Bloody Minded Episode 61 - On The Wards: BiTE Me and other T Cell Tasty Treats
Sep 16, 2025
Dive into the world of hematology as the hosts break down the intriguing BiTE and CAR-T therapies. Discover the reasons behind these innovative treatments and the challenges they present, including peculiar side effects like cytokine release syndrome. Enjoy lighthearted discussions linking humor and immunology, with metaphors that make complex topics relatable. Learn about the neurotoxicity of immune therapies and the importance of managing symptoms effectively, all while getting insights into the evolving landscape of cancer treatment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How Bispecific Antibodies Work
- Bispecific antibodies bind a T-cell target (usually CD3) and a tumor antigen to redirect T cells to kill cancer cells.
- Targets include CD19/CD20 for B-cell disease and BCMA/GPRC5D for plasma cell/myeloma disease.
CAR‑T: Reprogramming Patient T Cells
- CAR-T therapy engineers a patient's T cells with a chimeric antigen receptor to target tumor antigens directly.
- After infusion, CAR-T cells expand in vivo to seek and kill antigen-expressing cancer cells.
Plan For CAR‑T Lead Time
- Expect autologous CAR-T to require apheresis, overseas manufacture, and a wait period before infusion.
- Arrange bridging therapy (steroids/chemo/radiation) while CAR-T is manufactured for aggressive disease.