Strengthening Collaborative CAR T Referral Pathways Across the Carolinas-CAR T Collaborative Care Webinar

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, hosted by the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC), focused on strengthening collaborative care pathways for CAR T-cell therapy, especially for lymphoma patients. Speakers from UNC, MUSC, and a community oncology setting discussed how early referral, coordinated care, and clear communication improve patient access and outcomes.<br /><br />Dr. Natalie Grover reviewed the expanding CAR T landscape, noting multiple FDA-approved products and earlier-line indications. She emphasized that CAR T can offer long-term remission for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, but only if patients are referred quickly enough to complete the process. She highlighted key steps in the CAR T journey: referral, apheresis, bridging therapy, manufacturing, treatment, and post-infusion follow-up. She also noted that older age and some comorbidities should not automatically exclude patients.<br /><br />Kathleen Prudhomme explained the financial and administrative barriers, including insurance authorizations, payer network restrictions, and changing coverage. She stressed that early referral gives teams time to solve these issues before they delay treatment.<br /><br />Tatiana Gergich outlined post-CAR T monitoring, including CRS and neurotoxicity in the first two weeks, followed by infection risk, cytopenias, hypogammaglobulinemia, and delayed toxicities. She described how local centers can safely manage many follow-up needs with structured handoffs, shared notes, and ongoing collaboration.<br /><br />Dr. Ruling Wan presented two community cases showing how sustained communication between local oncologists and CAR T centers enabled successful treatment, even for rural patients.<br /><br />The session concluded that early referral, warm handoffs, and closed-loop communication are essential to optimize access and safety for CAR T patients.

Keywords

CAR T-cell therapy

lymphoma

early referral

collaborative care

community oncology

FDA-approved products

bridging therapy

CRS

neurotoxicity

patient access