Kymriah: Used to treat certain types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Brief information about it:
Kymriah is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy used to treat certain types of leukemia. It is a type of immunotherapy that involves genetically modifying a patient’s T cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
Uses:
· Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): Kymriah is approved for the treatment of pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory ALL.
· Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Kymriah is approved for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory AML.
Mechanism of action:
· Collecting T cells: T cells are collected from the patient’s blood.
· Genetic modification: The T cells are genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that recognizes and targets a specific protein on the surface of cancer cells.
· Expansion and infusion: The modified T cells are grown in a laboratory and then infused back into the patient’s bloodstream.
· Cancer cell destruction: The CAR T cells identify and attack cancer cells expressing the target protein.
Elimination half life:
The elimination half-life of Kymriah can vary depending on individual factors. It is generally excreted from the body within a few weeks.
Route of Administration:
Kymriah is administered as a single intravenous infusion.
Side effects:
· Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): This is a serious side effect that can cause flu-like symptoms, fever, low blood pressure, and organ damage.
· Neurological toxicity: This can include headaches, confusion, seizures, and other neurological symptoms.
· Infections: Kymriah can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
Dose:
The recommended dose of Kymriah is a single infusion of 2 x 10^6 CAR-modified T cells per kilogram of body weight.
Precautions:
· Consult a doctor: Before receiving Kymriah, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is safe for you and to discuss potential risks and benefits.
· Medical history: Inform your doctor about any personal or family history of conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.
· Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to medications or other substances.
