Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of mantle cell lymphoma and lymphoblastic leukemia. The drug comes as an intravenous (IV) infusion that’s usually given just once.

Tecartus is used in adults to treat the following conditions that have either returned or haven’t responded to other treatments:

Note: For the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma, Tecartus received accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2020. Accelerated approval is based on information from early studies. The FDA will make a decision about full approval after more studies are completed.

The active ingredient in Tecartus is brexucabtagene autoleucel. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Tecartus belongs to a group of drugs called CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy.

Tecartus comes as an IV infusion (an injection into a vein over a period of time).

This article describes the dosage of Tecartus, as well as its strengths and how it’s administered. To learn more about Tecartus, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Tecartus. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Tecartus’s form?

Tecartus is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional in a REMS-certified healthcare facility.

What strength does Tecartus come in?

Tecartus is made from your own blood cells. It’s a type of CAR T-Cell therapy. Prior to receiving Tecartus, your blood will be drawn and sent to a lab. The lab will modify the T cells in your blood to better fight the cancer. The amount of T cells in your modified blood will depend on the type of cancer you have. (This is described in more detail just below.)

What are the usual dosages of Tecartus?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But your doctor will determine the best dosage to meet your needs.

Dosage for mantle cell lymphoma

The typical Tecartus dosage for adults with mantle cell lymphoma that’s returned or hasn’t responded to other therapies is based on your body weight. It’s also based on a target T-cell range.

After a blood draw, the lab will modify the number of T cells in your blood to better treat the cancer before sending it back for infusion. The target T-cell range in mantle cell lymphoma is 2 million to 200 million T cells per kilogram (kg)* of body weight.

* One kg equals approximately 2.2 pounds (lb).

Dosage for B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

For adults with B-cell precursor ALL that’s returned or hasn’t responded to other therapies, the typical Tecartus dosage is based on your body weight. It’s also based on a target T-cell range.

After a blood draw, the lab will modify the number of T cells in your blood to better treat the cancer before sending it back for infusion. The target T-cell range in B-cell precursor ALL is 1 million to 100 million T cells per kg of body weight.

Is Tecartus used long term?

No, Tecartus isn’t usually a long-term treatment. It’s typically given as a single IV infusion.

The dosage of Tecartus you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition the drug’s being used to treat
  • your age
  • other conditions you may have

Tecartus is an IV infusion made from your own blood. The infusion may be given through a vein in your chest.

Before you receive Tecartus, your blood will be drawn and sent to a lab. In the lab, your blood will be modified to better fight the cancer. The lab will then send your modified blood back to your doctor.

Up to 5 days before your Tecartus infusion, you’ll receive two chemotherapy drugs, cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. You’ll be given acetaminophen and diphenhydramine 30–60 minutes before receiving Tecartus, to help prevent side effects.

You’ll receive your Tecartus infusion over the course of 30 minutes in a healthcare facility. If you have mantle cell lymphoma, you’ll stay in this healthcare facility for at least 7 days. If you have B-cell precursor ALL, you’ll stay for at least 14 days. This is so you can be monitored for side effects, such as CRS.

After these 7–14 days, you should stay somewhere close to the facility where you received Tecartus for at least 4 weeks.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about the dosage of Tecartus.

Do older adults need to receive a lower dose of Tecartus?

No. Based on studies, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend a lower dose of Tecartus for adults ages 65 years and older.

How long does it take for Tecartus to start working?

Tecartus starts to work after your dose. How long it takes for the cancer to improve depends on the type of cancer you have.

For example, in studies, some people with mantle cell lymphoma noticed improvements after 28 days, though others took 90 days. And some people with B-cell precursor ALL noticed improvements after 56 days, though others took 90 days.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Tecartus treatment, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the manufacturer of Tecartus. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

  • Will I continue to take chemotherapy drugs after my Tecartus infusion?
  • Can I receive Tecartus again?
  • How will I be monitored for side effects after I leave the healthcare facility?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.