CNS involvement is no longer a contraindication to CAR-T therapy.
CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising results in patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement, specifically in the context of lymphoma.
While there were initial concerns about the potential neurotoxicity of CAR T-cells in the CNS, studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CAR T-cells in treating CNS lymphomas.
Research has shown that CAR T-cells can effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier and induce an immune response in the CNS. Additionally, a meta-analysis of 128 patients with primary and secondary CNS lymphoma revealed responses to CAR T-cell therapy.
Furthermore, a small pilot trial reported the safety and efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in patients with lymphoma of the brain and spinal cord. These findings suggest that CAR T-cell therapy may be a viable treatment option for patients with CNS involvement, although further research is needed to fully understand its safety and efficacy in this context.
Sources:
NIH: Toxicity and efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in primary and secondary CNS lymphoma: a meta-analysis of 128 patients
NIH: CAR T-cell therapy for secondary CNS DLBCL
Leukemia and Lymphoma society
ASH publications: No CNS sanctuary for lymphoma from CAR T
Dana Farber: CAR-T-cell shows promise in patients with lymphoma of the brain and spinal cord in early trial
