Tecartus

Tecartus is the brand name for brexucabtagene autoleucel, a CD19-directed autologousCAR-T cell immunotherapy developed by Kite Pharma, a member of the Gilead family. The treatment uses a patient’s own T cells, which are collected and genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor that recognizes the CD19 protein commonly found on malignant B cells. After manufacturing, the engineered cells are expanded and then reintroduced into the patient as a single infusion.

Indications for Tecartus include adults with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). It has also been approved for certain adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). As an autologous product, Tecartus is prepared from the individual patient’s T cells and is not ready for general use until factory processing is completed, requiring treatment at specialized centers.

Administration involves lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to infusion, typically with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide, to enhance the activity of the CAR-T cells. Tecartus is administered in a certified treatment facility as part of a risk management program due to potential severe adverse effects. The therapy carries a risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic toxicities, as well as cytopenias, infections, and prolonged immune suppression. Patients require close monitoring before, during, and after infusion, with prompt management of any inflammatory or neurologic symptoms.

Safety considerations include boxed warnings for CRS and neurologic events and the need for a comprehensive treatment setting and post-infusion support. Tecartus remains one option among CD19-directed CAR-T therapies for eligible B-cell malignancies, with approval and monitoring governed by regulatory authorities and clinical guidelines.