The CAR T-Cell Therapy Clinical Journey Guide
Additional Resources
There are hundreds of free or discounted services for those being treated for cancer and their families. This page shows only a fraction of them. We encourage you to reach out to patient organisations for help. Most list resources on their websites and all have helplines where you can request individual assistance.
The resources here are divided into the following sections:
- Patient Organisations
- General Information About Clinical Trials
- CAR T-cell Therapy Process Videos
- Apps Providing Help Along the Journey
Patient Organisations
Patient organisations provide a wide range of services for the cancer community. These include disease information in printed and digital form, videos, live webinars, in-person events (to resume post-COVID-19), assistance in finding a clinical trial, financial assistance, counselling services, research funding, policy advocacy efforts, professionally led online support groups, discussion boards, pet care support and more.
Blood Cancer UK
Their blood cancer support line is a free and confidential service for all people with blood cancer, their friends and family. A team of trained blood cancer support officers who can help with emotional and practical support and information about blood cancer.
Support Line: 0808 2080 888
Email: support@bloodcancer.org.uk
Leukaemia Care
A national blood cancer support charity working with patients, family and friends affected by blood cancer. Their support specialists can help you find a service that’s right for you which might include support groups, counselling services, buddy services among many others.
Support Line: 08088 010 444
Chat: via WhatsApp on 07500068065
Lymphoma Action
Support available through phone or email, on-line support groups, buddy services and, after COVID-19 has resolved, in-person support groups.
Support Line: 0808 808 5555
Email: information@lymphoma-action.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support
A British charity that provides specialist healthcare, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.
Support Line: 0808 808 00 00
Email and Chat: Available through website
Maggie’s Centres
A network of drop-in centres across the United Kingdom is there to help anyone who has been affected by cancer. They provide support, information and practical advice. They are located near, but are detached from, existing NHS hospitals.
Support Line: 0300 123 1801
Email: enquiries@maggies.org
General Information About Clinical Trials
Additional information about participating in or supporting a loved one during a clinical trial is available at:
Cancer Research UK
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/find-a-clinical-trial/what-clinical-trials-are
Lymphoma Action: Clinical Trials for Lymphoma
NHS Clinical Trial Information
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/basics
UK Clinical Research Collaboration/Understanding Clinical Trials
https://www.ukcrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/iCT_Booklet.pdf
CAR T-cell Therapy Process Videos
These short videos about the CAR T-cell therapy process explain exactly how the treatment works:
CAR T-Cell Therapy: How Does It Work?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The 8 Steps of CAR T-Cell Therapy
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
CAR T-Cell Therapy for Cancer Treatment: How It Works
MD Anderson Cancer Center
CAR T-Cell Therapy
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
CAR T-Cell Therapy: Side Effects
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
How to Biohack Your Cells to Treat Cancer (TedEd YouTube Video)
The science of biohacking, where biologists go into a patient’s genetic code and reprogram their immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells.
Apps Providing Help Along the Journey
Calm
Calm is the #1 app for sleep and meditation. Join the millions experiencing better sleep, lower stress and less anxiety.
Chillscape
Sonic Meditation: A tool for quick bursts of mindfulness and anxiety relief. It can be used to relax, focus the mind or filter out unwanted distractions like pain or negative thoughts.
Headspace
Loaded with meditation courses, sleep programmes and movement practices. This is an expensive option, but their free trial may be useful as an introduction to mindfulness practices.
Insight Timer
A free library of 60,000 meditations, music selections and inspirational talks. Paid services, including meditation courses, are also available.
MindShift CBT
A free, scientifically based anxiety tool based on a type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The interactive tool guides users to look at anxiety-producing thoughts in a healthier way.
Pause: Daily Mindfulness
A variety of short sessions that help you relax and shift your focus away from distressing thoughts.
Rebalance with Mindfulness
A guided, 4 step process to combat stress by reconnecting the mind and body.
1. Diaphragmatic breathing*: A type of breathing exercise that reduces the stress response and brings your nervous system back into balance.
2. Mindful body scan: Emotions can appear as physical sensations. By developing an awareness of how your body feels, you can learn to regulate your emotions better.
3. Labelling emotions and sensations: Labelling emotions reduces their intensity.
4. Allowing: The practice of allowing our sensations and emotions to exist without trying to change them or react to them. The app helps you choose how to respond to your emotions.
These apps are available on the App Store or Google Play:
