Retrospective study of association of prolonged CAR-T apheresis to infusion time with outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

CAR T-cell therapy is effective for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL); however, delays between apheresis and infusion frequently occur. A retrospective study at Kyoto University Hospital evaluated the association of prolonged time between apheresis and infusion with outcomes in R/R DLBCL. Among 90 patients, the median apheresis to infusion interval was 66 days (range 28-203). Patients were categorized into delayed (≥ 66 days) and non-delayed groups. Delayed infusion was associated with worse progression-free survival and worse overall survival. In multivariate analysis delaysed infusion was associated with worse PFS (aHR 3.13; p=0.001) and worse OS (aHR 2.43; p=0.007). The authors conclude that minimizing apheresis to infusion interval through Improved workflow, institutional capacity, and avoiding prolonged bridging time in non-responders may enhance outcomes.