Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy: Prospective observational study of unplanned emergency department presentations

ObjectiveChimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is an emerging treatment for refractory hematologic malignancy. Unplanned ED presentations following CAR-T present the increasing need for an integrated model of care that allows for the early recognition of its specific complications.MethodsThis is a prospective observational study at a tertiary centre. CAR-T patients (n = 17) were universally enrolled into a study registry by treating providers. These patients were flagged by investigators to trigger a pop-up notification CAR-T information warning at ED triage. Medical records were reviewed 90 days for unplanned presentations, complications and patient-oriented outcomes.ResultsPatients receiving CAR-T frequently encountered toxicity within 7 days of therapy. This was typically mild and occurred in an inpatient setting. Medical record review revealed five unplanned ED presentations (that were recognised as post CAR-T) and not directly attributable to specific toxicities.ConclusionIf CAR-T therapy is to be used more widely especially in an outpatient model of care, a standardised ED model of care for recognition of specific complications is needed.