Introduction: In the last few years, a new T cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells, has been developed. CAR-T cells are highly effective at inhibiting antitumor activity, but they can cause a wide spectrum of unusual side effects.
Areas covered: The present review provides an overview of the adverse events of CAR-T cell therapy, focusing on cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, increased risk of infections, and other long-term complications. Representative studies addressing the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy are summarized.
Expert opinion: In the coming years, we predict a great expansion in the use of CAR-T cell therapy with it applied to a higher number of patients with both malignant neoplasms and immune-mediated diseases. Despite physicians and patient expectations about the potential of this therapy, there are still several barriers that may limit providers' ability to supply quality care. This exciting and powerful new therapy requires the formation of new multidisciplinary teams to carry out a safe treatment administration and to successfully manage the resultant complications. The follow-up of these therapies is important for two aspects: effectiveness in different populations and real-life safety in short and in long-term follow-up.
Keywords: CAR-T cells; Cancer immunotherapy; cellular therapy; chimeric antigen receptor; cytokine release syndrome; immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome.