing to make sure the lungs are strong enough to withstand treatment.
Pulmonary function tests
A CBC determines red and white blood cell counts, as well as platelet and hemoglobin levels. These results can tell your healthcare team if myeloma
is progressing too quickly to be successfully treated with
CAR T-cell therapy.
A complete blood count (CBC)
You will need to do some prep work as well:
Many treatment centers require patients to have a dedicated caregiver with them from the time of the T-cell collection to the first 30 days after the infusion to provide physical and emotional support. You can choose a family member or friend, or your treatment center can connect you with a social worker. It’s a months-long commitment, so you might also consider having a backup, in the event your caregiver isn’t able to be with you for any or all of the procedure.
Line up a long-term caregiver.
Most private insurance companies, including Medicare, will often cover the therapy. If you’re eligible to receive CAR T-cell therapy, your healthcare team will apply to your insurance company. Note the approval process can take 10 days to 4 weeks.
Make sure your insurance provider will cover CAR T-cell therapy.
To that end, the initial medical workup will help your doctors determine if you’re able to tolerate the treatment. It will involve: