Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in managing cytokine release syndrome after CD19 CAR-T therapy for relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown promise in treating relapsed or refractory (R/R) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), but cytokine release syndrome (CRS) remains a significant side effect.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study investigated the use of tocilizumab for managing CAR-T-related CRS in 45 R/R B-ALL patients.

Results

Of these, 17 patients received tocilizumab, resulting in a significant reduction in the duration of grade 3 CRS compared to those who did not receive the drug. Additionally, 10 patients showed decreased cytokine levels.Importantly, tocilizumab did not impair CAR-T cell expansion or efficacy, nor did it increase the incidence of adverse events.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that tocilizu

SUBMITTER: Zhou Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11949925 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature