What type of drug is Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel)?
Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) is a chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. In CAR-T cell therapy, a patient's cells are modified genetically to include a specific protein that directs the T-cells to target and kill leukemia cells that have a specific antigen (CD19) on the surface. T-cells are a type of white blood cell in the immune system.
What is Kymriah approved to treat?
- Kymriah is used in pediatric and young adult patients (up to age 25) with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that has returned after prior treatments or has not responded to treatment (relapsed or refractory).
- It is also approved for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, high grade B-cell lymphoma and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma.
- Kymriah is not approved for treatment of patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma.
- In May 2022, the FDA approved Kymriah to treat adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. Continued approval for this may depend upon results from additional clinical studies.
Kymriah is a genetically-modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy. The therapy is derived from a patient's own white blood cells through a process known as leukapheresis. Once the cells are modified, they are infused back into the patient to kill the cancer cells.
CAR-T cell therapy is a highly individualized and specialized treatment. You will receive your infusion in a healthcare center that may not be close to your home. You will need to stay close to a healthcare center after getting Kymriah, usually for at least 14 days, to receive special treatment if needed, and to monitor for side effects. Avoid driving for at least 2 weeks after you get Kymriah.
Related questions
- What is the cost of Kymriah?
- What's the difference between Kymriah and Yescarta?
- What is the survival rate of Kymriah?
Which CAR-T cell therapies are approved?
Kymriah, approved in August 2017, was the first FDA-approved cell-based gene therapy in the U.S.
CAR-T cell therapies approved by the FDA include:
- Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel)
- Auctazyl (obecabtagene autoleucel)
- Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel)
- Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel)
- Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel)
- Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel)
- Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel)
This is not all the information you need to know about Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor's directions. Review the full Kymriah product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) prescribing information. Revised 6/2025. Novartis Inc., East Hanover, NJ. Updated June 2025. Accessed July 3, 2025 at https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/kymriah.pdf
- T-cell transfer therapy. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Accessed July 3, 2025 at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/t-cell-transfer-therapy
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How is Kymriah administered?
Kymriah is administered as a suspension through a tube (intravenous catheter) into your vein, typically in your arm. This single-dose infusion usually takes less than one hour. Before you receive Kymriah, you may have chemotherapy for a few days to help prepare your body to receive the treatment.
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What to avoid when taking Gleevec?
- Talk to your doctor about warnings, side effects, use in pregnancy and possible drug interactions with Gleevec.
- Take your Gleevec exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use Gleevec if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
- Take each tablet with a meal and large glass of water to help prevent stomach irritation.
- Do not use a broken Gleevec tablet. The medicine from a broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your mouth, eyes, or nose, or on your skin.
- Do not use grapefruit products while taking Gleevec, unless okayed by your healthcare provider
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine may affect you. Use caution when driving as Gleevec may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision.
How much does Blincyto (blinatumomab) cost?
The cost of a Blincyto (blinatumomab) vial is approximately $5,427 per 35 microgram (mcg) single-dose vial for injection. The overall cost for your therapy will also depend upon the length of treatment. Most people do not pay out-of-pocket for the full price of Blincyto. Continue reading
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