People of all races live equally long after getting axi-cel
Number of Participants1,290
Research GoalIncrease Access
Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells. A new treatment uses a patient’s own white blood cells that have been modified to fight cancer. This is called chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy.
A study looked at a CAR-T called axicabtagene ciloleucel, or axi-cel. In the study, 1,300 people got axi-cel during 2017-2020. Researchers observed patients for about 2 years after treatment. Researchers looked at 4 groups:
A study looked at a CAR-T called axicabtagene ciloleucel, or axi-cel. In the study, 1,300 people got axi-cel during 2017-2020. Researchers observed patients for about 2 years after treatment. Researchers looked at 4 groups:
- Asian
- Black or African American
- White
- Hispanic or Latino people of any race
(There were too few patients of these races: American Indian or Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; and more than one race.)
Researchers found that people of all races were equally likely to be alive 2 years after CAR-T therapy. However, Asian, Black, Hispanic people were less likely to get CAR-T than white people.
Researchers also found:
- Black or African American patients were least likely to be cancer-free (also called complete remission).
- White patients were most likely to have serious but temporary brain problems, called neurotoxicity, in the first month after therapy.
Keep in mind
Race is not necessarily the cause of the differences. Inequities in income, health insurance, and local hospitals also can affect access to CAR-T and overall patients’ health. This study did not look at these things.
Learn more about
- CAR-T therapy at NMDP.org
- Clinical trials with CAR-Ts at CTsearchsupport.org
- More study summaries at CIBMTR.org