Following apheresis, it takes several weeks for your CAR T cells to be made in the laboratory. (You can find more information about how CAR T cells are made here).
Your healthcare team will keep in touch with you about the progress of your CAR T cells. They may ask you to come back to the treatment centre for additional appointments.
There is a small possibility that your cells cannot be manufactured into your CAR T treatment. If this happens your healthcare team will advise you what the next steps are.
Bridging therapy
During this time, you may receive a type of treatment called ‘bridging therapy’.
This is treatment to control your condition while the CAR-T cells are being made. You will either receive this treatment in your usual treatment centre, or at the CAR-T treatment centre.
Your healthcare team will advise you on whether you need bridging therapy, and what it will involve.
While you wait
Waiting for treatment can be a challenging time for both you and those closest to you and you may be feeling all sorts of emotions in the weeks leading up to treatment.
Talk to your healthcare team about what support may be available either at the treatment centre or in the local area. They may be able to refer you to a professional who can offer counselling and psychological help.
Doing some gentle exercise or physical activity is beneficial in helping to improve your overall physical health and may help manage stress.
Eating a well-balanced diet can also help with both physical and mental wellbeing. It’s important to get the nutrients your body needs from a range of foods, including carbohydrates, protein, fibre, fruit and vegetables, dairy or dairy alternatives, vitamins, minerals and fat.
What to prepare
Around this time, you will be given a date for when you need to return to the hospital for treatment.
If you haven’t already, you might want to read ahead on what happens during treatment before infusion, infusion, possible side effects and monitoring to help you feel more prepared.
You may also need to start making arrangements for your time in hospital. These arrangements could include: