In CAR-T cell therapy, the white blood cells outside your body are modified and optimized so that they can recognize and kill cancer cells.
CAR-T cell therapies are used at the USZ for the following diseases.
The necessity of CAR T-cell therapy is discussed in our tumor board and discussed with you in detail. All CAR-T products approved in Switzerland are available at the USZ so that we can offer you the most suitable product in each case
Your doctor will discuss the possible treatment options with you. If CAR-T cell therapy is an option, your white blood cells will first be collected (apheresis).
A care expert checks the product during cell collection (apheresis).
A protein, the so-called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), is then introduced into your white blood cells outside your body. This protein recognizes the cancer cells, which leads to the activation and proliferation of the CAR-T cells and the killing of the cancer cells. This releases many inflammatory substances that can lead to particular side effects. For this reason, an inpatient stay in our SUED2 E cell therapy unit is necessary if you receive your CAR-T cells back through an infusion.
The finished CAR-T cells are stored in liquid nitrogen at around -200°C until they are used.
Before the infusion, you will receive chemotherapy so that your CAR-T cells can develop optimally in your body. After discharge, individual follow-up care is provided by our specialists in the outpatient clinic.
At the USZ, you will be looked after from day one by an experienced and multi-professional team that will support you at all levels. In addition to medical care, this includes the following disciplines: nutritional counseling, social counseling, physiotherapy, psycho-oncology and many others.
The USZ is a center for stem and immune cell therapy accredited by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) (JACIE accreditation).
Attending Physician, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology
Senior Attending Physician, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology
As a patient, you cannot register directly for a consultation. Please get a referral from your primary care physician, specialist.
University Hospital Zurich
Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology
Raemistrasse 100
8091 Zurich