Home All Therapies Tecartus

Tecartus

brexucabtagene autoleucel
CAR T-Cell Therapy (CD19-targeted) FDA Approved 2020 Kite/Gilead Sciences
1. Indications and Usage

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) — relapsed or refractory; B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) — relapsed or refractory, in adults.

2. Dosage and Administration

Lymphodepleting chemotherapy (3 days prior): Cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m² IV + fludarabine 30 mg/m² IV on Days -5, -4, -3
Tecartus infusion: 2 × 10⁶ CAR-positive viable T cells/kg (max 2 × 10⁸) as single IV infusion on Day 0
Do NOT irradiate. Do NOT use leukocyte-depleting filter.
Pre-medication: Acetaminophen 650 mg PO and diphenhydramine 12.5 mg IV or PO approximately 1 hour before
Monitoring: In certified healthcare facility; daily monitoring for at least 7 days post-infusion

3. Dosage Forms and Strengths

Cell suspension for IV infusion in a patient-specific infusion bag containing approximately 2 × 10⁶ CAR-positive viable T cells per kg body weight (max 2 × 10⁸ cells).

4. Contraindications

None listed.

5. Warnings and Precautions
⚠ Boxed Warning
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS): Life-threatening or fatal. NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES: Life-threatening or fatal. Including cerebral edema. HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS/MACROPHAGE ACTIVATION SYNDROME (HLH/MAS).
  • CRS: MCL: 91% (15% Grade ≥3); ALL: 89% (24% Grade ≥3). Median onset: 2-3 days. Manage with tocilizumab ± corticosteroids.
  • Neurologic Toxicity (ICANS): MCL: 63% (31% Grade ≥3); ALL: 60% (25% Grade ≥3). Including encephalopathy, aphasia, tremor, seizures. Fatal cerebral edema reported.
  • HLH/MAS: Potentially fatal. Monitor for and treat.
  • Prolonged Cytopenias: Grade 3+ not resolved by Day 30: neutropenia 34%, thrombocytopenia 22%, anemia 12%.
  • Infections: Serious in 31% MCL, including fatal. Pathogen-specific prophylaxis recommended.
  • Hypogammaglobulinemia: In 14%. Monitor and replace.
  • Secondary Malignancies: Including T-cell malignancies. Lifelong monitoring recommended.
6. Adverse Reactions
Most Common Adverse Reactions

CRS (89-91%), pyrexia (94%), hypotension (56%), fatigue (47%), encephalopathy (41-50%), tachycardia (38-42%), nausea (37%), headache (33-37%), chills (27-33%), febrile neutropenia (25-30%), diarrhea (24-26%), infections (31%), tremor (24-30%)

Pyrexia
94%
Hypotension
56%
Fatigue
47%
Nausea
37%
Infections
31%

Consult the complete prescribing information for a comprehensive list of adverse reactions and their frequencies.

7. Drug Interactions

Consult the complete prescribing information for drug interactions, including effects on CYP enzymes, transporters, and concomitant medications that may require dose adjustments or monitoring.

8. Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy

Consult the full prescribing information for pregnancy-related considerations.

Lactation

Refer to prescribing information for lactation guidance.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric safety and efficacy information is detailed in the full label.

Hepatic/Renal Impairment

Dose modifications for organ impairment are specified in the complete prescribing information.

12. Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action

Brexucabtagene autoleucel is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy. Patient T cells are collected and genetically modified using a retroviral vector to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an anti-CD19 scFv, CD28 costimulatory domain, and CD3-zeta signaling domain. The manufacturing process includes T-cell enrichment to remove circulating tumor cells (important in leukemia/lymphoma). Upon binding CD19 on target cells, CAR T cells activate, proliferate, and eliminate CD19-expressing malignant cells.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak CAR T-cell expansion: median 7-14 days. CAR T cells detectable in blood for months. T-cell enrichment manufacturing step removes circulating tumor cells, differentiating from Yescarta. Higher peak expansion correlated with CRS severity and response.

14. Clinical Studies

Clinical efficacy and safety data supporting the approval are available in the full prescribing information and from the clinical trials listed below.

Pivotal Clinical Trials
Additional Resources
FDA-Approved Tumor Types

Tecartus has FDA-approved indications across the following cancer types covered on PipelineEvidence:

External Resources
Important Notice: This page is intended as a navigational reference to the FDA-approved prescribing information for Tecartus. It does not replace the full prescribing information. Healthcare professionals should consult the complete package insert available at DailyMed before making prescribing decisions. Patient-specific factors should always guide clinical decision-making.