Chimeric antigen receptor therapy in hematologic malignancies

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has led to significant advances in the treatment of blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, and now shows promise for solid tumors. This type of immunotherapy can achieve high response rates in patients with hematologic malignancies, but carries serious adverse reactions, including cytokine release syndrome and immune-effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. This article describes CAR T-cell therapy, guidance for primary care providers caring for patients undergoing therapy, and the ongoing need for research to enhance CAR T-cell therapy's safety and effectiveness.