Home » Service » CAR T-Cell Therapy
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, an innovative form of immunotherapy that uses a patient’s own immune system to help fight certain blood cancers.Â
With CAR-T, a patient’s immune cells (T-lymphocytes) are collected through a simple, minimally invasive procedure. In a specialized lab, these cells are modified to recognize and attack cancer cells. Once infused back into the patient, they travel throughout the body, targeting cancer cells for destruction.Â
Whenever possible, CAR-T therapy at Mary Bird Perkins is delivered in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to recover at home surrounded by loved ones, with inpatient support available if needed through Baton Rouge General Medical Center.
CAR-T therapy is a type of cellular therapy that enhances the body’s natural defenses.
T-cells are a type of white blood cell that help the immune system fight disease. In CAR-T therapy, these cells are engineered to better recognize specific markers (antigens) on cancer cells, helping the immune system identify and remove them more effectively.Â
CAR-T therapy begins with collecting T-cells from the blood through a process called leukapheresis, followed by infusion of the modified CAR T-cells once they are ready.Â
CAR-T therapy is typically used for patients whose cancer has:Â
Â
Most patients have received one or more previous treatments before CAR-T is recommended.Â
Your Mary Bird Perkins care team will help you determine whether CAR-T is an appropriate option based on your diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers CAR-T therapy for certain blood cancers, including:
CAR-T therapy is complex and highly specialized, requiring careful coordination before, during, and after infusion.Â
At Mary Bird Perkins, CAR-T care is provided through our Cellular Therapy Program, which brings together expert physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, coordinators, and supportive care services to guide patients through treatment and recovery.Â
Patients are closely monitored during the early recovery period, when side effects are most likely to occur, and they may be asked to remain within an hour of the clinic for a short time after infusion.Â
CAR-T therapy at Mary Bird Perkins is led by Dr. Andrew Dalovisio, who provides expert oversight throughout the cellular therapy process.Â
Patients are supported by a comprehensive team of coordinators, oncology-trained nurses, advanced practice providers, and supportive care specialists who work together to guide treatment, monitor recovery, and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.Â
Recovery after CAR-T takes time, and every patient’s experience is different.Â
Many patients experience fatigue, changes in concentration or memory, and emotional adjustment in the months following treatment. Our team provides ongoing guidance and follow-up care to support both physical healing and emotional well-being.Â
Patients are encouraged to stay connected with their care team, ask questions, and reach out if new symptoms or concerns arise.Â
Long-term care after CAR-T may include continued monitoring, wellness support, and preventive health maintenance. Patients may also need certain vaccinations over time as their immune system recovers.Â
Mary Bird Perkins is dedicated to supporting your quality of life at every stop, from treatment through recovery and survivorship.
CAR-T therapy represents an important advancement for eligible patients with certain blood cancers.Â
To learn whether CAR-T may be an option for you or a loved one, contact Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to speak with our Cellular Therapy team. We will guide you through the next steps, including a comprehensive evaluation to determine if CAR-T is the right fit for your diagnosis and treatment history.Â
Fax: (225) 215-1661 • Phone: (225) 767-1311
Please include recent clinical notes, pathology, and treatment history when available. For questions, please contact Shannon Hyde at (225) 413-5384
To learn more, click here.Â
Self-referral FormRelease of Health Information Form
