As the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy continues to expand as an effective treatment for hematologic malignancies, understanding how to identify eligible patients early and implementation of an effective framework for identification can improve care coordination and better prepare community cancer programs for widespread use of CAR T-cell therapy. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with David L. Porter, MD, director of Cell Therapy and Transplant at Penn Medicine, about the challenges community oncologists face and the key role they can play in identifying and recommending eligible patients for CAR T-cell therapy.

 

“The single most important thing for a patient out in the community at a place that doesn’t have familiarity or immediate access to CAR T-cells is to refer them somewhere that does and refer them soon and timely.” – David L. Porter, MD

 

Guest: 

David L. Porter, MD

Director, Cell Therapy and Transplant

Jodi Fisher Horowitz Professor in Leukemia Care Excellence

Penn Medicine- University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS)

Philadelphia, PA

 

This episode has been developed in connection with the ACCC education program Tips for Early Patient Identification for CAR T-Cell Therapy and Creating “Stickiness” with Community Providers for Optimal Care Coordination. This episode was made possible with support by Kite Pharma.

 

Additional Reading/Sources

ACCC Oncology Issues Article

If They RECUR, You Should Refer: A Community Oncologist Patient ID Roundtable Summary

Essentials for Identifying Patients – Bringing CAR T-cell Therapy to Community Oncology

Optimizing Care Coordination – Bringing CAR T-cell Therapy to Community Oncology