Improving the safety of CAR‐T‐cell therapy: The risk and prevention of viral infection for patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell lymphoma undergoing CAR‐T‐cell therapy

Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy, an innovative immunotherapeutic against relapsed/refractory B‐cell lymphoma, faces challenges due to frequent viral infections. Despite this, a comprehensive review addressing risk assessment, surveillance, and treatment management is notably absent. This review elucidates immune response compromises during viral infections in CAR‐T recipients, collates susceptibility risk factors, and deliberates on preventive strategies. In the post‐pandemic era, marked by the Omicron variant, new and severe threats to CAR‐T therapy emerge, necessitating exploration of preventive and treatment measures for COVID‐19. Overall, the review provides recommendations for viral infection prophylaxis and management, enhancing CAR‐T product safety and recipient survival.