Kansas City, Kan- Richard Hankins, a DJ diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma, underwent CAR T-cell therapy at the University of Kansas Cancer Center after other treatments failed.
His doctors explained that CAR T-cell therapy uses re-engineered T-cells to fight cancer, achieving a 40-50% cure rate in lymphoma and up to 95% response in myeloma.
CAR T-cell therapy helps cancer patients live longer but it remains a limited choice for many people outside academic medical centers.
Richard Hankins, patient and Kansas City DJ
- Richard shares his initial setback, explaining that cancer processes sometimes don't get cleared up completely.
- He shares his biggest challenges and offers advice for other patients, emphasizing faith and early treatment.
Dr. Al-Ola Abdullah, Clinical Director of Plasma Cell Disorder Program, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Dr. Abdullah discusses the importance of early referrals and the infrastructure needed for CAR T-cell therapy.
- He highlights the importance of understanding the target for effective treatment and the potential for CAR T-cell therapy to treat other cancers and non-cancer diseases.
Dr Nausheen Ahmed, Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy,
- Dr. Ahmed explains the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy in treating blood cancers that have failed other therapies.
- She explains the potential for a second CAR T-cell therapy or other treatments like transplant for patients who fail the first CAR T-cell therapy.
