Genetic markers linked to Yescarta toxicity identified, opening path to safer CAR-T designs

Researchers analyzed data from patients who received Kite Pharma's Yescarta CAR-T therapy in clinical trials.

The analysis uncovered specific genetic signatures that correlate with higher risk of severe toxic reactions, suggesting that a patient’s inherited DNA can influence how the therapy behaves.

The team also highlighted a particular gene that appears to affect the ability of the engineered T cells to expand inside the body, and they plan to study its role further.

Results were published in Science Immunology, offering a potential route for designing next-generation CAR-T products with reduced toxicity.