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The CAR T Option

The CAR T Option

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 CAR T-cell therapy raises practical questions that go beyond how the treatment works: questions about what happens during recovery, how long side effects may last, what care partners actually do, and when life starts to feel more like normal again. This episode draws from BMT InfoNet’s webinar Ask the CAR T Experts, where clinicians and a psychosocial specialist respond to real questions from patients and care partners navigating CAR T. We explore the full timeline, from leukapheresis and bridging therapy to managing cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and infection risk at home. We also address care partner roles, fatigue and cognitive changes that can linger for months, and what daily life can look like after the acute phase ends. Whether you’re considering CAR T, supporting someone through it, or working with patients in a clinical setting, this episode offers grounded insight into the realities of preparation, treatment, and recovery — and what it takes to move through each phase with clarity and support. Featured experts: Dr. Jay Spiegel (University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center)Dr. Diana Cirstea (Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute)Margaret Franzetti, LCSW (BMT InfoNet CAR T Support Groups). Resources and links referenced in this episode: Doctor Tips on Supplements and Research (The New York Times) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/well/doctor-tips-supplements-research.html Honoring a Pioneer in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASH News Daily) https://ashpublications.org/ashnewsdaily/news/8953/Honoring-a-Pioneer-in-Hematopoietic-Stem-Cell Watch the Deep Dive: Ask the CAR T Experts https://bmtinfonet.org/video/ask-car-t-cell-experts BMT InfoNet CAR T Support Groups https://bmtinfonet.org/event/car-t-support-group Herbs and Supplements: Are They Safe for Transplant Recipients? https://bmtinfonet.org/video/herbs-and-supplements-are-they-safe-transplant-recipients CAR T-Cell Therapy: What to Expect Before, During and After (BOOK) https://bmtinfonet.org/product/car-t-cell-therapy-what-expect-during-and-after BMT InfoNet YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@BMTinfonet CHAPTERS 00:00:01 – Welcome! 00:01:02 – Updates - Supplements And Transplant Safety 00:02:56 – Updates - Honoring A Pioneer - Rainer Storb 00:04:58 – A Quick Note 00:06:21 – Something That May Help - Caring Connections 00:07:23 – Deep Dive - Cold Open 00:08:12 – Deep Dive - The CAR T Option 00:09:34 – Deep Dive - CAR T - What Are The Steps Involved 00:11:07 – Deep Dive - CAR T - What Are The Most Common Side Effects 00:12:09 – Deep Dive - How Long Do CAR T Cells Survive In The Body 00:13:23 – Deep Dive - How Can I Avoid Infections 00:14:21 – Deep Dive - How Long Do I Need A Caregiver 00:16:12 – Deep Dive - Lingering Symptoms After CAR T 00:16:53 – Deep Dive - Quality of Life After CAR T 00:17:58 – Deep Dive - Takeaways 00:19:22 – One Last Thought Stay Connected with BMT InfoNet BMT InfoNet provides trusted information and compassionate support for anyone affected by stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy. www.bmtinfonet.org Contact the Thrive! Team Questions, feedback, or topic ideas: thrive@bmtinfonet.org Get Involved Support BMT InfoNet’s mission and stay informed. Donate: bmtinfonet.org/form/donationEmail Updates: bmtinfonet.org/email-signupPay It Forward: bmtinfonet.org/transplant-article/pay-it-forward Explore Resources Education, connection, and practical support.Events & Workshops: bmtinfonet.org/eventsSupport Groups: bmtinfonet.org/support-groupsResource Directory: bmtinfonet.org/resource-directoryPatient Assistance Fund: bmtinfonet.org/patient-assistance-fund Follow BMT InfoNet Facebook: facebook.com/BMTInfoNet Instagram: instagram.com/bmtinfonet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bmtinfonet X (Twitter): twitter.com/bmtinfonet Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/bmtinfonet.bsky.social YouTube: youtube.com/BMTInfoNet Produced by La Strada Productions for BMT InfoNet www.lastrada.productions
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