Recovering from CAR T-Cell Therapy
Recovery can take time as your immune system gets stronger. While every situation is different, the acute recovery period is typically the 30 days after the CAR T-cell infusion. You may experience side effects or complications that require frequent follow-up visits, or even hospitalization. During this period:
You may still feel tired when you leave the hospital and may not feel like eating much. This is normal. We encourage you to resume your normal activities as you feel up to it, but give yourself and your immune system time to recover. If you have questions about what activities you may do when you return home, talk with your care team.
We will provide you with a CAR T-cell therapy wallet card that identifies you as having received CAR T-cell therapy. If you see any doctor or visit an emergency room (ER) after your CAR T-cell treatment, inform them that you have received CAR T cells, show them the medical card, and have them contact your CAR T-cell physician.
Follow Up Appointments
Medications
Your physician may prescribe you antibiotics or other medications to prevent infection or prevent/address side effects such as nausea or seizure. You may also receive blood transfusions if your blood counts are low. Your care team will review these medications with you. Depending on your situation, you may need to continue taking these medications for months after CAR T-cell therapy.
Driving Guidelines
Per FDA guidelines, you may not drive for 60 days following your CAR T infusion (Day 0), due to the risk of neurologic complications from CAR T.
Vaccinations
Speak with your CAR T physician about the timing of any vaccinations after CAR T-cell therapy.
Return to Work
When you are able to go back to work will depend on how you are feeling, the nature of your job and its setting. Talk with your care team about what may be appropriate for you as you progress in your recovery.
Next: Infection Precautions
- You will need to stay close to Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital so we can quickly see you and help address any side effects.
- Your primary caregiver or a member of your support team will need to be with you at all times. This person will be responsible for watching for any signs of fever, infection, and neurologic difficulties (e.g., confusion, personality changes), and notifying your care team right away if any symptoms occur.
You may still feel tired when you leave the hospital and may not feel like eating much. This is normal. We encourage you to resume your normal activities as you feel up to it, but give yourself and your immune system time to recover. If you have questions about what activities you may do when you return home, talk with your care team.
We will provide you with a CAR T-cell therapy wallet card that identifies you as having received CAR T-cell therapy. If you see any doctor or visit an emergency room (ER) after your CAR T-cell treatment, inform them that you have received CAR T cells, show them the medical card, and have them contact your CAR T-cell physician.
Follow Up Appointments
- First 30 days: For the first 30 days after your CAR T infusion, you will have weekly (at least) appointments at Dana-Farber with your physician and NP/PA to monitor your blood counts and possible side effects.
Note: Patients who receive their CAR T infusion in the outpatient clinic will have daily visits for the first 7 to 14 days. They will then transition to weekly appointments. - After 30 days: After the initial 30-day period, you will have monthly appointments at Dana-Farber for several months. Appointments may be more often, depending on how you are feeling.
You may also have appointments with your local oncology team for follow-up treatment in between your appointments at Dana-Farber. Our team will work closely with your local oncologist and provide guidelines for ongoing care and side effect management. - Long-term follow-up: Over time, the frequency of your follow up appointments will lessen, as long as you are not experiencing side effects. You will have annual (at least) appointments for up to 15 years after your treatment.
Medications
Your physician may prescribe you antibiotics or other medications to prevent infection or prevent/address side effects such as nausea or seizure. You may also receive blood transfusions if your blood counts are low. Your care team will review these medications with you. Depending on your situation, you may need to continue taking these medications for months after CAR T-cell therapy.
Driving Guidelines
Per FDA guidelines, you may not drive for 60 days following your CAR T infusion (Day 0), due to the risk of neurologic complications from CAR T.
Vaccinations
Speak with your CAR T physician about the timing of any vaccinations after CAR T-cell therapy.
Return to Work
When you are able to go back to work will depend on how you are feeling, the nature of your job and its setting. Talk with your care team about what may be appropriate for you as you progress in your recovery.
Next: Infection Precautions