‘The last bridge’- How patients experience the CAR T-cell therapy. A qualitative study

CAR T-cell therapy gives patients new hope, who are diagnosed with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma or B-cell leukaemia. To date, there is no scientific knowledge about the experiences of patients with CAR T-cell therapy, their process of treatment decision making or how they handle potential side effects. The study aims at deepening the understanding of the patient's experiences, indicating how to improve nursing care for this patient population. A qualitative study was carried out. Episodic guideline-based interviews were conducted with 14 patients who had received CAR T-cell therapy. The data analysis was performed according to the Grounded Theory. The study took place at a German university hospital. Data analysis showed five sequential phases including the following concepts: ‘living with cancer recurrence’, ‘deciding on CAR T-cell therapy’, ‘waiting for the reinfusion of the CAR T-cells’, ‘experiencing CAR T-cell therapy’ and ‘recovering and staying healthy’. The decision for CAR T-cell therapy was characterised by the lack of alternatives and uncertainty about the outcome and side effects. Before, during and after CAR T-cell therapy, patients are faced with major challenges for which they need nursing support and guidance. These include preparation for CAR T-cell therapy, handling of side effects and preparation for discharge home. •CAR-T cell therapy is a new innovative therapy, to this day, there is noc research on the patients' experience.•The decision for CAR-T cell therapy is associated with uncertainty for the patients.•Five phases could be identified in the course of CAR-T cell therapy.•In each phase, patients face different challenges and require appropriate nursing support.•CAR-T cell therapy offers patients the chance to overcome their cancer and is a bridge to a healthier life.