CAR-T therapy, a transformative treatment for hematologic malignancies, can cause neurotoxicity, but a recent study indicates that not all instances of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) are linked to inflammation. The research, published in Blood, examined cases of quadriparesis or paraparesis in children and adolescents following CAR-T treatment.
The study's first author, Dr. Caroline Diorio, an attending physician at the Cancer Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, noted that CAR-T cells come with side effects that require rigorous attention, similar to the approach taken with long-established chemotherapies. The investigators found that ICANS was not always associated with inflammation, contrary to expectations.
Key Findings and Implications
The research highlights the importance of considering each case of neurotoxicity following CAR-T therapy individually, based on its specific characteristics. This is because the underlying causes of neurotoxicity may vary. According to Dr. Diorio, a deeper understanding of the diverse mechanisms behind these adverse events is crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes.
Context of CAR-T Therapy
CAR-T therapy has shown remarkable success in treating patients with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies. However, the therapy is associated with unique safety concerns, particularly neurotoxicity. ICANS is a significant concern, and ongoing research aims to better understand the pathophysiology of adverse events associated with CAR-T.
