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3 Covenant Health is proud to announce the availability of CAR T-cell therapy at Joe Arrington Cancer Research & Treatment Center (JACC), a groundbreaking advancement in cancer care that harnesses the power of a patient's own immune system to fight disease. CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy where a patient's T-cells are collected from their blood, genetically engineered in a lab to better recognize cancer cells, and then reintroduced into the patient's body to seek out and destroy those cancer cells. Before receiving the CAR T-cells, patients undergo a short three-day course of chemotherapy to prepare the body for the infusion. This preparatory step helps create the best environment for the engineered T-cells to thrive and attack the cancer. Once infused, the cells multiply and actively target cancer cells, offering a personalized and potent treatment option. The first patient to receive CAR T therapy at JACC was Cindy Wagonseller, who was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cindy's infusion took place on June 24, followed by a 30-day observation period with near-daily visits to the center for close monitoring by physicians and nurses. During this time, Cindy experienced only minor dehydration, which was managed effectively. She reports feeling great, has returned to work, and even rang the bell at the center to celebrate the end of her cancer treatment—a milestone moment for her and the care team. "The introduction of CAR T treatment within our community marks a significant advancement for our Pioneering Cancer Treatment Advancements for Patients CAR T-cell therapy at Joe Arrington Cancer Research & Treatment Center patients," Director of JACC Shelly Biggs said. "I am proud to acknowledge the dedication demonstrated by our team of specialists, particularly Dr. Kiran Yalamanchili and Dr. Donald Quick, whose leadership has been instrumental in making this advanced clinical expertise accessible locally. As a result, patients can now receive CAR T therapy close to home and within the comfort of their support networks." "The introduction of CAR T treatment within our community marks a significant advancement for our patients." – Shelly Biggs, Director of JACC As part of Providence, JACC is the largest non-academic cancer research institute in the United States. Covenant Health remains at the forefront of cancer care, committed to guiding patients through each step of the process and providing new hope through innovative therapies like CAR T. For more information on CAR T-cell therapy or other services at JACC, call the Cellular Therapy Program Manager at 806-725-5579 or the Cellular Therapy Coordinator at 806-725-7848.

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