Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge now provides fully outpatient CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment for select blood cancers. Led by Dr. Andrew Dalovisio, the center allows patients to receive advanced cellular immunotherapy while staying at home, improving comfort, recovery, and quality of life.
How CAR T-Cell Therapy Works
CAR T-cell therapy uses a patient’s own blood cells, engineered to fight cancer. Doctors extract a specific type of blood cell through an IV, send it to a lab for modification, and then reinfuse the “trained” cells into the patient. These immune cells target and destroy cancer cells, often with just one treatment, reducing the need for repeated chemotherapy sessions.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
Traditionally, CAR T-cell therapy required 10 to 14 days of hospital admission. Mary Bird Perkins now offers outpatient therapy with daily monitoring, allowing patients to recover at home surrounded by loved ones and pets. This approach minimizes hospital-related stress, improves sleep and nutrition, and supports faster overall healing.
Patient Eligibility and Safety
Patients must meet health and support criteria to qualify for outpatient CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Dalovisio emphasizes good organ function, family or caretaker support, and overall health. Most patients, including older adults over 80, can safely benefit from this therapy.
Multidisciplinary Care for Best Outcomes
Delivering CAR T-cell therapy requires a coordinated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, and psychologists. This team ensures safety, supports emotional well-being, and optimizes treatment outcomes for patients.
By offering fully outpatient CAR T-cell therapy, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center positions itself as a regional leader in blood cancer care, giving patients access to advanced treatments and clinical trials close to home.