Age is No Barrier: CAR-T Therapy in Older Adults

Drugs Aging. 2023 Aug;40(8):685-689. doi: 10.1007/s40266-023-01047-z. Epub 2023 Jul 11.

Abstract

In the last decade, chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells have revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies. With six different products for five diseases in various settings, CAR-T use has increased, and the comfort level of prescribers continues to expand. These therapies carry substantial toxicities that may limit their applicability to all patient populations. In the registrational trials, older adults are represented as part of a whole and risks specific to older age may not be clearly outlined. The aim of this review is to summarize the data from clinical trials, as well as real-life evidence, that outline the safety of CAR-T in older adults. With most of the data coming from CD19 CAR-T for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, it appears that CAR-T can be safely administered to older individuals.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Hematologic Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / adverse effects
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / pathology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen* / therapeutic use

Substances

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