Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in patients with neurologic comorbidities

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2020 Apr;67(4):e28199. doi: 10.1002/pbc.28199. Epub 2020 Feb 4.

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) are an effective and potentially durable treatment for refractory and multiply relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Neurotoxicity is frequent after CAR-T cell therapy. Mechanisms driving neurotoxicity are incompletely understood, and symptoms can range from transient and mild to severe and life-threatening. Providers have exercised caution in providing CAR-T to patients with neurological comorbidities or extramedullary disease. Here, we report three patients with prior significant neurologic morbidity who safely tolerated CAR-T cell infusion after bridging therapy with conventional chemotherapy.

Keywords: CAR-T; cellular therapy; neurotoxicity; pre-B ALL.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Nervous System Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Nervous System Diseases* / etiology
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / therapy