Utilization of CAR T Cell Therapy in Pediatric Patients

Semin Oncol Nurs. 2019 Oct;35(5):150929. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.08.008. Epub 2019 Sep 13.

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory malignancy and the associated toxicities.

Data sources: Research articles, reviews, clinical trial information.

Conclusion: The key to the successful application of CAR T cell immunotherapy is (1) identifying patients with malignancies that are eligible for immunotherapy, (2) coordinating T-cell collection, (3) safe infusion of CAR T cells, and (4) managing/preventing toxicities following infusion.

Implications for nursing practice: As the use of targeted therapy with tumor-specific T cells becomes more prevalent, it is essential that the nursing staff stay abreast of these current therapies.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; CAR T cell therapy; Cytokine release syndrome; Immunotherapy; Neurotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Oncology Nursing / methods*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen