People living with SCD pictured may or may not have received CASGEVY.
Before you begin your CASGEVY journey, it’s important to understand the treatment process and what to expect along the way.
There are 6 steps in the CASGEVY treatment journey. Watch Tia's CASGEVY story from start to finish, and click through each step below to learn more.
The length and timing of certain steps may vary per person. The entire CASGEVY treatment journey could take up to a year. Location of the steps on this page is based on the clinical study. Your healthcare team will help map out a treatment plan that works for you and your support network.
Deciding on CASGEVY
If you are interested in learning more about gene therapy, talk with your healthcare provider and ask if CASGEVY might be an option for you. You will then need to schedule an appointment at an Authorized Treatment Center (ATC). The healthcare providers at ATCs are the only ones who can confirm whether CASGEVY is right for you and can help you begin the treatment process.
Preparing for Cell Collection
CASGEVY is a treatment that’s made using your own
Before your healthcare team collects your blood stem cells, they'll want to make sure your body is ready. This may involve extra appointments for
Collecting Your Blood Stem Cells
Blood stem cells are the cells used to make CASGEVY specifically for you. To collect your cells, you will need to travel to your ATC.
There are 2 parts to the collection process:
1) Moving your blood stem cells into the blood stream, also called
2)
In the clinical trial, on average,† people required 2 cycles of blood stem cell collection. Each collection will be separated by a minimum of 14 days and you will be able to return home during that time. This gives your body time to make new stem cells.
During this step, extra cells called “back-up cells” are also collected and stored at the ATC. These are not sent out for editing and are stored frozen at the center in case there are any issues in the treatment process. If CASGEVY can’t be given to you for any reason or does not work in your body, your healthcare provider will put these back-up cells back into your body. If you are given back-up cells, you will not have any treatment benefit from CASGEVY.
*This may happen more than once.
†This was measured as a median amount, which is the middle value of a group of numbers; half of the numbers are less than the median and half are higher.
Making Your CASGEVY
After your blood stem cells are collected, they will be carefully packaged and shipped to a lab. This is where CASGEVY will be made specifically for you using your own blood stem cells. You will return home until your treatment is ready.
It may take up to 6 months from the time your cells are collected to manufacture and test CASGEVY before it is sent back to your healthcare provider. People who want to preserve their fertility should discuss options with their healthcare provider before treatment. Your healthcare team may decide you should receive red blood cell transfusions during this time and you might need to stop taking certain medications before you receive chemotherapy.
While waiting for your treatment, you should start preparing for your upcoming stay at your ATC. Talk with your loved ones and discuss how they can help cover responsibilities you may have at home.
Chemotherapy, Receiving CASGEVY, and Recovery
Once your CASGEVY is ready, you will travel to your Authorized Treatment Center (ATC) to undergo chemotherapy and receive your CASGEVY. The first step will be to receive a type of chemotherapy. In the clinical study, this took 4 days. This chemotherapy removes your existing blood stem cells from the bone marrow to make room for your newly edited cells. The chemotherapy will cause your blood cells to fall to a very low level, so your healthcare providers will continue to monitor how you're feeling and allow you time to rest. Talk to your healthcare provider about other side effects of chemotherapy.
Next, you’ll receive your CASGEVY as a one-time infusion through an IV into the vein.
After the CASGEVY infusion, you will stay at the ATC so your healthcare provider can closely monitor your recovery. Your healthcare provider will decide when you can go home.
After receiving chemotherapy and CASGEVY, your immune system will need time to recover. Consider bringing personal items like photos, special blankets, or other keepsakes from home that are meaningful to you, as you may have limited interaction with loved ones.
After Treatment
Once your healthcare team determines you have recovered, they will let you know when you can go home. You will work with your healthcare team to come up with a long-term follow-up plan. This will include appointments with your healthcare provider and at the ATC to continue to monitor your health.
Get additional details about the treatment journey, including questions for your healthcare provider.
Talking with your healthcare provider and loved ones is an important step when considering CASGEVY.
