Associations Between Pre-Existing Autoimmunity and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy Toxicity for Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Hematology

Background:

• Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy shows promise for autoimmune diseases.
• Limited data exist on CAR T cell therapy safety in patients with autoimmune conditions.
• Assessing safety is crucial for expanding CAR T cell therapy applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between pre-existing autoimmune disease and major toxicity or hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing CAR T cell therapy for hematologic cancer.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study using National Inpatient Sample data (2021-2022).
• Compared in-hospital outcomes (major toxicity, LOS, mortality) between adult patients with and without pre-existing autoimmune disease.
• Used multivariable regression models adjusted for key demographic and clinical factors.

Main Results:

• Among 1,321 patients, 62 (4.7%) had autoimmune disease.
• Patients with autoimmune disease had significantly shorter hospital stays (mean reduction of 2.1 days).
• Major toxicity was less frequent in patients with autoimmune disease (adjusted odds ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.31-0.99). Inpatient mortality did not differ.

Conclusions:

• Pre-existing autoimmune disease was associated with shorter hospital stays and lower risk of major toxicity post-CAR T cell therapy for cancer.
• These findings provide reassurance regarding CAR T cell therapy safety in patients with autoimmune conditions.
• Supports further research into CAR T cell therapy for treating autoimmune diseases.