Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a type of immunotherapy which genetically modifies T cells to attack cancer cells. Increasingly, CAR-T administration and/or monitoring are performed in the ambulatory (outpatient) setting. Caregivers provide crucial support to patients throughout CAR-T, but little is known about their perspectives of ambulatory care. This review aimed to identify literature on caregiver experiences of CAR-T in ambulatory settings.
METHODS: A targeted review of literature published since 2017 was conducted in May 2025 using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Publications were assessed for information on caregiver experiences of CAR-T in the ambulatory setting.
RESULTS: The search did not identify any publications directly assessing caregiver experiences of CAR-T in the ambulatory setting. One publication presented anecdotal evidence that caregivers preferred outpatient CAR-T monitoring due to effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility. Some publications explored caregivers’ general experiences of CAR-T, while others assessed caregiver experiences of inpatient versus outpatient oncology care, including in CAR-T-relevant indications. Several publications noted sources of caregiver burden during CAR-T, either generally or in the ambulatory setting: continuous onerous responsibilities leading to burnout; managing a high-risk patients’ symptoms and side-effects, despite limited caregiving expertise ; financial losses; housing upheaval; prognostic uncertainty; strain on patient-caregiver relationships; and work, lifestyle, and family interruptions. Multiple publications expressed a need for caregiver education and support. Instruments indicated for suitability to assess caregiver burden around ambulatory CAR-T included the following: Zarit Burden Interview, Caregiver Oncology Quality of Life questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9.
CONCLUSIONS: The absence of publications exploring caregiver experiences of CAR-T in the ambulatory setting suggests a research requirement to better understand caregivers’ formal support needs. Identified studies that explored caregiver experiences in similar populations and treatment settings may prove useful in research design. Evidence of caregivers’ support needs could inform resources and interventions.