^{Oct 2025}

This study applied three major comorbidity scoring systems – CIRS, HCT-CI and Severe 4 to a cohort of 379 patients with LBCL treated with CAR-T therapy. A high comorbidity burden was identified in 7 % to 34 % of patients, depending on the score used. Note that the study has some limitations, including the enrolment of patients from only two centres and a relatively short median follow-up, which limits the focus primarily to short- and mid-term toxicities.

However, a high comorbidity burden did not negatively impact the tolerability of CAR-T treatment, including the incidence of CRS, or hematologic toxicity. The use of tocilizumab and corticosteroids was comparable between patients with low and high comorbidity burden, as was the cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality.

In conclusion, 7% – 33% of the 379 LBCL patients treated with CAR-T could be considered ‘frail’ based on CIRS, HCT-CI, or Severe4 score. Regardless of the measure used, frail patients had the same risk as fit patients of developing clinically relevant CRS, ICAHT, or requiring tocilizumab, steroids, or ICU, with a possibly higher incidence of severe ICANS among frail patients.

Read the full article here (article in english, reading duration approximately 10 minutes)