Exploring the Current Role of CAR T Cells in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Jae Park, MD, discusses his key takeaways from chimeric antigen receptor T cells in the treatment landscape of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Jae Park, MD, a hematologist oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses his key takeaways from chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in the treatment landscape of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
The important message is that there is a lot of interest in CAR T-cell therapy in patients with ALL, says Park, and more so than there had been in the past. However, there are rightful concerns regarding the toxicity of these therapies. It is important to think of this when considering administering a CAR T-cell therapy to a patient. It may not be the right therapy to all patients with ALL who relapse, but a lot of factors go into this, Park explains.
It is important to think about using CAR T-cell therapy early in patients with ALL, and they should be consulted early. ALL is a rare disease, so Park strongly encouraged physicians and patients to reach out to cancer centers that administer CAR T cells. For patients who do not have access to clinical trials for CAR T-cell therapy, centers like Memorial Sloan can assist in finding local centers that do have these studies available.
