Publication: New Promising Results from the Dutch CAR-T Tumorboard Experience.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, also known as CAR T-cell therapy, is a form of immunotherapy utilised in the treatment of cancer. For this therapy, a technique involves altering T cells in a laboratory setting, enabling them to identify and combat cancer cells. Once modified, these T cells, referred to as CAR T-cells, are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream to target specific proteins found in cancer cells (for example, CD19). T cells, a subset of white blood cells, are integral to the immune system’s function as they detect and eliminate abnormal cells (such as cancer cells). CAR T-cell therapy augments this immune response, and clinical trials have shown that it represents a novel and successful approach for patients with blood, bone marrow, and lymph node cancer (hematologic malignancies) who have relapsed (cancer recurrence) or shown resistance to conventional treatments. Ongoing research endeavours to determine the duration of effectiveness of these modified T cells within the body in patients treated outside of clinical trials (in the ‘’real world’’), evaluate the side effects it can cause, and assess the effect on health-related quality of life.

The most recent publication from QUALITOP presents promising real-world data gathered from a population-based study focusing on patients with relapsed or refractory (non-response to treatment) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, and transformed follicular lymphoma). The research examined individuals aged 18 and above with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL) after failing at least two prior systemic treatments who were referred to the Dutch national CAR-T tumour board for consideration of CD19-CAR-T therapy. The study analysed 250 patients who were referred between May 2020 and May 2022. Out of the 250 patients, 160 were considered eligible for CAR-T therapy and underwent apheresis of their T-cells, and 145 actually received an infusion with CD19-CAR T-cells (product: axicabtagene ciloleucel). The main reasons patients were ineligible included not meeting the official registration label of the CAR-T product (for example, not having the cancer diagnosis LBCL) or having too rapidly progressive and aggressive disease that could not be controlled during the CAR-T manufacturing period. Data were collected regarding response to therapy, occurring side effects, and health-related quality of life.

Among patients treated with CAR-T therapy in the Netherlands, 84% responded, and 66% had a complete response. The one-year progression-free survival rate was 48% (remaining alive without cancer progression one year after treatment), and the one-year overall survival rate was 62% (alive one year after treatment). The study revealed a significant improvement in health-related quality of life nine months after CAR-T therapy. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of exploring additional treatment options for patients who do not respond to CAR-T therapy. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the real-world outcomes of CAR-T therapy and its impact on patients’ quality of life.

To read this research in detail, follow this link below:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37686611/