Written by Clay Smith
Spoon Feed
We need to know about the adverse effects of CAR-T therapy – how to recognize and treat it emergently. Here is your guide.
Why does this matter?
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy involves using a patient’s own genetically engineered T-cells to attack tumor tissue. The problem is, it sometimes causes too much inflammation and collateral damage. Does this seem like a bad idea, or is it just me? Anyway, here is what you need to know about CAR-T.
Don’t get run over by the CAR-T
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CAR-T is used for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
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The two main dangerous side effects are cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity, both of which are fairly common. Almost all body systems may experience adverse effects. See figure.
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CRS looks like sepsis, with fever and multi-organ failure or dysfunction.
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Step 1: Call oncology. There is a balance – inflammation kills the tumor; too much inflammation kills the patient.
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It occurs early, usually in the first week after therapy and may last 2 weeks.
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Other illnesses like sepsis, adrenal insufficiency, or thyrotoxicosis must be considered and empirically treated.
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CRS is treated by supporting failing organs (vasopressors, oxygen, fluid, ventilation as needed). Tocilizumab (anti-IL-6R) is used in severe cases. Dexamethasone is second line. Most need the ICU.
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Neurotoxicity may occur with or without CRS.
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Step 1: Call oncology and neurology.
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Onset is often within the first week, may last 3 weeks, and may coincide with CRS.
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It consists of altered mental status, headache, difficulty speaking, anxiety, delirium, frank encephalopathy, and may cause seizure or stroke-like symptoms.
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Some have frontal release, hypertonia, memory loss, or other odd neurological changes.
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MRI can usually differentiate stroke vs neurotoxicity.
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We have to work up all the other bad things that may cause strange neurological symptoms.
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Treat with high-dose dexamethasone. Refer back to step 1. Tocilizumab alone won’t help.
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Use anticonvulsants, airway protection, etc. to support them.
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Source
Management of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Toxicities: A Review and Guideline for Emergency Providers. J Emerg Med. 2020 May 27. pii: S0736-4679(20)30352-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.04.021. [Epub ahead of print]
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