CAR-T
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
CAR-T stands for Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Personalized immunotherapy in which a patient's T cells are collected, genetically engineered to recognize a cancer target such as CD19 or BCMA, expanded and infused back to attack the cancer. It is approved for certain leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma.
Example: Relapsed DLBCL after two lines: leukapheresis done, bridging therapy, CAR-T infusion planned in 4 weeks.
Usage notes
The FDA approved the first CAR-T product, tisagenlecleucel, in August 2017 for children and young adults with relapsed ALL; Emily Whitehead, treated in 2012, was the first pediatric patient. Major side effects are cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity (ICANS), and in 2024 the FDA added a boxed warning about secondary T-cell cancers. Also written CAR T or CAR-T cell therapy.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- BRAF – B-Raf proto-oncogene
- BRCA – Breast cancer gene
- Ca – Cancer (carcinoma)
- CA 19-9 – Carbohydrate antigen 19-9
- CA-125 – Cancer antigen 125
- CAPOX – Capecitabine and oxaliplatin
- CAT – Cancer-associated thrombosis
- CEA – Carcinoembryonic antigen
- chemo – Chemotherapy
- CHOP – Cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin (doxorubicin), Oncovin…
- CLL – Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- CML – Chronic myeloid leukemia
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.