How CAR T-Cell Therapy Works?

CAR T-cell therapy is a personalized treatment that takes place over several weeks. Your care team will guide and support you through every step of the process, making sure you know what to expect and feel cared for along the way.

Step 1: Collecting Your T Cells

First, special immune cells called T cells are collected from your blood during a procedure called apheresis. This process usually takes a few hours and is completed in one day. Most patients find it similar to donating blood.

Step 2: Preparing the Cells

After collection, your T cells are sent to a laboratory. Over several weeks, the cells are modified so they can better recognize and target cancer cells.

Step 3: Getting Your Body Ready

Before the modified cells are returned to your body, chemotherapy is given. This helps prepare your immune system and supports the effectiveness of the CAR T cells.

Step 4: CAR T-Cell Infusion

Once the cells are ready, they are infused back into your body through an IV. The infusion itself usually takes about an hour. This step may take place in a hospital setting or in your oncology practice.

Benefits of CAR T-Cell Therapy

• Personalized for you
• Made from your own immune cells to target your cancer.
• An option when other treatments haven’t worked
• CAR T-cell therapy may be used when other treatments are no longer effective.
• Potential for long-lasting remission
• In some patients, CAR T cells continue working over time to help keep cancer under control.
• A one-time treatment
• CAR T-cell therapy is given as a single infusion, not ongoing treatment cycles.
• Your Specialized Care Team

At Virginia Cancer Specialists, your care is guided by a dedicated team of experts-including physicians, nurses, and care coordinators-who work closely together to support you throughout your treatment journey. We believe it’s important that you understand your care and feel supported and comfortable asking questions at any time.

You may find it helpful to ask your care team:

• Is CAR T-cell therapy an option for my specific type and stage of blood cancer?
• What are the goals of this treatment for me?
• What tests or evaluations will I need before starting the process?
• Will I need chemotherapy before the infusion, and what should I expect from it?
• How will my care team manage symptoms like fever, low blood pressure, or neurological changes if they occur?
• What should I watch for once I’m home?
• When can I expect to return to my normal activities?
• How often will I have follow-up appointments after treatment?
• Will my insurance cover this treatment, and who can I speak with to understand the costs?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Monitoring

Some people experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, or changes in blood pressure. You will be closely monitored, especially in the days and weeks after infusion. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, it’s important to tell your care team right away-your safety is always the priority.

Hope Begins Here

If you or a loved one is facing a difficult cancer diagnosis, CAR T-cell therapy may offer a new path forward. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation with our CAR T-cell therapy team: VCSCellulartherapy@usoncology.com or call 703.208.9363

How CAR T-Cell Therapy Works – CAR T-cell therapy harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. This innovative treatment at Virginia Cancer Specialists involves reprogramming a patient’s own T-cells to recognize and destroy tumor cells. From collecting cells and modifying them in the lab to reinfusing them back into the body, this video breaks down each step of the complex, but promising process. Learn how science is changing the way we treat cancer, one cell at a time.

Expanding CAR T-Cell Therapy in Community Oncology: A Critical Next Step for Access – Mitul Gandhi, MD , Medical Oncologist

Expanding access to advanced cancer treatments is at the heart of our mission. Dr. Mitul Gandhi shares insights on the critical next step for community oncology: bringing CAR T-cell therapy closer to home. This innovative approach has the potential to transform care for patients who need it most, making life-changing therapies more accessible within our communities. Learn more about how Dr. Gandhi and Virginia Cancer Specialists are helping lead the way in expanding CAR T-cell therapy access.

LEARN MORE HERE