CAR-T Explained: The Science Behind Personalized Immunotherapy

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward,” Tara Mink,expert in cell and gene therapy for more than 25 years, joins to discuss the science, promise, and challenges of CAR-T therapy. Tara explains how CAR-T works, its remarkable durability, and the side effects clinicians manage. She also discusses the future of gene therapy, barriers to access, and how the field is expanding into new disease areas.

01:05 Tara explains the CAR-T process, including how T cells are collected, genetically modified with a chimeric antigen receptor, expanded, and then reinfused into the patient.

01:49 Discussion of CAR-T’s efficacy, described as both remarkable and durable. It’s positioned as a “one and done” therapy that typically requires no maintenance.

02:30 Tara outlines common side effects like cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, emphasizing their manageability with proper early intervention.

03:18 The future of gene therapy is promising, with projections of 1,500 new therapies emerging by 2030, according to the Cardinal 2025 report.

04:00 Key challenges include the high cost of research and treatment, limited insurance coverage, accessibility to treatment centers, and widespread misinformation in the medical community.

06:37 Solutions include expanding treatment access, supporting outpatient models, partnering with third-party services, and improving insurance and patient education.

09:25 Commercial hurdles are explored, such as the need for better technologies that reduce side effects and the importance of building provider confidence in administering CAR-T in community settings.

10:08 An overview of where CAR-T is headed, including gastrointestinal conditions, prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, lung and breast cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

12:00 Tara shares how patient outcomes have dramatically improved over the last decade, with some blood cancer patients now living 25–30 years post-treatment.

13:06 Encouragement for patients to seek expert guidance, confirm the treatment fits their diagnosis, and work closely with their provider teams for the best path forward.