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Current Oncology Reports
Published in: Current Oncology Reports 6/2022

01-06-2022 | Lymphoma | Cancer Rehabilitation (S Shahpar, Section Editor)

Rehabilitation Needs for Patients Undergoing CAR T-Cell Therapy

Authors: Obada Obaisi, Rhodora C. Fontillas, Krina Patel, An Ngo-Huang

Published in: Current Oncology Reports | Issue 6/2022

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a relatively new, innovative treatment strategy to manage refractory hematological cancers, including some types of leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. This article outlines the CAR T-cell therapy process, toxicity, and complications, along with an overview of the currently known short- and long-term physical and functional sequelae that will be helpful for general or oncology rehabilitation specialists caring for these patients.

Recent Findings

There is a dearth of literature on the topic of rehabilitation of patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy. Rehabilitation practices can be extrapolated from the limited functional information on patients who have completed treatment for lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Patients present with cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, reduced exercise capacity, neuropathy, and cancer-related fatigue. Physical activity and rehabilitation programs may be beneficial to address fatigue, psychological symptoms, and quality of life.

Summary

There is limited rehabilitation research in patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy. These patients may present with general deconditioning and neurological complications which translate to neuromuscular and cognitive impairment that benefit from multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention prior to, during, and after treatment. Studies measuring the impairments at baseline and evaluation of the impact of rehabilitation practices are much needed to support this.
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Metadata
Title
Rehabilitation Needs for Patients Undergoing CAR T-Cell Therapy
Authors
Obada Obaisi
Rhodora C. Fontillas
Krina Patel
An Ngo-Huang
Publication date
01-06-2022
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Oncology Reports / Issue 6/2022
Print ISSN: 1523-3790
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-022-01240-0

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