Before CAR-T cell Therapy

You will require the support of a dedicated caregiver during your treatment and for at least 30 days after your CAR-T cell therapy. Caregivers supporting you during this time may include spouses, partners, mature children, close family members and friends.  

You should visit your dentist before receiving your CAR-T cell therapy. This includes a routine cleaning and treating any cavities or other dental issues. Ensure you stay up to date on your dental care and let your CAR-T provider know if you have any concerns.  

You will not be able to work during and after your CAR-T cell therapy until you are medically cleared by your doctor, approximately three (3) to six (6) months after treatment. During this period, you will need to take a leave of absence from work or make other arrangements. 

It is important to look into possible financial support options, such as Employment Insurance (EI) and/or disability benefits. If you need help with this, please speak with the social worker.  

If you live more than a 45-minute drive from Victoria Hospital, you may need to temporarily relocate for your CAR-T cell therapy. In general, relocating to London is recommended for at least four (4) weeks after your CAR-T cell infusion, or two (2) weeks following discharge. You and your doctor will discuss this further. 

Support and accommodations may be available for patients who live more than 45-minute drive to the hospital.  

You will need to plan for someone to care for your pets during your two (2)-week admission into the hospital. It is okay to return home to your pets with some limitations. Dogs, cats, and fish do not pose a great risk of infection to you if you follow the guidelines below. If you have any other animals at home, please discuss it with your physician. It may be best to let someone else care for them for a while. If you do not have a pet, now is not the time to get a new pet.  

• Have someone else clean your pet’s cage, litter box, pen, or fish tank for the first three (3) months 
• Have your pet sleep in another room  
• Be sure to wash your hands after petting and handling your pet  
• Avoid being scratched by your cat  
• Do not have your pet’s litter box or cage in the kitchen where food is prepared and eaten  
• Do not let your pets lick you – keep them away from your face  
• Only feed your pet with food that has been bought from a store  
• Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date  
• Take your pet to a veterinarian at the first sign of illness 

Having CAR-T cell therapy may make you unable to have children. Men may wish to think about sperm banking before starting treatment. Women may wish to think about fertility options such as embryo or egg cryopreservation. If you would like more information about fertility, speak to your hematologist or oncologist, the transplant clinic nurse or the social worker.    

You will NOT be allowed to drive for eight (8) weeks after your CAR-T cell infusion due to increased risk of seizures and feeling unwell. Note that you will not have insurance if you are driving through this period.  

CAR-T cell therapy is a time of mixed hope and anxiety. You may cope very well, but may also develop feelings of anxiety, loneliness, depression, and boredom. You may also worry about family members or feel angry and frustrated with being ill. The team caring for you is aware of these kinds of feelings and concerns. These feelings are normal. Sharing your concerns with team members will help you to cope with these problems. The support of family and friends is also very important as it provides company and comfort for you during your hospital stay. For more information about emotional needs, visit the Emotional Needs webpage. 

Quitting smoking can result in better treatment outcomes. If you smoke and would like to learn more about smoking cessation programs to help you quit, please visit the Smoking Cessation webpage.

• CAR-T cell Therapy Basics
• Before CAR-T cell Therapy
• Steps to CAR-T cell Therapy
  • CAR-T cell Therapy - Step 1
  • CAR-T cell Therapy - Step 2
  • CAR-T cell Therapy - Step 3
  • CAR-T cell Therapy - Step 4
  • CAR-T cell Therapy - Step 5
  • CAR-T cell Therapy - Step 6
  • CAR-T cell Therapy - Step 7
  • CAR-T cell Therapy - Step 8
• Frequently Asked Questions About CAR-T cell Therapy
• Important Contact Information for CAR-T cell Therapy Patients