Yescarta
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: Yescarta
Description
Yescarta: A Revolution in CAR T-Cell Therapy Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) is an FDA-approved chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy used to treat adults with certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Developed by Kite Pharma, Yescarta has been the subject of clinical trials that have shown it to be highly effective in treating relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL). Uses: Yescarta is used to treat adults with certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma who have not responded to or have relapsed after at least two other kinds of treatment. The drug works by using the patient's own modified T-cells to fight the cancer. The CAR T-cells are engineered to target and kill CD19-positive cancer cells. Dosage: The recommended dose of Yescarta is a single infusion of 2 x 10^6 CAR-positive viable T-cells per kilogram of body weight. The dose is determined based on the patient's weight and disease status. Demographic: Yescarta is used to treat adults with certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is not recommended for use in pediatric patients. The drug is not recommended for use in patients with active systemic infections, a history of encephalopathy, seizure disorder, or clinically significant active CNS pathology. Side Effects: The use of Yescarta can cause several side effects, some of which can be serious. Some of the most common side effects associated with the drug include: - Fever - Low blood pressure - Headache - Fatigue - Nausea - Chills - Diarrhea - Vomiting - Dizziness - Back pain Other potential side effects include infections, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and neurological side effects. CRS is a common side effect associated with CAR T-cell therapy, and can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms of CRS can include fever, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Neurological side effects can include confusion, headache, tremors, and seizures. Interactions: While there are no known drug interactions between Yescarta and other medications, the use of immunosuppressive medications may decrease the effectiveness of the CAR T-cells. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before beginning treatment with Yescarta. Generic Options: Yescarta is a personalized treatment, and there are no generic options available. The drug is manufactured using the patient's own T-cells, and the manufacturing process is complex and highly individualized. Conclusion: Yescarta is a revolutionary CAR T-cell therapy that has been shown to be highly effective in treating certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Patients should be aware of the potential side effects associated with the drug, as well as the need for careful monitoring after treatment. While there are no generic options available, Yescarta is a personalized treatment that has the potential to offer hope and relief to patients who have exhausted other treatment options.
Faq for Yescarta
Yescarta is a CAR-T cell therapy used to treat adults with certain types of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that have relapsed or refractory to other treatments.
Yescarta works by genetically modifying a patient's own T cells to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to CD19, a protein found on the surface of B cells. These modified CAR-T cells then target and kill cancerous B cells.
The most common side effects of Yescarta include fever, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, nausea, fatigue, headache, and decreased appetite. It can also cause neurologic side effects that may include confusion, seizures, and difficulty speaking or understanding.
The process of receiving Yescarta involves multiple steps, including the collection of a patient's T cells, their genetic modification, and subsequent infusion. Overall, the treatment process usually spans a few weeks, with the actual infusion taking just a few minutes.
Yes, Yescarta is a one-time treatment. After the infusion, the genetically modified CAR-T cells continue to remain active in the body, targeting and eliminating cancer cells.
Yescarta has shown significant effectiveness in treating relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In clinical trials, it has demonstrated high response rates, with a majority of patients experiencing a complete remission or significant reduction in tumor size.
Coverage for Yescarta may vary depending on the insurance provider and individual policy. However, many insurance plans do cover CAR-T cell therapies like Yescarta, especially when used for FDA-approved indications.
It is important to promptly report any side effects to your healthcare provider. They can provide appropriate guidance and treatment to manage side effects and ensure your safety.
At the moment, Yescarta is only approved for use in adult patients with certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The safety and effectiveness of Yescarta in pediatric patients have not been established.
Yescarta is a groundbreaking CAR-T cell therapy that is used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, specifically relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma.
Yescarta works by genetically modifying a patient's own T cells to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to CD19, a protein found on the surface of cancerous B cells. These modified CAR-T cells then help recognize and kill cancer cells in the body.
Yescarta is approved for use in adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), high-grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma after two previous treatments.
Yescarta is administered as a single infusion. Prior to the infusion, a patient's T cells are collected through leukapheresis and sent to a manufacturing facility, where they are modified to express the CAR. Once the CAR-T cells have been manufactured, they are then infused back into the patient.
The most common side effects of Yescarta include cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurologic toxicities, fever, low blood cell counts, infections, and hypogammaglobulinemia. These side effects can range from mild to severe. Close monitoring and appropriate management are essential during Yescarta treatment.
Yescarta has shown remarkable effectiveness in clinical trials. In the ZUMA-1 trial, it demonstrated an overall response rate of 82%, with 58% of patients achieving a complete response. The durability of response is also impressive, with many patients experiencing long-term remission.
Yescarta has the potential to achieve long-term remission for patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. However, it is important to note that not all patients respond to the treatment, and long-term outcomes are still being studied. Continuous monitoring and follow-up care are crucial for patients receiving Yescarta.
Coverage for Yescarta may vary depending on the healthcare provider and insurance plan. However, many insurance companies do provide coverage for CAR-T cell therapies like Yescarta, especially for approved indications. Patients should communicate with their healthcare team and insurance provider to understand the coverage options and seek appropriate financial assistance programs if needed.
The manufacturer of Yescarta provides a designated website with a physician finder tool to help patients locate treatment centers that offer the therapy. Additionally, healthcare providers, oncology networks, and cancer centers are usually well-informed about the availability of Yescarta and can guide patients to appropriate treatment centers.