CAR-T Therapy

Glossário de Saúde do Einstein

ICD Einstein Health Glossary

Procedures

What is CAR-T?

CAR-T therapy is a groundbreaking treatment that reprograms the patient’s own immune system cells to fight cancer. These cells, called lymphocytes, are chosen for their natural ability to "attack" substances identified as foreign to the body.

The treatment begins with the collection of the patient’s cells, which are then modified in a laboratory to target cancer. The third step is the reinfusion of the modified lymphocytes into the patient’s body. Once there, they specialize in eliminating only the cancer cells, without affecting healthy ones.

To learn more about CAR-T and cellular reprogramming, you can also contact the project team:

Ilustração de células T atacando uma célula cancerígena, representando a terapia CAR-T, uma abordagem inovadora e personalizada no tratamento de câncer hematológico.

CAR-T at Einstein

Einstein is one of the pioneers of CAR-T therapy in Brazil. The medical team, composed of specialists in the field, conducts advanced research to develop the treatment. Einstein has developed its own CAR-T cells in partnership with the Ministry of Health through the Institutional Development Support Program of the Unified Health System (PROADI-SUS).

These cells are currently being used in a Phase I clinical trial to treat patients with hematologic diseases such as:

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

By developing this technology in Brazil, the hospital aims to make the treatment more accessible, reduce costs, and centralize the process in a single location, which also helps to streamline care.

Einstein also has experience with commercial CAR-T cell products from pharmaceutical companies, approved by Anvisa for the treatment of hematologic cancers such as B-ALL, NHL, and multiple myeloma (MM). These commercial CAR-T therapies include:

Tisagenlecleucel
Axicabtagene ciloleucel
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel

Each case is unique, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to discuss the most appropriate treatment for you:

How CAR-T Therapy Is Performed Using Anvisa-Approved Products

The treatment is carried out in the following steps:

collection of the patient’s T cells: The cells are collected from the patient’s blood through a process called leukapheresis (therapeutic removal of white blood cells).
cell modification, also known as cellular reprogramming: This step is performed in a laboratory. The patient’s T cells are genetically modified to express an artificial receptor called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). After this process, the reprogrammed cells are referred to as CAR-T cells.
expansion of the modified cells: The cells are multiplied in the lab and go through a process of alteration and growth, which typically takes four to six weeks before they are returned to Brazil.
reinfusion of the cells into the patient: The patient receives the modified cells through an infusion (a slow and controlled introduction of the cells directly into the bloodstream). Sometimes, chemotherapy is administered beforehand to reduce other immune cells, which helps the CAR-T cells work more effectively against the cancer.

Unlike chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which generally require multiple sessions, CAR-T therapy involves a single infusion of the modified T cells.

What Types of Cancer Can Be Treated with CAR-T?

This treatment is indicated for certain specific types of blood cancer, especially in patients who have not responded well to other therapies:

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL)
Multiple myeloma (MM)

The Oncology and Hematology Department at Einstein offers comprehensive care from diagnosis through treatment. Learn more.

Learn More About CAR-T

To learn more about CAR-T and cellular reprogramming, watch the following videos:

Frequently Asked Questions About CAR-T Therapy

What are the types of CAR-T cells?

There are different types of CAR-T cells, each designed to recognize and fight specific types of cancer. One of the most common targets of this therapy is the CD19 molecule, which is found in B-cell diseases (cells responsible for antibody-mediated immunity), such as lymphomas and leukemias (blood cancers).

Some research efforts are advancing to expand the use of CAR-T therapy to other types of cancer and to improve the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

What stage of development is CAR-T Therapy in?

In Brazil, the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein is leading clinical trials with patients who meet specific criteria for the treatment and have been diagnosed with certain types of lymphoma or leukemia.

How long does the treatment response last?

The effectiveness of CAR-T therapies varies depending on the specific type of cancer and the individual characteristics of each patient. Although treatment response can differ, research suggests that many patients may experience a long-lasting response to the therapy.

Can CAR-T Therapy be used for other types of cancer?

Ainda não existe um produto comercial de CAR-T para tratamento de tumores sólidos (como por exemplo, o câncer de mama, câncer de próstata, câncer de pulmão e câncer colorretal).

What are the side effects?

Fever, low blood pressure, and muscle pain are more likely to occur shortly after the CAR-T cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body.

Other possible side effects include:

seizures
mental confusion
headaches

Most symptoms can be managed with medications and close medical monitoring.

What are the risks and benefits?

CAR-T therapy targets only cancer cells, without affecting healthy ones. A shorter hospital stay is also one of its benefits.

Although it tends to cause fewer side effects, they can range from mild to severe. Most of them can be managed with medication and care from trained and specialized healthcare professionals.

Who is eligible for therapy?

CAR-T therapy is indicated for specific types of blood cancer, such as B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. This treatment is primarily used in patients who have not responded well to other therapies.

Oncology and Hematology at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein

The Oncology and Hematology department at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein offers a comprehensive care journey, combining excellence, compassion, and a multidisciplinary approach at every stage, from diagnosis to treatment. Patient care may include nutritional and psychological support, as well as rehabilitation and physiotherapy programs, tailored to each individual's needs.

For five consecutive years, the program has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as the best in Oncology and Hematology in Latin America and one of the top 20 in the world.

Learn more: Einstein Oncology and Hematology