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How can you best prepare to undergo CAR T-cell therapy to aid in optimal recovery? This animated explainer video provides key advice for learning about CAR T-cell therapy, consulting with your care team members, and tips for recuperating after the process.

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Transcript:

CAR T-cell therapy offers a groundbreaking approach for people living with myeloma, and taking steps to optimize your health can play a crucial role in your treatment journey. From preparing your body and mind before therapy to focusing on recovery afterward, there are actionable ways to support your overall well-being and, potentially, enhance outcomes.

Here are some key steps to boosting your overall health when preparing to undergo CAR T-cell therapy:

Start by learning about CAR T-cell therapy.

Take the time to understand how the treatment works and what to expect. Your care team can guide you through the process, from the collection of T cells to potential side effects and what to expect following therapy. Educational resources like those found on the Patient Empowerment Network website can also empower you with knowledge and confidence.

Next, consider cost.

Confirm insurance coverage and make sure you understand the financial impact of CAR T-cell therapy. You can also meet with a financial counselor or a navigator at your medical center to see if there are any resources to assist with paying for therapy.

Then, consult with your CAR T-cell therapy team.

When undergoing pre-treatment evaluation, be sure to get all of your questions answered and to understand what support will be available to you during the CAR T-cell therapy process.

You should also build a support system.

Having a family member or friend who can accompany you to appointments and assist with your recovery is vital, and often required by the CAR T-cell therapy center. A care partner can be an advocate for you and help to ensure you feel supported throughout the process.

It’s also important to plan ahead.

Coordinate with your employer for the time you’ll need to take off from work. And, if necessary, arrange for child or pet care so that you won’t have to worry about these logistics following treatment.

And, last but not least, meet with other care team members:

Consider a consultation with a nutritionist for advice on a diet that supports your body through the CAR T process, as well as safe handling tips for meals following treatment.

A social worker can help you manage the emotional, logistical, and financial aspects of CAR T-cell therapy.

And, meeting with a pharmacist may also be useful, as they can provide specific information about medications you will take before, during, and after treatment.

After CAR T-cell therapy, maintaining your health is essential to boost recovery and to reduce potential side effects or complications. Here are some useful tips to aid in recovery:

Focus on Nutrition.

Your body will need extra support as it heals. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help boost your immune system.

Stay Active.

Light exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help improve your strength and mental well-being. Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Monitor Your Mental Health.

Emotional health is just as important as physical health during recovery. Reach out for support if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

Stay on Top of Follow-Up Appointments.

After therapy, your healthcare team will monitor your progress. Attend all follow-up appointments and keep track of your symptoms. If you notice anything unusual, contact your doctor immediately.

CAR T-cell therapy is a powerful treatment and taking steps to prepare and care for yourself can make a significant difference in your recovery.

For more information and additional resources, visit powerfulpatients.org.

Transcript:

The emergence of CAR T-cell therapy is revolutionizing treatment for some people with myeloma. But, who is it right for, and what is the process for people that qualify?

The first step in accessing this treatment is to be referred by your physician to a center that specializes in CAR T-cell therapy.

Then, a consultation will take place with the transplant team, and a health assessment is administered to ensure patients are healthy enough for CAR T-cell therapy. This includes testing to review the current status of your cancer and testing of your body’s major organ systems.

Next, the specialty center will evaluate the best type of CAR T-cell therapy for the patient, including clinical trial options.

After approval, financial coordinators will discuss insurance and therapy costs with the potential recipient. Logistics are also arranged at this time, which may include help with transportation and housing, if necessary.

Medical centers also require that patients have a care partner, such as a family member or friend, who can be with them at all times, particularly after leaving the hospital.

So, what is the process once a patient is approved for CAR T-cell therapy? Once a patient is approved to move forward with the procedure, a date is set for collection of the patient’s T cells. T-cells are collected during a process called apheresis. During apheresis a specialized machine filters the patient’s blood to remove the T-cells for collection and the rest of the blood is returned to the patient.

After collection, the T cells are sent for manufacturing. During that time, the patient is given a “bridging therapy” to maintain the myeloma until the CAR T cells are infused.

Once the CAR T cells are infused, the patient will be closely monitored by the CAR T center. This may or may not include hospitalization depending on the policies of the treatment center. Patients and their care partner should plan to stay close by the center for up to 30 days after the infusion.

During this time, the patient is evaluated for their response to treatment and monitored for possible side effects so that they can be managed in a timely manner.

The potential side effects of CAR T-cell therapy may include:

Cytokine release syndrome, or CRS, which is an aggressive response to treatment by the immune system and may cause symptoms such as low blood pressure, high heart rate decreased oxygen saturation, fever, nausea, and body aches.

Another possible side effect is neurotoxicity, which is an adverse event that may cause issues such as confusion, difficulty with communication, seizure, or tremors.

And, another side effect may be low blood counts, which could impact the immune system and increase risk for infection.

Every patient is different, so close monitoring is essential.

So now that you know more about CAR T-cell therapy, you can work with your healthcare team to decide if this treatment option may be right for you. Be sure to speak up and ask questions. Remember, you have a voice in YOUR myeloma care.

To learn more about myeloma and to access tools for self-advocacy, visit powerfulpatients.org/myeloma.

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