What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy genetically engineers the patient's own T-lymphocytes to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It is defined as a personalized living drug.
FDA-Approved Indications
FDA-approved CAR-T indications (2026): r/r DLBCL (Yescarta, Kymriah, Breyanzi), r/r follicular lymphoma (Yescarta), r/r mantle cell lymphoma (Tecartus), r/r ALL <25 yrs (Kymriah), r/r multiple myeloma (Abecma, Carvykti).
40–50% complete remission in r/r DLBCL after 2+ prior lines. Same FDA-approved products used in Istanbul as in the USA.
Cost in Istanbul
CAR-T therapy in the USA costs $400–600K. In Istanbul: $85–130K (hospital, coordinator, and follow-up included). Same original FDA-approved drug products are used.
Treatment Process
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment (1–2 days)
- Leukapheresis — T-cell collection (1 day)
- Genetic engineering in GMP laboratory (2–4 weeks)
- Lymphodepleting chemotherapy (3–5 days)
- CAR-T cell infusion (1 day)
- Hospital monitoring and toxicity management (7–14 days)
Side Effect Management (CRS & ICANS)
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and ICANS (immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity) are expected side effects. Our team is experienced in early tocilizumab and corticosteroid intervention.