FAQ: How is CAR T-cell therapy administered?

CAR T-cell therapy is administered in several steps. The process typically begins with leukapheresis, during which the patient’s blood is collected and T-cells are separated and isolated. These T-cells are then sent to a specialized laboratory, where they are genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specific to the patient’s cancer. Once the CAR T-cells are ready, the patient undergoes conditioning chemotherapy to prepare their immune system. Finally, the engineered CAR T-cells are infused back into the patient through an intravenous (IV) infusion. This allows the CAR T-cells to circulate throughout the body and target cancer cells that express the corresponding antigen.