Q: Is CAR T-cell therapy available in Israel?
A: As of 2023, yes, CAR T-cell therapy is available in some medical centers in Israel. However, availability may vary, and it's best to consult with CAR-T specialist in Israel for the most current information.
Q: Where can I find CAR-T reliable clinical trials?
A: Israel is at the forefront of CAR T-cell therapy research and development. Read more ->
Q: How effective is CAR T-cell therapy for mantle cell lymphoma?
A: For mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) specifically, CAR T-cell therapy has been shown to be particularly effective. In a recent study of CAR T-cell therapy for MCL, the overall response rate was 93%, with a complete response rate of 67%. This means that nearly two-thirds of patients achieved complete remission after treatment with CAR T-cell therapy.
Q: 5. What CAR T-cell therapies are approved by the EMA (European Medicines Agency)?
A: As of May 2023, the EMA had approved several CAR T-cell therapies. Some of the approved CAR-T treatments included are >>
Q: Can CAR T-cell therapy fail?
A: Yes, CAR T-cell therapy can fail. Some patients do not respond to the treatment, and others might initially respond but then later relapse. The reasons for treatment failure can be diverse, including issues related to the biology of the tumor, the patient's immune system, or the CAR T cells themselves. Researchers are continuously working to improve the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy and to address these challenges.
Q: How long is remission after CAR T-cell therapy?
A: The duration of remission after CAR T-cell therapy can vary widely between patients. Some patients achieve long-lasting remissions, potentially of several years or more, while others might relapse within months. It's important to note that CAR T-cell therapy is still a relatively new treatment modality, and long-term data is being collected. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential for patients who have received this treatment.
Q: Is CAR-T better than chemo?
A: It's not entirely appropriate to label one as "better" universally, as the choice of treatment is dependent on the individual case, including the type and stage of cancer, patient's overall health, and other factors. However, for certain types of leukemia and lymphomas that are refractory to other treatments, CAR T-cell therapy has shown impressive results where chemotherapy failed. Nevertheless, CAR-T can come with its own set of serious side effects, so the decision to pursue it over chemotherapy (or in conjunction with it) is made on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Can CAR T-cell therapy treat leukemia?
A: Yes, CAR T-cell therapy, which stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, has been particularly effective in treating certain types of leukemia, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The therapy involves genetically modifying a patient's own T cells so they can recognize and target cancer cells more effectively.
Q: What are "Home-grown”, “In-house” or “Point of Care” CAR-T's?
A: This is a new approach to CAR T-cell therapy that involves manufacturing CAR T-cells on-site at the hospital where the patient is being treated. Read more >
Q: How many people have had CAR T-cell therapy?
A: As of September 2023, over 20,000 people have had CAR T-cell therapy worldwide. The majority of these patients have been treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). CAR T-cell therapy is also being used to treat other types of blood cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma.
Q: How long do CAR-T side effects last?
A: Most CAR T-cell side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, some side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome, can be severe and require hospitalization. Cytokine release syndrome typically resolves within a few days of treatment.
Q: What chemotherapy is used before CAR T?
A: Chemotherapy is often used before CAR T-cell therapy to weaken the patient's cancer and make them more receptive to the treatment. The specific chemotherapy regimen used will vary depending on the type of cancer the patient has.
Q: Why are car T cells so expensive?
A: CAR T-cell therapy is a complex and expensive treatment. The cost of the treatment is due to the high cost of manufacturing CAR T cells, the cost of hospitalization and monitoring during and after treatment, and the cost of developing and testing the therapy.
Q: Can anyone get CAR T-cell therapy?
A: No, not everyone can get CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy is only approved for the treatment of certain types of blood cancers, such as ALL and DLBCL. Additionally, CAR T-cell therapy is not appropriate for all patients with these cancers. For example, patients who have other medical conditions or who have had prior treatments that are incompatible with CAR T-cell therapy may not be eligible for the treatment.
Q: Is CAR T-cell therapy a last resort?
A: CAR T-cell therapy is not necessarily a last resort. It is a curative treatment option for some patients with blood cancers. However, CAR T-cell therapy is a complex and expensive treatment, and it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of the treatment before deciding whether or not to pursue it.
Q: Is there an age limit for CAR T-cell therapy?
A: As of 2023, there isn't a strict age limit for receiving CAR T-cell therapy. However, the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate the treatment are key considerations.
Q: What is the fundamental principle of CAR T therapy?
A: CAR T therapy, officially known as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy, represents a ground-breaking approach in the field of cancer treatment. This method involves the genetic enhancement of a patient's T cells, a category of white blood cells central to combating disease and infection. The objective is to boost these cells' capability to recognize and annihilate cancer cells.
Q: How is CAR T therapy performed?
A: The journey of CAR T therapy commences with the drawing of blood from a cancer patient. A procedure called leukapheresis, similar to dialysis, is utilized to separate T cells from the extracted blood. These cells are then sent to a lab where they undergo genetic alteration, allowing them to be outfitted with new receptors (CARs) that are primed to attack cancer cells. Post alteration, the enhanced T cells are transfused back into the patient's bloodstream. Once inside the body, the CAR T cells instantly embark on their mission to locate, attach to, and destroy cancer cells.
Q: What kinds of cancer can CAR T therapy treat?
A: CAR T therapy has demonstrated significant effectiveness against blood cancers. Presently, treatment options employing CAR T therapy are extended to patients suffering from lymphomas, myeloma, and leukemia.
Q: How successful is CAR T therapy?
