Provision of CAR T-cell therapy is a complex procedure requiring tailored pre-infusion preparation, a specialized environment for delivery of therapy, and broad knowledge regarding potential adverse events that, if severe, can be life threatening for patients. A number of CAR T-cell therapy protocols have become standard, but many are specific to the providing institution. In this Educator Module, Rebecca Lu, MSN, FNP-C, of MD Anderson Cancer Center, guides learners through the basics of CAR T-cell therapy for patients with multiple myeloma, including approved products and standard protocols for pre-infusion, hospitalization, testing/imaging, infection, and seizure prophylaxis, as well as how to handle specialty group referrals. Ms. Lu also provides detailed information about managing two of the most common adverse events: cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). The module also covers management of cytopenias, outpatient monitoring, and discharge of patients from the infusion center to a local community center.

• Watch Video
• Presentation Slides
• Presenter Notes
• Listen to Audio-Only

Meet The Faculty

Rebecca Lu, MSN, FNP-C
MD Anderson Cancer Center

Rebecca Lu, MSN, FNP-C, received her master's degree from Prairie View A&M College of Nursing. She was previously employed in the lymphoma/myeloma department at MD Anderson Cancer Center as an outpatient nurse practitioner and is currently employed as a research nurse practitioner. She specializes in plasma cell dyscrasias and has a true commitment to scholarly excellence and dissemination of knowledge, which is highlighted by the numerous professional presentations she has given and several manuscripts she has published related to multiple myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias. She currently serves on the International Myeloma Foundation Nurse Leadership Board.

Sarah Jimenez, MSN, APN-BC, AGACNP, AOCNP
Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University

Sarah Jimenez, DNP, AGACNP, AOCNP, has more than 20 years of extensive experience in hematologic malignancies and cellular therapies. Dr. Jimenez is currently a part of the Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy program and co-director of the Oncology APP Clinical Preceptorship Program at Wellstar MCG Health/Georgia Cancer Center. Dr. Jimenez was awarded the ACS graduate scholarship in Oncology Nursing and has received numerous awards and recognition for her excellence in oncology practice. Dr. Jimenez's has published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing and the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, and she has served as a faculty lecturer for the APSHO regional skills workshops on hematologic malignancies. Additionally, she serves on the ASTCT APP Education and Professional Development SIG Committees.

Katelyn Toeniskoetter, PharmD, BCOP
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Katelyn Toeniskoetter, PharmD, BCOP, is a Thoracic Disease Group Research Pharmacist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy and holds a certification as a Board-Certified Oncology Pharmacist. Prior to her current position, Dr. Toeniskoetter served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis. She previously served as an Investigational Drug Services Oncology Pharmacist at the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University in St. Louis and as a board member of Health Protection and Education Services of St. Louis. With a keen interest in advancing cancer treatment, Dr. Toeniskoetter has a particular passion for phase I studies and novel drug mechanisms. Further interests include advancing care in sarcoma and precision oncology. She is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches, contributing to the development of new therapies in the field of oncology, and highlighting the role of the pharmacist in clinical research.