Eligibility is diagnosis- and treatment-history specific
Freiburg and Charité publish CAR-T pathways for selected B-cell lymphomas, B-ALL and multiple myeloma, with indications evolving as approvals change. A center must review pathology, molecular findings, prior lines of therapy and current disease status before deciding whether CAR-T is appropriate.
CAR-T is a multi-step treatment process
Treatment typically includes cell collection by leukapheresis, manufacturing of the CAR-T product, bridging treatment when necessary, lymphodepleting chemotherapy, cell infusion and close monitoring for early toxicities.
Specialized toxicity management is essential
CAR-T can cause serious complications such as cytokine release syndrome and neurological toxicity. Freiburg describes inpatient monitoring after infusion and multidisciplinary management of adverse effects. International patients therefore need to plan for more than the infusion day itself.
What to send for an international CAR-T review
The center needs a complete hematology/oncology history.
- Exact pathology and molecular diagnosis
- Disease stage and current burden
- Complete prior treatment lines and responses
- Transplant history
- Recent imaging or bone marrow results
- Current blood counts, kidney, liver and cardiac function
- Active infections and major complications
- Current medication and performance status
Travel home requires a follow-up plan
Ask how long the patient must remain near the CAR-T center, what emergency access is required, how blood counts and complications will be monitored and which local oncology team will continue follow-up after return.
Official sources
Sources last checked 2026-08-29.