The current understanding of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for older patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma.

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has changed treatment landscape of relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and more older patients have been treated with curative intent for R/R disease, including patients previously deemed unfit for autologous stem-cell transplant with a broader application of CAR T-cell therapy. Due to the unique CAR T-cell-related toxicity and special attention needed in treating older patients, optimal patient selection and management of CAR T-cell therapy in older patients are becoming more critical. More data are emerging in the field; multiple approaches, such as geriatric and frailty assessment and multi-disciplinary work with geriatrics, are being studied for CAR T-cell therapy application. Studies support the safe use of CAR T-cell therapy in older patients, however, application of geriatric assessment tools and maximizing multi-disciplinary approach to tailor supportive care are critical to reduce morbidity and improve outcomes in older patients.