Dr. Lin on Second-line CAR T-cell Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory DLBCL

Richard J. Lin, MD, PhD, assistant attending physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the manufacturing considerations that factor into the CAR T-cell decision-making process in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the importance of open communication between community and referral physicians, and how early referral leads to optimal patient outcomes with CAR T-cell therapy.

Dr. Lin on Choosing Second-line CAR T-cell Therapies

The CAR T-cell therapies that are currently approved for DLBCL each have different manufacturing times that are important to know when choosing optimal therapies for patients, Lin says. For instance, while some CAR T-cell manufacturers have a product turnaround time of as little as a couple of weeks, with high manufacturing success, other manufacturers have weeks-long product turnaround times with slightly less manufacturing success, Lin notes. While each CAR T-cell product has different efficacy and safety considerations, patients who are generally healthy with few comorbidities will most likely benefit from a CAR T-cell therapy that is both reliable and has the fastest turnaround time, Lin emphasizes.

Dr. Lin on Community and Academic Communication

Community physicians should begin discussions with CAR T-cell referral physicians well before they refer their patients to CAR T-cell centers, so the referral physicians can determine whether patients are appropriate candidates for this therapy and, if so, which CAR T product they recommend, Lin says. Open communication between community and academic centers is also crucial when a patient needs bridging treatment before beginning CAR T-cell therapy, as this is often treatment they should receive from their local physician, Lin explains. Early and consistent community-academic communication is key to ensure best patient outcomes with CAR T-cell therapy, Lin emphasizes.

Dr. Lin on the Importance of Early CAR T-cell Consideration and Referral

Establishing a line of communication between community physicians and CAR T-cell centers leads to an easier treatment journey for patients, Lin says. Starting early gives CAR T centers the chance to create a clear, effective treatment plant for each patient, Lin concludes.