CAR T cell stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy.
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to target certain types of blood cancers. It involves collecting T cells, a type of white blood cell, from the patient’s blood and modifying them in a laboratory. These modified cells are equipped with special receptors, called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which help them recognize and attack specific cancer cells. Once the T cells are prepared, they are infused back into the patient’s bloodstream to carry out their work.
This therapy is typically used for some forms of leukemia and lymphoma, especially when other treatments have not been effective or when the cancer has returned. CAR T-cell therapy is a highly specialized treatment that is available at certain medical centers and requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects. It has shown positive outcomes for many patients in specific situations.
Read more about CAR T cells from The American Society of Gene + Cell Therapy and if you are interested in the basics with gene therapy, watch their 4 minute GeneTherapy Basics video that provides an introductory explanation.
