Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb: Who, What, When and Why of CAR T

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb, a hematologist from the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, about CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Alkhateeb walks us through the basics of this groundbreaking immunotherapy and how it has evolved as a treatment option for various cancers. CAR T-cell therapy involves collecting a patient's T cells and re-engineering them in the lab to target and destroy cancer cells. This therapy has shown promise in treating blood cancers like B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and even solid tumors like synovial sarcoma.

The origins of CAR T therapy date back to 2011, with the first FDA-approved product arriving in 2017. Since then, the therapy has rapidly expanded to treat more conditions. Dr. Alkhateeb explains that while CAR T is often seen as a last-resort treatment, especially in cases where patients have not responded to other therapies, early referral to CAR T specialists is becoming more common. This shift can improve outcomes, as earlier intervention allows for better preparation and potentially more effective treatment.

He outlines the evaluation process for CAR T therapy, which is similar to that for bone marrow transplants but focuses on assessing the patient’s overall health and suitability for cell collection rather than matching a donor. The cells are then modified in a lab, a process that typically takes two to three weeks. Dr. Alkhateeb notes that manufacturing failures are rare, affecting about 3% of cases.

Post-treatment, patients must be monitored closely for side effects such as drops in blood counts, risk of infections, and specific complications like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. These side effects can be severe but are generally manageable with the right care. Caregivers play a crucial role in this process, especially since patients need to stay near the treatment center for an extended period.

Dr. Alkhateeb also shares inspiring success stories, including one patient with a particularly challenging form of leukemia who achieved remission and is now back to living a normal life. This highlights the life-saving potential of CAR T therapy and its impact on patients who otherwise have limited options.

As we conclude, Dr. Alkhateeb emphasizes the importance of early referrals to specialized centers with experience in CAR T therapy. He expresses optimism about the future of cancer treatment, noting that advancements in this field are providing new hope for patients and their families. We are grateful for his insights and encourage listeners to stay informed about emerging therapies like CAR T, which are transforming the landscape of cancer care.

Links:

• Mayo Clinic Transplant Center: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/transplant-center
• CAR T-Cell Therapy Information: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/car-t-cell
• FDA Approval Information on CAR T Therapies: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-car-t-cell-therapy

This season is made possible thanks to our sponsors:

Kite, a Gilead company: http://www.kitepharma.com/

and Bristol Myers Squibb's CAR T support services program:https://www.celltherapy360.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

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