Beyond CRS and ICANS: CAR T-cell Therapy for CNS Tumors: Nursing Assessment and Management

Presented By:

Christina Baggott PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC, CPON, FAPHON

Ashley Jacobs, RN, BSN, CPN, BMTCN

Courtney Erickson, RN, BSN

Course Overview: Presented at the 2025 Spring Education Exchange (SEE) this course presents Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) are aggressive central nervous system tumors with limited treatment options and poor survival outcomes. GD2-CART therapy, which uses genetically engineered T-cells to target GD2 markers on DMG cells, represents a promising innovation. Locoregional delivery through ventricular reservoirs, such as Ommaya, improves efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity.

This course focuses on essential nursing assessments and the management of tumor inflammation-associated neurotoxicity (TIAN), classified as type 1 (mechanical) or type 2 (electrical). Nurses will learn to identify and manage toxicities from mild to life-threatening, perform comprehensive evaluations, and provide psychosocial support.

The course also addresses care strategies for both general and intensive care settings, ensuring nurses are prepared to support GD2-CART patients throughout their treatment journey.

Learning Outcomes:

• The learner will be able to explain methods to perform thorough a nursing assessment of children with CNS tumors who receive CAR T-cell therapy.
• The learner will be able to incorporate management strategies to ameliorate complications following the administration of CAR T-cell therapy to patients with CNS tumors.

This contains 2 sections:

1. Video Presentation
2. Post-Course Evaluation

Continuing Education Credit 

APHON will provide 1.0 nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) contact hour(s) for the successful completion of this session. Successful completion requires attendance for the entire session and completion of the post-session evaluation. 

Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA) Coding 

This program content has been reviewed by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) and is acceptable for recertification points. You may claim 1.0 ILNA in one of the following categories:  Disease Related Biology, Care of the Pediatric Hem/Onc Patient, Supportive Care, Palliative Care and Symptom Mgt, Pediatric Oncologic and Hematologic Emergencies, Pediatric Hem/Onc Nursing Practice, Treatment, Foundations of Transplant, Transplant Process and Infusion,Cellular Collection, Prep Regimen and Infusion, Early Post Transplant Management and Education, Late Post Transplant Management and Education, Quality of Life, Professional Performance”

Please reach out to the Education Team at education@aphon.org with your name, the email associated with your APHON account, and the above ILNA category you would like to have reflected on your certificate. APHON can update your completion certificate to reflect your choice. 

The Association for Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This provider is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 14513. 

None of the planners for this activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies. 

Questions or concerns? Contact education@aphon.org.