Toxicities, intensive care management, and outcome of chimeric antigen receptor T cells in adults: an update

Abstract

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor T cells are a promising new immunotherapy for haematological malignancies. Six CAR-T cells products are currently available for adult patients with refractory or relapsed high-grade B cell malignancies, but they are associated with severe life-threatening toxicities and side effects that may require admission to ICU.

Objective: The aim of this short pragmatic review is to synthesize for intensivists the knowledge on CAR-T cell therapy with emphasis on CAR-T cell-induced toxicities and ICU management of complications according to international recommendations, outcomes and future issues.

Keywords: CAR-T cell therapy; Haematological malignancies; Intensive care management; Toxicities.