A shot at safer CAR t: early brain protection for lymphoma patients?

This trial tests whether giving anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the spinal fluid at the first sign of a brain-related side effect can stop it from becoming severe. The study enrolls adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma who are receiving CD19 CAR T cell therapy, a treatment that can cause a condition called ICANS—brain inflammation that may lead to confusion or seizures. Participants who develop mild ICANS will receive early injections of hydrocortisone and cytarabine, along with intravenous steroids, to see if this reduces the risk of severe ICANS compared to past experiences. The goal is to make CAR T therapy safer without reducing its effectiveness against the lymphoma.