Immunotherapy with CAR-T-cells

Some children require immunotherapy with CAR-T cells, for which the children's own T cells (a type of white blood cells) are first taken (harvested).The T cells are manipulated in the laboratory to enable them to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The genetically modified cells, CAR-T cells, are returned to the body via one single infusion.

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Harvesting T cells

To harvest the T cells, your child is given two IV lines or a groin line. The groin line is inserted under sedation. The IV lines are connected to an apheresis machine. One line transports the blood to the machine where the T cells are harvested. The other line returns the blood without T cells.

Manipulation and return

When enough T cells have been harvested, they are sent to the laboratory where they are manipulated. The manipulation process takes some time. Once manipulated, the processed cells (CAR-T cells) are returned to your child's body via an IV.

You can find more information on this in the brochure entitled T-cell harvesting and on the Tisagenlecleucel medicine card. Please note both are currently only available in Dutch.

Should you need any further information, please feel free to ask.