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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.

Funding information

Autolus Therapeutics (a pharmaceutical company) and Beefy’s Charity Foundation helped fund this information but had no influence over it.

Find out how we work with the pharmaceutical industry.

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.

Get your free guide to CAR-T

Find out the key things you need to know about CAR T-cell therapy in our free booklet. It includes:

  • what to expect before, during and after treatment
  • common side effects
  • recovery
  • sources of practical and financial support.

Download or order your copy now.

A man sitting in his garden at a table reading a booklet about blood cancer, looking focused but although his thoughts are elsewhere.

Our CAR T-cell therapy information was developed in partnership with Anthony Nolan.

This information has been accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.

Last full review December 2024. Next full review due December 2027. We may make factual updates between reviews.