Cytokine Release Syndrome in Oncologic Patients Treated With Car-T

Background: The development and use of immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), has transformed cancer treatment. However, managing related toxicities remains a significant challenge. Objectives: To provide an overview of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in cancer patients receiving CAR-T treatment, focusing on its clinical and therapeutic management. Methods: A literature review was conducted to gather current knowledge and insights on CRS associated with CAR-T therapy. Sources included peer-reviewed journals, clinical studies, and expert reviews. Results: Prevalence of CRS: CRS is a common toxicity in CAR-T therapy, with a variable incidence depending on the type of CAR-T product used and patient-specific factors. Clinical Presentation: CRS can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe, life-threatening manifestations, including high fever, hypotension, and multi-organ dysfunction. Challenges in Identification: Differentiating CRS from other conditions such as sepsis is challenging due to overlapping clinical features. Therapeutic Management: Management strategies include supportive care, corticosteroids, and cytokine inhibitors like tocilizumab. Early recognition and intervention are critical to improve patient outcomes. Conclusion: Effective management of CRS in CAR-T cell therapy is vital to mitigate its potentially fatal consequences. Continued research and clinical vigilance are essential for improving the safety and efficacy of CAR-T treatments in cancer patients.