CAR-T - Looking for statistical data for over 70 age group

Bob - I forgot to ask how long ago was your treatment? I am wondering about longevity of the treatment.

Bob,

Thank you for the information. My biggest concern is the side affects you refer to. Seem as though that is the biggest risk and concern.

With regard to when it would all start, the doctors are telling me that Nov. 7th would be the first day of the actual process (harvesting). Other than that the schedule has not been finalized at this point. “Team Joe” and I will be going to the CAR T education process on 10/26.

Hello Joe - I was 62 when I had the treatment. Prepping for Cart was not particularly difficult, having all the pre therapy tests was quite typical, the apheresis process (Took about 3 hours) to harvest the cells was very straight forward. I underwent 3 sessions of chemotherapy prior to the modified T Cell infusion. Once the cells were modified, the infusion of the new T – cells was very simple. It was the second day after that that I started to encounter side effects. I had pretty much all the published side effects that we were told about. Neuro toxicity, Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), slow heart rate, high fever. I spent 2 weeks in hospital one of them in the ICU. I encourage you to take note of all the side effects that are described by your practitioner. I was extremely weak for some time after I left the hospital. Though I encountered many of the side effects, the treatment did save my life.

I hope you find this information helpful, be cognizant of the fact that side effects and their degree can be different for everyone.

When will the pre treatment process start, Joe?

Thank you for the reply. My oncologist feels that it is the best option for me now (after meeting today). She said I am a good candidate for this type of treatment. It is sort of scary but probably not any more than the chemo for the last several months. Thanks again.

@joefmsi2020, welcome. Sorry to hear that the cancer is back, but encouraged that CAR-T cell therapy may be an option for you. Given the newness of this therapy, there may not be significant amounts of statistical data out there. Your oncology group may have more access to data than an internet search will reveal.

I found this related article however, where health status should be considered over or as well as age factor.

- Health Status, not Age, Should Determine CAR T Eligibility https://moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/health-status-not-age-should-determine-car-t-eligibility/

It's possible that @grandpabob and @raemark were in the 70+ category when they underwent CAR-T cell therapy.