Revolutionizing Blood Cancer Treatment: The Rise of Outpatient CAR-T Cell Therapy
For patients battling blood cancers, a new era of treatment is dawning. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has become the first facility in the region to offer CAR-T cell therapy – a groundbreaking immunotherapy – entirely in an outpatient setting. This shift promises to dramatically improve the patient experience and potentially expand access to this life-saving treatment.
Understanding CAR-T Cell Therapy: A “Boot Camp” for Your Immune System
CAR-T cell therapy is a personalized treatment approach approved by the FDA as an alternative to traditional chemotherapy for certain blood cancers. Dr. Andy Dalovisio, director of the Myeloma, Lymphoma, and Cellular Therapy Program at Mary Bird Perkins, explains that blood cancers have unique characteristics, making them a distinct subspecialty within oncology.
The process involves extracting a patient’s white blood cells and genetically modifying them in a laboratory to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. These “enhanced” cells are then infused back into the patient, essentially giving the immune system a powerful boost. As Dr. Dalovisio puts it, “We’re going to take your immune system and kind of send it to boot camp.”
From Weeks in the Hospital to Daily Clinic Visits
Historically, CAR-T cell therapy required extended hospital stays – often several weeks – due to the potential for complications. The move to an outpatient model represents a significant advancement. Even as patients still need to visit the clinic daily for close monitoring, they can now receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes.
This change is possible thanks to increased experience with the therapy and the use of preventative medications to manage potential side effects. Close monitoring remains crucial to ensure patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
The Benefits of Staying Home: A Better Quality of Life
The advantages of outpatient CAR-T cell therapy extend beyond convenience. Patients benefit from a more comfortable and familiar environment, leading to improved well-being during treatment. Dr. Dalovisio highlights the positive impact on patients’ daily lives: “It means better night’s sleep. It means being around your pets and your families and your loved ones and eating home-cooked food.”
Expanding Access to a Promising Therapy
Currently, only one in five eligible patients receives CAR-T cell therapy. The outpatient option has the potential to significantly increase access by reducing logistical barriers like travel time and the disruption of daily life. This is particularly important for patients living in rural areas or those with limited support systems.
Beyond Blood Cancers: The Future of Immunotherapy
The success of CAR-T cell therapy in treating blood cancers is paving the way for its application in other cancer types. Mary Bird Perkins is actively exploring clinical trials for sarcoma, demonstrating the expanding potential of this innovative immunotherapy approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAR-T cell therapy? CAR-T cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy where a patient’s own immune cells are modified to fight cancer.
Is CAR-T cell therapy right for everyone? CAR-T cell therapy is currently approved for specific blood cancers and is determined on a case-by-case basis by a medical team.
What are the potential side effects of CAR-T cell therapy? Potential side effects can occur and require close monitoring, which is why the therapy is administered with preventative medications and regular clinic visits.
Where can I learn more about CAR-T cell therapy? Contact Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or your oncologist to discuss if CAR-T cell therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Watch the latest WAFB news and weather now.
Copyright 2026 WAFB. All rights reserved.
