CAR-T therapy, a specialized treatment, is governed by stringent international protocols, and eligibility is not determined solely by individual doctors. Additionally, the criteria can change over time. The information provided here is accurate as of May 2024.
Current CAR-T Therapy Availability in Israel
As of now in Israel, CAR-T therapy is available only for certain types of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It's important to understand that these diseases come in various types and variations, so the eligibility criteria may differ based on the specific disease.
Key Inclusion Criteria for CAR-T Therapy:
- Age: Eligible patients must be over one year old.
- Organ Function: Patients must have adequate organ function to qualify.
- Disease Type: The treatment is available for any relapsed or refractory B-lymphoproliferative disorders that show CD19 expression.
- Previous Treatments: Patients must have undergone at least two lines of standard therapy, although the criteria were amended in 2023 to include patients who have had one or more lines of therapy for large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL).
- Post-Bone Marrow Transplant: Patients must be at least 100 days post-stem cell transplant (SCT) with no active graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Key Exclusion Criteria:
- Hyperleukocytosis: Patients with a white blood cell count greater than 50,000 are not eligible.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are excluded from receiving CAR-T therapy.
- Infectious Diseases: Patients with active hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV are ineligible for treatment.
For the most accurate and personalized information, potential candidates should consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in this therapy.
Source: A lecture by Dr Avigdor Abraham , EBMT 2024
