The CAR T Option

Описание: CAR T-cell therapy raises practical questions that go beyond how the treatment works: questions about what happens during recovery, how long side effects may last, what care partners actually do, and when life starts to feel more like normal again.

This episode draws from BMT InfoNet’s webinar Ask the CAR T Experts, where clinicians and a psychosocial specialist respond to real questions from patients and care partners navigating CAR T. We explore the full timeline, from leukapheresis and bridging therapy to managing cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and infection risk at home.

We also address care partner roles, fatigue and cognitive changes that can linger for months, and what daily life can look like after the acute phase ends.

Whether you’re considering CAR T, supporting someone through it, or working with patients in a clinical setting, this episode offers grounded insight into the realities of preparation, treatment, and recovery — and what it takes to move through each phase with clarity and support.

Featured experts:

Dr. Jay Spiegel (University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Dr. Diana Cirstea (Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute)
Margaret Franzetti, LCSW (BMT InfoNet CAR T Support Groups).
Resources and links referenced in this episode:



Doctor Tips on Supplements and Research (The New York Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/we...



Honoring a Pioneer in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASH News Daily)

https://ashpublications.org/ashnewsda...



Watch the Deep Dive: Ask the CAR T Experts

https://bmtinfonet.org/video/ask-car-...



BMT InfoNet CAR T Support Groups

https://bmtinfonet.org/event/car-t-su...



Herbs and Supplements: Are They Safe for Transplant Recipients?

https://bmtinfonet.org/video/herbs-an...



CAR T-Cell Therapy: What to Expect Before, During and After (BOOK)

https://bmtinfonet.org/product/car-t-...



BMT InfoNet YouTube Channel

   / @bmtinfonet  



CHAPTERS

00:00:01 – Welcome!

00:01:02 – Updates - Supplements And Transplant Safety

00:02:56 – Updates - Honoring A Pioneer - Rainer Storb

00:04:58 – A Quick Note

00:06:21 – Something That May Help - Caring Connections

00:07:23 – Deep Dive - Cold Open

00:08:12 – Deep Dive - The CAR T Option

00:09:34 – Deep Dive - CAR T - What Are The Steps Involved

00:11:07 – Deep Dive - CAR T - What Are The Most Common Side Effects

00:12:09 – Deep Dive - How Long Do CAR T Cells Survive In The Body

00:13:23 – Deep Dive - How Can I Avoid Infections

00:14:21 – Deep Dive - How Long Do I Need A Caregiver

00:16:12 – Deep Dive - Lingering Symptoms After CAR T

00:16:53 – Deep Dive - Quality of Life After CAR T

00:17:58 – Deep Dive - Takeaways

00:19:22 – One Last Thought