Marina is a 61-year-old woman from Russia. After being diagnosed with acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), she began a long and challenging course of treatment.

When Challenges Returned After Transplant

In April 2025, Marina underwent an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in her home country. For her and her family, it was an important step forward and carried hope for lasting remission.

Three months later, follow-up testing revealed measurable residual disease (MRD) in her bone marrow, with a small but concerning level of malignant cells (0.014%). Immunotherapy was attempted locally, but the disease continued to show signs of progression. At the same time, Marina developed mild skin graft-versus-host disease.

For an older patient facing immune-related relapse after transplantation, treatment options are limited and the overall situation becomes significantly more complex.

Re-evaluating Treatment in China

After careful consideration, Marina traveled to China for further evaluation. A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Zhao Defeng at GoBroad Healthcare Group performed a comprehensive reassessment of her disease. The results showed that her leukemia cells predominantly expressed the CD7 antigen.

Following detailed discussions with Marina, the team first initiated immuno-targeted therapy to stabilize her condition. Based on her disease profile and treatment history, a decision was then made to proceed with CD7 CAR-T cell therapy.

The GoBroad team has extensive experience treating T-cell malignancies with CAR-T cell therapy, including complex cases involving older patients and post-transplant relapse, allowing for highly individualized risk assessment and clinical management.

Navigating Treatment and Side Effects

After CAR-T cell infusion, Marina developed a high fever as the infused cells began to expand in her body. Her main side effect was cytokine release syndrome (CRS), primarily presenting as fever, along with a temporary drop in oxygen levels.
Given her underlying heart and lung conditions, the medical team closely monitored her and intervened promptly when needed. With careful and standardized management, Marina successfully passed through the CRS phase without serious complications.

A Meaningful Milestone

On day 13 after CAR-T infusion, a bone marrow examination showed that MRD was no longer detectable, indicating a deep remission.

At the same time, next-generation sequencing (NGS) covering more than 300 genes identified eight previously undetected genetic mutations. These findings provided valuable guidance for future treatment planning, including the possibility of targeted therapies.

Looking Ahead

With a positive response achieved, Marina plans to return home to prepare for further stem cell transplantation. Based on her individual risk profile, the medical team recommended early post-transplant maintenance therapy with targeted agents to help reduce relapse risk and support long-term disease control.

A Journey Still Unfolding

Marina’s treatment journey has been anything but easy. She has faced transplantation, relapse, and difficult decisions involving high-risk therapies. Through careful evaluation, thoughtful planning, and close collaboration between patient and medical team, she has now reached an important turning point.

Her story is still unfolding—guided by caution, experience, and a shared commitment to achieving the best possible long-term outcome.