Stem cell transplant vs CAR-T: What can I expect with CAR-T?

Posted by merrle @merrle, Nov 16 8:16am

Hi, I have multiple myeloma and received a stem cell transplant 13 months ago. Although I have an array of effects from the transplant and ongoing treatment, life is good. I went back to a nurse practitioner job I love 10 weeks after transplant, although did not start seeing patients again for about 6 months. One of my cancer markers is increasing and the discussions regarding CAR T therapy have started. A comment from nurses is that people are really sick, which given these nurses see every day, is concerning. For those of you who have been through both procedures, could you provide any thoughts you have on relative difficulty, length of recovery, ability to work after CAR T etc. I had a lot of cognitive problems after transplant, I’m concerned that CAR T will mean disability for me. I can live with that, but just want to be prepared. Thanks advance!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy Support Group.

pgollinger | @pgollinger | 6 days ago

In reply to @merrle "Thank you so much for your response. Very reassuring. If you are comfortable, can you please..." + (show)

Hi Merrle
I was also risk level 2 due to deleting P 17. I had lytic lesions throughout my skeleton with small fractures in my spine. I was diagnosed with MM after complaining of chest and back pain. The trial consisted of 8 cycles of VRD prior to the Car T infusion. This got me to a very good partial remission at the time of infusion. I will be getting my next BM biopsy in February. Be sure to get an MRD test done at your next biopsy.

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