CancerFax
ELIGIBILITY GUIDE

ELIGIBILITY FOR
CAR-T THERAPY

Cancer type, treatment history, tumour biology, and physical condition all determine eligibility. Understanding the criteria means better-prepared consultations.

analyticsAt a Glance

  • check_circleRequires relapsed or refractory disease after at least 2 prior lines of treatment in most protocols
  • check_circlePerformance status (ECOG 0โ€“1), adequate organ function, and no active CNS disease are typical requirements
  • check_circleAntigen expression (CD19, BCMA, etc.) must be confirmed on the patient's tumour cells
  • check_circleCancerFax can help patients review their eligibility based on their medical records and diagnosis
Reviewed by: CancerFax Medical Team, Oncology & Haematology SpecialistsLast reviewed: April 16, 202611 min read

Not a Single Yes or No

CAR-T eligibility is a layered assessment โ€” cancer type, treatment history, tumour biology, and physical condition all feed in simultaneously. A patient who meets one criterion perfectly may still face questions about another.

Main Eligibility Criteria

  • Cancer Type & Molecular Profile

    Must match an approved indication or active trial. Tumour cells must express the target antigen (CD19 or BCMA).

  • Treatment History

    Most approved indications require relapsed/refractory disease after 2+ prior lines. Prior transplant does not exclude eligibility.

  • Physical Fitness

    ECOG performance status 0-1. Adequate cardiac, renal, and liver function. No active serious infection.

  • Specific Exclusions

    Active CNS disease (variable by protocol), active autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression.

Clear Eligibility vs Borderline Cases

Likely Eligible

  • Matching cancer type with 2+ prior lines
  • ECOG 0-1 with good organ function
  • Confirmed antigen expression

May Need Further Assessment

  • ECOG 2 or borderline organ function
  • Prior CAR-T therapy (re-treatment varies)
  • Rapidly progressing disease during evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

About Eligibility

    How CancerFax Helps

    CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.

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    Medical Record Review

    We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.

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    Eligibility Coordination

    We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.

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    Hospital Communication

    We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.

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    Travel & Admission Support

    For international patients, we help with practical coordination โ€” travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.

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    Treatment & Trial Navigation

    If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.

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    End-to-end Coordination

    From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.

    CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.

    Wondering If You Qualify for CAR-T?

    Upload your reports for a specialist eligibility assessment at a certified CAR-T centre.

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist before making treatment decisions.