Why choose Cook Children’s CAR-T program
Cook Children's Cellular Immunotherapy Program provides individualized treatment that specifically targets a patient's cancer, with the goal of decreasing side effects and improving cure rates. Our program is unique because patients are managed by a multidisciplinary team including doctors who specialize in cellular immunotherapy for leukemia and bone marrow and stem cell transplant, along with dedicated nurses, child life specialists, social workers and financial counselors.
Cook Children's Hematology and Oncology Center is committed to providing leading edge treatments for pediatric cancer. Our team believes that the future of cancer treatment is through the use of targeted therapy such as immunotherapy whereby a patient's immune system is utilized to eradicate their cancer. We're excited to offer a form of cellular therapy where patients are treated with cells that have been genetically reprogrammed with a receptor that targets their cancer cells, known as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy.
What you can expect
Our Cellular Immunotherapy Program brings together leading-edge science and compassionate care for children with leukemia. When you come to Cook Children's, you can expect:
Our Cellular Immunotherapy Team is led by a board certified pediatric oncologist, Dr. Holly Pacenta who has experience in using CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric patients. A nurse coordinator, pharmacists, critical care doctors, dietitians and therapists offer expertise and support to our patients and families.
The same team of physicians and nurses work with your child and family throughout their treatment. We keep detailed records of their treatment progress and listen closely, allowing us to provide the best possible support during your family's journey. These familiar faces help your child feel more at ease and give you confidence in the care your child receives.
We know this isn't easy. There's so much to keep track of and a lot on your mind. That's why we're here to help lighten the load. Our team helps with scheduling appointments, works with your insurance and can help find a place to stay near the hospital. We also have child life specialists to help your child cope with treatment.
If your child's cancer physician refers you to Cook Children's, we work closely with your referring provider by sharing information, making decisions together and keeping everyone on the same page. This teamwork ensures your child gets the right treatment at home or with us.
Advancing cellular immunotherapy
Cook Children's is committed to innovative clinical research and advancing the field of cellular immunotherapy. Our researchers work closely with colleagues worldwide to improve CAR T-cell therapy and outcomes.
We participate in prestigious research networks, including:
- Children's Oncology Group
- Pediatric Real World CAR Consortium
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Therapeutic Advances in Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma Consortium
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research
As an accredited institution through the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), Cook Children's Cellular Immunotherapy Program is commited to excellence.
Treatments and services we offer
If your child is eligible for CAR T-cell treatment, here’s what to expect:
Cellular immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. CAR T-cell therapy is a type of cellular therapy. It starts by taking T-cells (a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight disease) from your child. We send the cells to a lab, where they are reprogrammed to recognize and attack the leukemia cells. Then, we return the cells to your child's body, where they can get to work.
As of 2025, CAR T-cell therapy known as KYMRIAH® is available for patients with relapsed or refractory B-ALL up to age 25. It's the first FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy and the only FDA approved CAR T-cell for pediatric cancer patients.
- T-cell collection: Your child undergoes apheresis, which is a process where their blood goes through a machine that filters out their T-cells.
- Manufacture: We send your child's T-cells to a lab where scientists modify them, adding special proteins that recognize and target cancer cells more effectively.
- Chemotherapy: Before the CAR T-cells are delivered to your child, they receive a short course of chemotherapy to prepare their body for the modified CAR T-cells.
- Infusion: Your child receives the programmed T-cells through an infusion.
- Monitoring: Your child stays near our medical center for approximately 4 weeks. We pay close attention to them to make sure the therapy is working and treat any side effects.
- Follow-up: We follow patients periodically for long term monitoring. Some follow-up care may be able to take place at the patient’s home institution.
In addition to CAR T-cell therapy, your child may need:
- Symptom management: We offer multiple ways to help ease pain from leukemia or treatment side effects. Your child may benefit from pain management, acupuncture, yoga and palliative care.
- Additional treatment: Our well-respected Stem Cell Transplant Program offers the highest level of care. A stem cell transplant may be necessary after CAR T-cell therapy if the leukemia returns or CAR T-cells don't stay in the body long enough.
- Follow-up care: Regular checkups help your child stay as healthy as possible after receiving CAR-T therapy. Services may be available at your home institution.
Moments of magic
Hope and healing happen every day here at Cook Children's. Discover some of our highlights.
