Cellular Immunotherapy
Cellular immunotherapy, also known as adoptive cell therapy, is a treatment that uses the body's own immune cells to combat cancer. These therapies use the body’s own immune system to find and fight unhealthy cells with greater precision.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T-cell therapy) is a groundbreaking form of cellular immunotherapy in which a person’s own T-cells are genetically modified to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that recognize a marker on cancer cells.
These modified cells have the ability to specifically target and kill cancer cells.
CAR T-cell therapy has achieved remarkable results in blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Recent use has expanded beyond cancer, showing great promise in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma.
Cellular Immunotherapy at Hawai‘i Pacific Health
At Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, our Cellular Immunotherapy Program gives people in Hawaiʻi access to advanced cancer treatment close to home. We’re the only healthcare organization in the Pacific region offering cellular immunotherapy, which means patients can receive state-of-the-art care here in the islands while staying connected to the people and support systems that matter most.
Hawaiʻi Pacific Health offers U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for both children and adults, including CAR T-cell therapy and other immune effector cell treatments, making innovative options more accessible to patients across the state.
Your Committed Care Team
Behind every patient is a highly specialized team with experience in oncology, intensive care, apheresis, cellular therapy, clinical trial management, and supportive services. That team includes:
- Board-certified physicians with expertise in cellular immunotherapy.
- Advanced practice providers with immunotherapy training.
- A dedicated nursing staff that is skilled in immunotherapy monitoring and toxicity management.
- FACT-accredited cellular therapy program leadership.
- Nurse coordinators, social workers, pharmacists, and financial counselors committed to patient support.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are a way for patients to access the newest medications years before they are widely available for general use.
At Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, about 85% of pediatric cancer patients are in clinical trials through the medical center’s membership in the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored Children’s Oncology Group.
Clinical trials we are currently participating in as part of our Cellular Immunotherapy Program include:
- CAR T-cell
- T-Cell receptor (TCR)
- Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL)
- T-cell engagers
Frequently Asked Questions
Cell collection and modification
How are my cells collected and modified?
Patients’ cells are collected on Oʻahu and sent to a specialized lab for genetic modification. Once the cells have multiplied, they are shipped back to the medical center for infusion. This process usually takes a few weeks.
How long does it take?
How long does a typical cell infusion procedure take?
In general, cell infusion will be done as an outpatient procedure. This means patients can go home the same day. However, patients who travel from a neighbor island will have to stay on Oʻahu for a few weeks for close monitoring of cell therapy side effects.
Potential Side Effects
What are the potential side effects?
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the most common side effect. It is a systemic inflammatory response that happens when T-cells release a lot of cytokines into the blood. Symptoms can be mild, such as a fever and muscle pain. Severe CRS can be life-threatening, which is why we closely monitor patients after their treatments.
- Other potential sides effects can include temporary cognitive changes, confusion, or headaches.
