CAR-T Cells and the Kidney: Insights from the WHO Safety Database

Alexandre O Gérard1,2,3, Diane Merino2, Alexis Charbinat3

  • 1Department of Nephrology-Dialysis-Transplantation, University Hospital Centre of Nice, Nice, France.

Abstract

Insights

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is linked to acute renal failure (ARF) and electrolyte imbalances. Real-world data analysis identified ARF and various hydroelectrolytic disorders as potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of CAR-T cell treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Oncology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized hematologic malignancy treatment.
  • Adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), are known risks.
  • Acute renal failure (ARF) affects up to 20% of patients, necessitating further real-world safety analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze real-world data on the renal safety of CAR-T cell therapy.
  • To investigate the association between CAR-T cells and ARF and hydroelectrolytic disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized VigiBase® database for reports of ARF and hydroelectrolytic disorders associated with CAR-T cells until July 2022.
  • Employed disproportionality analysis using the Information Component (IC) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for signal detection.
  • Assessed ARF reports, excluding those mentioning CRS, and analyzed various electrolyte disorders.

Main Results:

  • Identified 224 reports of ARF and 125 reports of hydroelectrolytic disorders linked to CAR-T cells.
  • CAR-T cells showed disproportionate reporting for ARF (IC 1.5 [1.3-1.7]), even excluding CRS cases.
  • Significant disproportionality observed for hypernatremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, hyponatremia, and hypercalcemia.

Conclusions:

  • Acute renal failure (ARF) and several hydroelectrolytic disorders are potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with CAR-T cell therapy.
  • Findings are based on real-world data, highlighting risks in a non-selected population.
  • Pharmacovigilance limitations are acknowledged, but the signals warrant attention for clinical practice.

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