Science Highlights
Published on November 13, 2025
Health-related quality of life after CAR T-cell therapy
by Blood Advances
Pennings ERA, Spanjaart AM, Thielen FW, et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Treated With CAR T-Cell Therapy in Europe. Blood Advances. 2025; (doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2025017081).
A European study highlighted the positive effect of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and ongoing challenges after treatment. Investigators circulated an online survey, in seven languages and across 10 countries, to patients who underwent CAR T treatment for hematologic malignancies. A total of 389 respondents completed the survey, which inquired about treatment experiences, unfulfilled care needs, and HRQoL. Patient-reported outcomes were compared against the general population in Europe, a matched cohort of individuals with hematologic malignancies but no CAR T exposure, and various subpopulations. Analysis suggested that with the CAR T treatment, patients can enjoy a similar or better HRQoL as the European general public, but many struggle with problems ranging from physical dysfunction to anxiety related to disease prognosis. The research also identified vulnerable subgroups, including women and older adults, who presented with elevated risk for physical problems; patients with CAR T-driven neurotoxicity, whose risk for cognitive- and social-functioning issues was higher; and younger patients, who were more likely to struggle financially after CAR T therapy.
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