A: Research trials have displayed the remarkable potency of CAR T therapy. For instance, around 90% of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, who previously did not respond to other treatments or relapsed, achieved total remission through CAR T therapy. Total remission signifies that no traces of cancer are detectable in subsequent screenings. For chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, complete remission rates fluctuate between 35–70%, with about one-third of these patients experiencing durable remissions.
While CAR T therapy can occasionally result in a cure, many patients experience long-term remission. However, it's crucial to understand that remissions may not always be everlasting for all individuals.
Q: What potential risks and side effects are associated with CAR T therapy?
A: While CAR T therapy doesn't lead to the typical hair loss associated with chemotherapy, it does come with potential risks, notably cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS, a temporary but severe side effect, emerges when immune cells release proteins called cytokines in response to an infection. Symptoms of CRS resemble severe flu, including high fever, nausea, chills, headaches, rash, fatigue, low blood pressure, body aches, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. However, CRS is manageable and usually short-lived. A drug called tocilizumab can effectively and rapidly reverse CRS. Additional side effects may encompass neurological symptoms such as confusion, speech difficulties, tremors, or seizures. These effects are generally temporary and reversible. Long-term effects of CAR T therapy are still under investigation since the therapy has been available for just over a decade. So far, no unexpected long-term complications have been reported.
Q: Has the FDA approved CAR T-cell therapy?
A: The first CAR T-cell therapy received FDA approval in 2017. Currently, the FDA has approved six CAR T-cell therapies for cancer treatment, including Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta) and Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah).
Q: How long do CAR T cells last in the body?
A: Regarded as a "living drug," CAR T cells are designed to stay in the body to continuously combat cancer. For many patients, CAR T cells persist for months or even years after a one-time treatment. However, for some, the T cells may diminish quickly. The factors determining the longevity of CAR T cells remain a subject of ongoing research.
Q: What is the recovery period post CAR T-cell therapy?
A: Post infusion, patients may require hospitalization for up to two weeks and can expect a recovery period of around two to three months. During this time, patients are closely monitored for side effects and treatment response, with hospital admission not uncommon to manage complications. For the first 30 days post-infusion, patients are required to stay in proximity to the medical facility for regular follow-up care.
Q: How can I determine if I or my loved one is eligible for CAR T-cell therapy?
A: Reach out to us to explore your eligibility for undergoing CAR T therapy in Israel’s hospitals and to understand the estimated waiting time.
Q: Will my insurance cover CAR T-cell therapy?
A: Insurance coverage for CAR T-cell therapy varies as it's a relatively new treatment form. If you're deemed a suitable candidate and cannot access the treatment in your home country, some insurance companies may cover the expenses.
Q: What is the new treatment for cancer in Israel?
A: Israel is at the forefront of various medical research fields, including cancer treatment. Treatments may include new chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies like CAR T-cell therapy. The availability of new treatments can change rapidly, so consult healthcare providers for the most current information.
Q: How much does CAR-T therapy cost?
A: In the United States, the cost of CAR T-cell therapy can range from $375,000 to $475,000, excluding associated costs like hospital stays and supportive care. Prices may vary in other countries. In Israel, the cost of CAR-t’s is more affordable..
Q: What is the success rate of CAR-T?
A: The success rate of CAR T-cell therapy varies based on the type of cancer being treated, how advanced the disease is, and other individual patient factors. For some types of leukemia and lymphoma, response rates have been reported to be over 80%, but these rates can vary. For Multiple Myeloma - 90%.
Q: Who pays for CAR-T therapy?
A: CAR T-cell therapy can be expensive, and payment options may include private insurance, government-funded healthcare programs, or out-of-pocket payments. In Israel, a patient will be asked to pay the hospital out of pocket prior to arriving for treatment.
Q: How successful is CAR T-cell therapy?
A: The effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy can vary based on several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. In some cases, the therapy has been remarkably effective, especially for certain types of blood cancers like acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Q: Who is a good candidate for CAR T-cell therapy?
A: Generally, CAR T-cell therapy is considered for patients with certain types of blood cancers that have not responded to at least 2 or 3 lines of treatments. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare team is essential to determine if someone is a good candidate.
Q: How long do you stay in hospital for CAR T therapy?
A: Hospital stay lengths can vary but usually around 21 days of hospitalization. Not including the ambulatory pre-treatment procedures, and post-treatment monitoring.
Q: What is the recovery time for CAR T?
A: Recovery time can vary widely among patients. Some people may feel better within a few weeks, while others may take several months to recover fully.
Q: Are there side effects to CAR-T?
A: Yes, CAR T-cell therapy can have severe side effects, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurologic toxicity, and infection risks, among others.
Q: What are the long-term side effects of CAR-T?
A: Long-term side effects are still not entirely understood, as CAR T-cell therapy is a relatively new treatment. However, potential long-term risks may include ongoing immune system issues and chronic infections.
Q: Do you get chemo before CAR-T?
A: Yes, most patients receive a type of chemotherapy known as lymphodepleting chemotherapy before CAR T-cell infusion to make space for the engineered T cells to grow and work more effectively.
Links
CAR-T Cell Therapy for Blood Cancers: A Global Overview
CAR-T cell therapy in Israel
CAR-T for Leukemia and Lymphoma in Israel
CAR-T for Myeloma in Israel
CAR-T cell therapy for leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in Europe
CAR-T cell therapy for Multiple Myeloma patients in Europe
CAR-T therapy for international patients
CAR-T therapy in Spain
CAR-T cell therapy in Germany
CAR-T cell therapy in Japan
