The chimeric antigen receptor-intensive care unit (CAR-ICU) initiative: Surveying intensive care unit practices in the management of CAR T-cell associated toxicities

Purpose: A task force of experts from 11 United States (US) centers, sought to describe practices for managing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell toxicity in the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and methods: Between June–July 2019, a survey was electronically distributed to 11 centers. The survey addressed: CAR products, toxicities, targeted treatments, management practices and interventions in the ICU. Results: Most centers (82%) had experience with commercial and non-FDA approved CAR products. Criteria for ICU admission varied between centers for patients with Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) but were similar for Immune Effector Cell Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS). Practices for vasopressor support, neurotoxicity and electroencephalogram monitoring, use of prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs and tocilizumab were comparable. In contrast, fluid resuscitation, respiratory support, methods of surveillance and management of cerebral edema, use of corticosteroid and other anti-cytokine therapies varied between centers. Conclusions: This survey identified areas of investigation that could improve outcomes in CAR T-cell recipients such as fluid and vasopressor selection in CRS, management of respiratory failure, and less common complications such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, infections and stroke. The variability in specific treatments for CAR T-cell toxicities, needs to be considered when designing future outcome studies of critically ill CAR T-cell patients.