ChristianaCare expands advanced cancer treatment with CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma

ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute has become the first facility in Delaware to offer (CAR) T-cell therapy for adults with relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma. (Photo provided by ChristianaCare) 

ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute has become the first facility in Delaware to offer CARVYKTI, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for adults with relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma, a rare but serious form of blood cancer.

“CAR-T cell therapy represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of multiple myeloma,” said Dr. Thomas Schwaab, Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute. 

Dr. Schwaab emphasized the ongoing commitment at the Graham Cancer Center to ensure the community has access to advanced cancer therapies.

“We are expanding access to this life-extending therapy right here in Delaware — close to home, close to hope.” 

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CAR-T therapy is a form of immunotherapy that re-engineers a patient’s own immune cells to identify and destroy cancer cells. T cells are collected from the patient, modified in a lab to include a special receptor that targets cancer, then multiplied and returned to the patient’s body to fight the disease.

Approved for patients whose cancer no longer responds to standard therapies, CARVYKTI provides a new option when other treatments have failed.

“This therapy gives our patients a chance when other treatments have failed,” said Dr. Zhifu Xiang, medical oncologist at ChristianaCare Oncology Hematology.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 36,110 new cases of multiple myeloma are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025.

 “It’s a deeply personalized approach that uses the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer in a powerful new way. Being able to offer this locally means our patients don’t have to travel far for world-class care.”

While not a cure, the therapy has helped some patients achieve remission or extended survival. ChristianaCare has offered CAR-T cell therapy for lymphoma and leukemia since 2018. 

Claudia Estrada

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.