CAR T-Cell therapy in Israel

Below mentioned are some of the side-effects of CAR T-Cell therapy.

1. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): The most prevalent and possibly significant side effect of CAR T-cell treatment is cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The flu-like symptoms, including fever, exhaustion, headaches, and muscle pain, are brought on by the modified T cells’ production of cytokines. In extreme circumstances, CRS may result in a high temperature, hypotension, organ failure, and even potentially fatal consequences. 
2. Neurological Toxicity: Some patients may develop neurological side effects, which can range in severity from less serious signs like mild confusion and disorientation to more serious ones like seizures, delirium, and encephalopathy. After CAR T-cell infusion, neurological toxicity frequently happens during the first week. 
3. Cytopenias: CAR T-cell treatment can result in low blood cell counts, such as anaemia (low red blood cell count), neutropenia (low white blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Infections, bleeding, and exhaustion are among risks that can be exacerbated by these cytopenias. 
4. Infections: The CAR T-cell therapy’s suppression of healthy immune cells increases the risk of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. In order to prevent infections, patients may need to be closely watched and given preventive medication.
5. Tumour Lysis Syndrome (TLS): After CAR T-cell therapy, it’s possible in some circumstances for substantial amounts of cell contents to be released into the bloodstream due to the rapid killing of tumour cells. This may result in metabolic abnormalities, such as excessive potassium, uric acid, and phosphate levels, which may damage the kidneys and cause other problems. 
6. Hypogammaglobulinemia: CAR T-cell treatment has the potential to decrease antibody synthesis, which could result in hypogammaglobulinemia. This might make recurrent infections more likely and call for continuing antibody replacement medication. 
7. Organ Toxicity: CAR T-cell therapy has the potential to harm a number of organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. This may lead to abnormal renal function tests, respiratory issues, heart issues, and abnormal liver function tests.
8. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): A rare but possibly fatal immunological disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) can develop as a result of CAR T-cell therapy. It involves the overactivation of immune cells, which causes serious organ damage and inflammation.
9. Hypotension and Fluid Retention: As a result of the cytokines that CAR T cells release, some patients may develop low blood pressure (hypotension) and fluid retention. To address these symptoms, supportive measures including intravenous fluids and drugs could be required.
10. Secondary Malignancies: Reports of secondary malignancies emerging following CAR T-cell therapy exist, notwithstanding their rarity. Research is currently being done on the potential for secondary malignancies and long-term hazards.

It’s important to remember that not every patient will have these side effects, and that each person’s level of sensitivity will differ. In order to minimize and minimize these potential adverse effects, the medical team closely examines patients before, during, and after CAR T-cell therapy.