Watch: CAR-T is a personalized attack on cancer. Here’s how it works

The immune system constantly scans the body for tumor cells, destroying most of them before they can become a detectable cancer, but sometimes it needs a boost. That’s the thinking behind the new generation of cancer treatments called immunotherapies. One of the most promising versions are CAR-Ts (chimeric antigen receptor T cells).

Two CAR-Ts have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration: Yescarta, developed Kite Pharma (which was bought by Gilead), is used to treat adult patients with certain types of large B-cell lymphoma, and Kymriah, from Novartis, is for a form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Here’s your visual quick study.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe

Log In