T-cells are a type of white blood cell that play a very important role in the immune system. They help the body fight infections by tracking down and destroying cells that are infected with harmful viruses or bacteria, or cells that have become cancerous.

CARs, or Chimeric Antigen Receptors, are microscopic proteins that T cells learn to make using codes (genes) that scientists insert into the T cells. T cells that can make CARs are called CAR-T cells. CAR T-cells are generally better at tracking down and destroying cancer cells than T-cells that cannot make CAR proteins.

In Australia, CAR T-cell therapy is an approved therapy for some specific blood and lymphoma cancers. The use of this therapy for other cancers is being researched.

We encourage you to check with your/your child’s haematologist or oncologist if you want to learn more about how CAR T-cell therapy can be used to treat your/your child’s cancer.

The time it takes to make CAR T-cells and how and when it is given depends on the type of cancer and your child’s health. Making and giving CAR T-cells to a person can be a long process and is not the same for everyone.

Generally, it will involve a period of time in hospital to prepare the patient ,and during the administration of the CAR T-cells. Subsequently, close follow up as an outpatient will be necessary, depending on your child’s type of cancer and response to the therapy.