Chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy: Challenges and framework of outpatient administration

Abstract Adoptive cellular therapy has made a landmark change within the treatment paradigm of several hematologic malignancies, and novel cellular therapy products, such as chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy (CART), have demonstrated impressive efficacy and produced durable responses. However, the CART treatment process is associated with significant toxicities, healthcare resource utilization, and financial burden. Most of these therapies have been administered in the inpatient setting due to their toxicity profile. Improved toxicity management strategies and a better understanding of cellular therapy processes are now established. Therefore, efforts to transition CART to the outpatient setting are warranted with the potential to translate into enhanced patient quality of life and cost savings. A successful launch of outpatient CART requires several components including a multidisciplinary cellular therapy team and an outpatient center with appropriate clinical space and personnel. Telemedicine should be incorporated for closer monitoring. Additionally, clear criteria for admission upon clinical decompensation, a pathway for prompt inpatient transition, and clear toxicity management guidelines should be implemented. Effective education about cellular therapy and toxicity management is imperative, especially for the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit teams. Here, we have outlined the various logistical and clinical considerations required for the care of CART patients, which will aid centers to establish an outpatient CART program

New‐onset posttransplant diabetes mellitus after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide

Abstract Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo‐HCT) with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) is utilized for patients with hematological disorders but without conventional donors. The effects of new‐onset posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) following haplo‐HCT are unknown. We examined PTDM incidence and outcomes after haplo‐HCT with PTCY. Patients without diabetes receiving haplo‐HCT (n = 64) were analyzed for PTDM diagnosis (defined as blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL). By day 100, 14 (22%) patients developed PTDM (median, 18 days). Hyperglycemia (blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL) preceded corticosteroids in 11 (79%) individuals. PTDM patients had increased death/relapse (P = .029). PTDM occurs frequently, precedes corticosteroids, and leads to inferior outcomes following haplo‐HCT. PTDM prophylaxis/treatment may improve HCT survival