What is Cellular Immunotherapy LTFU?
The Cellular Immunotherapy Long-Term Follow-Up (LTFU) Program monitors and provides care for patients after they receive cellular immunotherapy at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, including:
- Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells
- T-cell receptor (TCR) modified cells
- Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy
Fred Hutch providers and researchers in the LTFU Program specialize in cellular immunotherapy. We help with medical problems that may come up after you have this type of treatment. The LTFU team works in partnership with your other health care providers. We also gather information for research.
Information for Patients
Patients can find resources related to care during and after cellular immunotherapy.
Information for Physicians
We offer guidelines for physicians with patients who’ve received cellular immunotherapy from Fred Hutch.
LTFU FAQ
Our frequently asked questions section features the questions we hear most from patients and families.
Cellular Immunotherapy LTFU Telemedicine Services
After getting treatment from Fred Hutch’s cellular immunotherapy specialists, you’ll return to care with your usual cancer care providers. Whether that’s at Fred Hutch or somewhere else, the cellular immunotherapy LTFU team is here as a resource for you.
We’re available by phone at 206.667.5811 and email at imtxltfu@fredhutch.org if you have questions or concerns. Patients can contact us directly. Or any member of your health care team can reach out to us.
We commonly help with a wide range of topics, such as:
- Clinical questions about the status of a patient’s disease
- Vaccinations, including which to get and when
- Infections, including whether and how long to be on prophylactic antibiotics
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a treatment to strengthen the immune system
- Side effects that may relate to cellular immunotherapy, like low blood counts
- Follow-up care that a patient may need after cellular immunotherapy
- Second opinions about medical concerns or treatment options
- Survivorship, including recommended tests and imaging scans
- Clinical trial options if a patient needs further treatment
When you call or email, the response time depends on the volume and nature of the messages we receive. We’re able to respond to most messages within three business days.
Research Services
The cellular immunotherapy LTFU team collects data for research studies to:
- Better understand complications that may arise after cellular immunotherapy
- Develop strategies to prevent and treat long-term effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires providers to monitor patients for 15 years. This is another reason we collect data. It helps us identify health issues that might relate to the therapy.
Before we use any data about you for research, we ask for your consent. It’s always up to you whether to participate in studies.
To collect data, the LTFU team:
- Reviews patients’ medical charts 90 days after discharge from the Immunotherapy Clinic and then once a year after that up to year 15
- Sends questionnaires to patients and their providers once a year
- May request blood samples from you for testing
If we see something in your chart or questionnaire that raises questions or concerns about your health, a member of the LTFU team will reach out to offer Fred Hutch’s expertise.
Contact Cellular Immunotherapy LTFU
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Mailing Address:
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
ATTN: IMTX LTFU
1100 Fairview Ave. N
Mail Stop M2-A876
Seattle, WA 98109