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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Treatments & Procedures
  3. CAR T-cell Therapy

Treatment/Procedure: CAR T-cell Therapy

Also called: cellular therapy

UAMS is the first and only hospital in Arkansas approved to provide a revolutionary new therapy for certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy uses new technology to genetically modify a patient’s own T cells, enabling them to seek and destroy cancer cells. T cells are a type of white blood cell integral to the immune system.

As the only facility in Arkansas offering an adult Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy program, the highly-trained physicians and other health care professionals at UAMS are uniquely qualified to provide this complex procedure for patients with certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including mantle cell lymphoma.

CAR T-cell therapy was approved by the FDA in 2017 for patients with certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who have failed at least two other types of treatment. It has been shown in clinical trials to help 51% of patients achieve complete remission.

Here’s how it works:

  • The patient’s T cells are extracted using a process known as apheresis. During this process, the blood is drawn from the patient and entered into a machine that separates its components, including the T cells.
  • The T cells are sent to a lab where they are genetically modified using a virus that causes them to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), which have the ability to detect and kill cancer cells.
  • While the T cells are being altered, the patient undergoes chemotherapy. After nine days, the re-engineered T cells are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream, and within one week they begin attacking the cancer.

While CAR T-cell therapy is life-saving for many people, it is not effective for everyone. Most patients also experience side effects, which may be severe and include flu-like symptoms.

Contents

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  • Conditions
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Resources Related to CAR T-cell Therapy

Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment (Article)

Nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment (or to the cancer itself) can be a serious problem, but medication and other approaches can help.

Read the Article

Conditions Related to CAR T-cell Therapy

UAMS providers care for a broad range of conditions, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Multiple Myeloma

Providers Performing CAR T-cell Therapy

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe CAR T-cell Therapy for all conditions related to it. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Cesar Giancarlo Gentille Sanchez, M.D.

Cesar Giancarlo Gentille Sanchez, M.D. Hematologist/Oncologist

View Profile
Akash Mukherjee, M.D.

Akash Mukherjee, M.D. Hematologist/Oncologist

View Profile
Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D.

Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D. Hematologist/Oncologist

View Profile
Muthu K. Veeraputhiran, M.D.

Muthu K. Veeraputhiran, M.D. Medical Oncologist

View Profile

Locations Providing CAR T-cell Therapy

Note that CAR T-cell Therapy may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


Provider with patient Hematology Oncology Clinic

Hematology Oncology Clinic

449 Jack Stephens Drive
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Numbers
501-296-1200
New Patients
501-686-8530
Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for CAR T-cell Therapy

Close up of lab assistant in uniform, with mask and rubber gloves holding test tube with blood sample while sitting on chair and typing on laptop.

Blood Cancer Care (Part of Cancer Care)

UAMS Hematologists work in collaboration with teams of experts from every medical and surgical specialty for the care of patients with blood diseases

View Area of Expertise
Image of male doctor giving intravenous drip chemotherapy treatment to a female cancer patient.

Cancer Care

The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is Arkansas’ most comprehensive cancer treatment and research facility.

View Area of Expertise
GI Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer Care (Part of Cancer Care)

Cancers of the digestive system can be very serious, impacting both survival and quality of life.

View Area of Expertise
Genitourinary Cancers

Genitourinary Cancer Care (Part of Cancer Care)

The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute takes a team approach to treating genitourinary cancers.

View Area of Expertise
Sarcoma Ribbon for Awareness

Soft Tissue Cancer Care (Part of Cancer Care)

Soft tissue sarcoma is a broad term for cancers that start in soft tissues (muscle, tendons, fat, lymph and blood vessels, and nerves).

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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