The duration of remission after CAR T-cell therapy can vary significantly among patients. Based on the available information:
- Long-term remissions: Some patients with certain types of blood cancers, particularly B-cell lymphomas, have experienced durable remissions lasting several years. In one study, 60% of patients who achieved complete response remained in remission at 5 years.
- Variable outcomes: The duration of remission can range from a few months to several years, depending on various factors such as the type of cancer, specific CAR T-cell product used, and individual patient characteristics.
- Multiple myeloma: For multiple myeloma patients, remissions induced by BCMA-targeted CAR T cells are typically more short-lived compared to those seen in B-cell lymphomas.
- Median progression-free survival: In one study of multiple myeloma patients, the median progression-free survival was 8.8 months, increasing to 12.1 months for patients who received the highest dose.
- Ongoing research: Efforts are being made to improve the durability of remissions, including strategies to enhance CAR T-cell persistence and combat antigen escape mechanisms.
- Long-term monitoring: Due to the nature of CAR T-cell therapy as a form of gene therapy, the FDA requires 15-year monitoring for patients who receive this treatment.
It's important to note that CAR T-cell therapy is still a relatively new treatment, and long-term data is still being collected. The duration of remission can vary widely between individuals, and not all patients will experience long-lasting remissions. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential for monitoring the ongoing effectiveness of the treatment.
Sources:
National Library of medicine: Long-term outcomes following CAR T cell therapy
National Library of medicine: CAR T-Cell Persistence
Leukemia and Lymphoma society
National Library of medicine: Remission after CAR T‐cell therapy
Mayo clinic: CAR-T cell therapy
Cancer research UK
