How to Talk to Your Doctor About CAR T Cell Therapy
Understanding your treatment options and having informed conversations with your healthcare team is the first step toward making the best decision for your care.
The Following Information Is Provided by These Patient Advocacy Organizations
Overcoming CAR T Barriers
Get answers to common questions about CAR T-cell therapy
Find a CAR T Center or Specialist
Use one of these trusted directories to locate a CAR T treatment center or specialist near you.
BMT InfoNet Directory of CAR T Centers
Search BMT InfoNet's comprehensive directory of hospitals and CAR T specialists across the country.
HealthTree Specialist Directory
Browse HealthTree's directory of blood cancer specialists to find an expert who can guide your care.
CAR T-cell Therapy: Myths vs Facts
Separating fact from fiction about CAR T-cell therapy
Myths
Facts
CAR T is not a "last option." In fact, some CAR T therapies can now be used to treat patients earlier in their disease.
CAR T may be a treatment option for patients who are not candidates for stem cell therapy. Other patients may eventually have both a stem cell transplant and CAR T.
CAR T cell therapy has been shown to be an effective therapeutic option for both younger and older patients, with similar response rates. Patients may not be candidates if they have had frequent infections or hospitalizations, end stage renal disease, or cardiovascular disease.
CAR T therapy side effects can be serious, but doctors have made a lot of progress in understanding how to manage them both in the hospital and within local community clinics.
There are financial resources available for people having CAR T therapy both in and out of a clinical trial. These resources may include funding, organizations that navigate work or caregiver challenges, insurance and treatment related costs. Speak with your team about oncology social workers or financial navigators to help find out more.