Observational Study on the Cardiac Side Effects of CAR-T Cell Therapy

CAR-T cell therapy is a new treatment method that uses the patient’s genetically modified T cells to recognize and kill specific cells in the body, thereby activating the body’s own immune system. To date, this therapy has been used primarily to treat malignant blood cancers. Although generally safe, CAR-T cell therapy can have side effects, including those affecting the cardiovascular system, and may also cause inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis).

This study investigates heart-specific side effects following CAR-T cell therapy using multiple cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI) scans. The study is purely observational; no medications are being tested in this study; participation in the study does not alter the treatment itself. The study is conducted prospectively and longitudinally, which means that patients are monitored over an extended period to examine both acute and long-term effects on the heart. Patients will undergo a total of three cardiac MRIs: at the start of treatment, within two weeks of the start of therapy, and after six months. These scans help identify inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and changes in heart function, and track their progression in relation to CAR-T cell therapy.

Eligible participants include women and men who are being treated with CAR-T cell therapy or for whom such therapy is planned, and who are willing to undergo multiple MRI scans.