Work

Flow cytometry‐based monitoring of chimeric antigen receptor ( CAR ) T cells: Reagent selection, assay design, and clinical utility

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Accurate quantification of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is essential for monitoring post-infusion CART expansion and persistence and for real-time clinical decision-making. Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) enables rapid, live-cell detection with absolute quantification and concurrent immunophenotypic characterization. This review focuses on the practical and technical aspects of flow cytometry-based CAR T-cell monitoring, including selection of CAR detection reagents (target-specific, construct-specific, and target-agnostic strategies), assay optimization, purpose-driven panel design, and matrix-appropriate validation for peripheral blood and other clinically relevant specimens. We also address assay considerations unique to gene-edited allogeneic CAR T-cell products, including the use of surrogate immunophenotypic approaches when construct-specific reagents are unavailable. Finally, we discuss the role of MFC in identifying CAR T-cell clonal expansions and in evaluating suspected secondary hematolymphoid neoplasms in the post-CAR T setting.

Source: Cytometry Part B Clinical Cytometry

DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.70026

Authors: Jianhua Ling, Wei Wang, Sa A. Wang

Institution: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: CAR-T cell therapy research

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,800