Time To Talk: Cellular Therapy
If your oncologist has decided immunotherapy is right for treating your cancer, either alone or along with chemotherapy, it is likely you will have some questions.
Cellular Therapy Tool Kit
Immuno-oncology means your own body's immune system gets involved in treating cancer. One classification of immunotherapy is Cellular Therapy, often referred to as CAR T-Cell or CAR T Therapy.
We have created the following resources to help guide you through your treatment. Not what you're looking for? Try our Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Toolkit.
These tools can be printed, filled out digitally, e-mailed, and shared through social media.
What Is CAR T-Cell Therapy
This tool is a short guide to the steps involved in creating and giving CAR T therapy, with helpful pictures and answers to questions about what you can expect during and after your treatment. It also covers the steps that will be taken to prevent or manage side effects of the treatment.
Wallet Card
Use the card provided (or one available from the drug manufacturer) to help you share information about your treatment with other healthcare providers who are not directly involved in treating your cancer.
Side Effects of CAR T-Cell Therapy
Like many treatments, CAR T therapy can cause unintended side effects in different parts of the body. These can happen both early in your treatment and later on. It's good to be aware of these so you can tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms, especially the most serious ones, and get help for managing them. You'll also find useful tips for self-care.
Tracking Sheets for Early Side Effects
It's important for you and your caregiver to track your symptoms and tell your healthcare team about them before they become severe or life-threatening. Three tracking sheets are provided: for symptoms related to cytokine release syndrome (high fevers and low blood pressure); symptoms related to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves (neurologic side effects); and other symptoms. (You can print out the tracking sheets and complete them by hand, or download the sheets and complete them on a computer.)
Questions to Ask My Healthcare Team About CAR T-Cell Therapy
This list of questions will help you remember things you want to ask your healthcare team about the treatment and its possible side effects. It includes questions about taking other medications during and after your treatment.
Resources for Patients with Cancer
Many organizations and programs are there to support you and your family during your treatment. Locate sources for financial assistance; assistance with housing, lodging, and air travel; counseling support; assistance with legal and insurance issues; and other kinds of help.
This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Bristol-Myers Squibb and a partnership between Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Sanofi Genzyme.
Please Share Your Thoughts
Please share your feedback on the Time to Talk Immuno-Oncology tool kits by answering a brief survey:
- If you are a patient, complete this survey.
- If you are a pharmacist or a healthcare provider, complete this survey.
