Streamlining CAR T-Cell Referral in DLBCL

In this segment, Dr. Caron A. Jacobson discusses strategies to streamline referrals for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). She emphasizes the importance of understanding how CAR T-cell services are organized at the receiving institution, as referral pathways may differ across centers. Community oncologists should identify the appropriate disease-specific or transplant team to contact and establish direct communication with the physician who will evaluate the patient. Dr. Jacobson highlights how established professional relationships can facilitate timely referrals, enable discussion of the patient's clinical circumstances, and support treatment planning while the patient awaits evaluation at the CAR T-cell center. The discussion underscores the value of ongoing communication between community and academic teams to coordinate care, address immediate treatment needs, and help patients progress efficiently toward CAR T-cell therapy.