Day 1: T Cell Collection Day
During leukapheresis, you may feel some numbness, tingling, or muscle spasms. If this occurs, you’ll be given supplemental calcium to counter the effects. After the procedure is over, you may feel some fatigue, but you should be back to normal in a day or so.
Day 2 to Week 4 : Bridging Therapy
While your T cells are being genetically modified — a process that takes three to four weeks — you may receive some form of treatment, such as radiation, to help prevent tumor growth or ease any symptoms from the cancer.
Week 4: Chemotherapy Followed by CAR T Cell Infusion
About five days before you receive the infusion, you’ll have three sessions of chemotherapy, one each day. This will clear out some of your white blood cells and make room for the new, genetically engineered T cells. A few days later, you’ll receive the infusion, and your healthcare team will begin monitoring you for side effects like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological changes.
Weeks 5 to 6: Monitoring for Side Effects
You’ll continue to be monitored for side effects for a week or two. If any occur, your healthcare team will help manage them. After two weeks in the hospital, you’ll likely be discharged.
Weeks 7 to 8: Monitoring and Testing
Your caregiver will continue to monitor you for side effects, which can appear up to 30 days after the infusion. During this time, you may also meet with your healthcare team for testing to determine if the therapy is working. If it is, you should start feeling better around this time.
Month 7: Follow-Up Testing Round 1
About 100 days after your infusion, you’ll meet with your healthcare team for another round of testing. (If you live far away, you may be able to have your blood work done locally and send the results to the treatment center before a telemedicine appointment.)
Month 13: Follow-Up Testing, Round 2
You’ll meet with your healthcare team one year after your infusion. You may undergo more blood tests, scans, and biopsies to determine if your cancer is in remission or if you may benefit from another treatment.
