Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) is prescribed to treat certain forms of lymphoma. It works by helping your immune system attack cancer cells. Your response to this drug may vary based on your medical history and diagnosis.
Yescarta belongs to a class of medications called CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy. This describes therapies that collect and modify a person’s own cells to boost their immune system into attacking cancer cells. (This is sometimes called CAR T-cell therapy.) The drug treats certain forms of large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. These cancers affect certain white blood cells called B cells.
The way a drug works is known medically as its mechanism of action.
In brief, these drugs work by collecting your T cells. These cells are modified in a lab and later put back into your body through an infusion. (An infusion is an injection into your vein over time.)
Once you’ve received your Yescarta infusion, the drug works by attaching to a specific protein on B cells. By doing so, Yescarta activates your immune system to help it attack cancer cells.
Talk with your doctor if you’d like more information about how Yescarta works. You can also review the drugmaker’s website for more details.
As soon as your infusion begins, Yescarta starts working to treat your condition. But you may not notice a decrease in your symptoms for several weeks.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about what to expect with Yescarta treatment.
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