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CAR T-cell therapy

We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

CAR T-cell therapy is a treatment option for some people with blood cancer. In this section, find out more about CAR T-cell therapy and what to expect if your doctor recommends it for you.

Close up of a researchers hands, working in a laboratory. The person is wearing blue protective gloves and a Blood Cancer UK lab coat, and is using some laboratory equipment.

What is CAR T-cell therapy?

CAR T-cell therapy is a treatment where some of your blood cells, called T cells, are genetically altered to find and kill cancer cells. Find out how CAR T-cell therapy works, and who may be eligible for it.
A woman exercising on a cross-trainer in a gym.

Getting ready for CAR-T

There are a few steps to go through before starting CAR T-cell therapy. Read about the timeline of what to expect, the tests and treatment you might have, and tips to help you prepare.
A woman sitting in a hospital receiving intravenous treatment. She's sitting in a chair, with a thin plastic tube coming out from under her rolled up shirt sleeve. There's an IV stand next to her.

Having CAR T-cell therapy

CAR T-cell therapy has three main steps: collecting your T cells, making the CAR T-cells and infusion of the CAR T-cells. Learn what happens during each step.
Derek, who is in remission for blood cancer, walks along a street in a modern housing estate with their black and white springer spaniel dog.

Recovery and side effects

Recovery from CAR T-cell therapy can be challenging and it can cause side effects. Find out about possible side effects, what to expect in recovery and things you can do to help yourself.

"The CAR-T worked and I’ve been in remission ever since. It’s been five years now, so it’s been amazing. It’s given me a third chance at life!"

Grant, who had CAR T-cell therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2019 after two relapses.

Read Grant's story.

Grant having his T-cells collected. He's smiling while lying on a hospital bed. He's connected by thin tubes in each arm to an apheresis machine (a machine that separates blood) that's next to the bed.

Throughout 2024, Blood Cancer UK is reviewing its CAR-T information and expanding the resources available for healthcare professionals and the blood cancer community. This work is being funded by Autolus Therapeutics Ltd and Beefy's Charity Foundation. These organisations provided funding but had no further input.