Frequently Asked Questions

KYMRIAH is a type of cutting-edge immunocellular therapy. This means that KYMRIAH harnesses the power of your own immune system to treat your advanced blood cancer.

KYMRIAH reprograms your T cells, natural defenders that are a part of your immune system. T cells detect and destroy infected or cancerous cells by looking for certain antigens. Antigens are markers on cells that help your immune system identify normal cells from infected or cancerous cells. KYMRIAH helps your T cells recognize a certain antigen on your B cells called CD19. By reprogramming your T cells, KYMRIAH enhances their ability to detect and destroy B cells, including those that are cancerous.

Go to What is KYMRIAH? for more details.

Antigens, markers on cells that help your immune system identify normal cells from infected or cancerous cells; B cells, along with other cells, make up your body’s immune system. They defend the body by producing antibodies; CD19, an antigen located on your B cells; T cells, along with other cells, make up your body’s immune system. They are natural defenders that detect and destroy possible threats such as infected or cancerous cells.

• KYMRIAH is a treatment that comes from within you

• KYMRIAH is typically given as a single infusion

• KYMRIAH uses a short course (4 days) of chemotherapy to prepare your body for infusion

• KYMRIAH targets only your B cells rather than all of your body’s cells

Go to What is KYMRIAH? for more details.

In the past, one of the only options for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory (r/r) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT). This type of SCT requires a donor and may require complete remission status before the transplant can take place. About 1 in 4 patients cannot achieve complete remission in preparation for SCT. 

Now there is KYMRIAH—a therapy option for children and young adults with r/r B-cell ALL looking for a different way to try to treat their cancer. KYMRIAH is a treatment that comes from within you. KYMRIAH uses your own cells so it does not require a donor and there is no donor search period. You can also start KYMRIAH therapy even if you aren't in remission. To learn about the associated side effects of KYMRIAH, go to What side effects may I experience with KYMRIAH? for a full explanation.

Refractory, your cancer did not respond to treatment; Relapsed, your cancer has returned; Remission, the signs of your cancer have disappeared or else your disease is under control. It does not necessarily mean a cure.

Go to What is the process for getting KYMRIAH? for details on starting your KYMRIAH journey. Once you and your doctor decide KYMRIAH is right for you, you may get a referral to a KYMRIAH Treatment Center. Go to Find a KYMRIAH Treatment Center for a list of available treatment centers, or call KYMRIAH CARES™ at 1-844-4KYMRIAH (1-844-459-6742) to find out if there are additional KYMRIAH Treatment Centers closer to you.

Since KYMRIAH is made from your own cells, the process starts with you. You will first need to undergo cell collection, also known as leukapheresis (pronounced "loo-kuh-fuh-REE-sis"). Then your cells are sent to the Novartis manufacturing facility to reprogram them into cancer-fighting cells. Once your cells are ready, they are returned to you through a standard infusion. Go to What is the process for getting KYMRIAH? for more details.

Leukapheresis, the process by which your doctor takes some of your blood to collect your T cells.

KYMRIAH CARES™ offers assistance to eligible patients to help them gain access to KYMRIAH treatment. Patients with a KYMRIAH order may apply for support. Program eligibility criteria must be met to qualify to receive support. To determine eligibility, please work with your treatment center to submit a Service Request Form for Patient Support to KYMRIAH CARES. Once we have received the request, we will follow up with you and your physician to explain your benefit eligibility. For more information, or if you have more questions, please call KYMRIAH CARES at 1-844-4KYMRIAH (1-844-459-6742).

There are side effects you may experience with KYMRIAH therapy. Your treatment team knows what to expect and is prepared to help manage these side effects.

• Cytokine Release Syndrome 
  Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a common and expected side effect that happens when the immune system is highly activated, like with KYMRIAH therapy. It can range from mild symptoms, like fever and muscle pains, to severe symptoms, like low blood pressure and breathing trouble. Mild‑to‑moderate CRS may require hospitalization, antibiotics, and pain medications. Severe CRS may require medication, a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and breathing support.

• Neurological Events
  KYMRIAH may have effects on the brain, causing you to feel confused, unaware, or agitated. More severe symptoms might affect your speech or cause hallucinations or seizures. In most cases, symptoms occur within 8 weeks of receiving KYMRIAH and resolve within 3 weeks. They may go away on their own, but be sure to tell your doctor right away if you experience any neurological signs or symptoms.

• Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS)
  Be sure to discuss with your health care provider the possibility of developing this life-threatening condition, and thereafter, your doctor will monitor you for the possibility of developing HLH/MAS.

• Allergic Reactions
  Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction, may occur after you receive KYMRIAH. Some signs and symptoms may include difficulty breathing, very low blood pressure, dizziness, swelling under skin, rash, nausea, and vomiting. You should seek emergency medical treatment right away if you have an allergic reaction.

• Serious Infections
  KYMRIAH can increase the risk of life-threatening infections that may lead to death. Tell your health care provider right away if you develop fever, chills, or any signs or symptoms of an infection.

• Prolonged Low Blood Cell Counts (Cytopenia)
  KYMRIAH may cause low levels of one or more types of blood cells or “cytopenia.” Cytopenia that lasts a long time (prolonged) may increase your risk of infection, but your treatment team will do blood tests to check all of your blood cell counts. Tell your doctor right away if you get a fever, are feeling tired, or have bruising or bleeding.

• Low Antibody Levels (Hypogammaglobulinemia)
  Because KYMRIAH CAR-T cells are designed to detect and destroy your B cells, they will also attack the normal B cells in your body. Normal B cells produce antibodies, which protect you from infections. After KYMRIAH, you may have fewer B cells and, therefore, fewer antibodies. This condition is called hypogammaglobulinemia (hy-po-gam-muh-glob-u-lin-EEM-EE-uh). Your treatment team can manage your low antibody level with antibody-replacement medications, but tell your doctor right away if you develop signs or symptoms of an infection.

• Secondary Cancers
  KYMRIAH may increase your risk of getting cancers, including certain types of blood cancers. Your health care provider should monitor you for this.

• Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines
  Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous things for 8 weeks after you get KYMRIAH because the treatment can cause temporary memory and coordination problems, including sleepiness, confusion, weakness, dizziness, and seizures.
   

  Note that this is not a complete list of side effects of KYMRIAH. See the Important Safety Information for a more detailed list of side effects. Go to Understanding Side Effects for a detailed explanation of potential side effects. 

  Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a side effect that can happen when the immune system is highly activated.

   

About a month after your KYMRIAH infusion, your treatment team will check your progress. Highly sensitive tests give a very precise measure of remission that may indicate to your treatment team how well KYMRIAH is working. Your treatment team will continue to monitor your progress after KYMRIAH.

After you receive KYMRIAH, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities for 8 weeks. Do not donate blood, organs, tissues, sperm, oocytes, and other cells.

You should plan to stay within 2 hours of your KYMRIAH Treatment Center for at least 4 weeks after receiving KYMRIAH.