Exploring Identity Transformation in Patients Undergoing CAR-T Cell Therapy

Abstract

Gene therapy represents a major advancement in molecular medicine, offerin transformative treatments for hematological malignancies. Within this field, CAR- therapy has emerged as a novel intervention that extends survival but raises profoun psychological and existential questions for patients. Despite clinical success, little i known about how patients themselves experience the therapy, particularly in terms o hope, fear, and identity reconstruction. This study addresses that gap by asking: How d patients undergoing CAR-T therapy interpret and make sense of their lived experiences? Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, the study explored the narratives o ten patients recently treated with CAR-T therapy to capture the meanings they attach t this process. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted, and data wer analyzed thematically to identify essential patterns of meaning. The findings reveale four central themes: living with uncertainty and hope, transformation of identity and th body, emotional burden and psychosocial struggles, and negotiating the future. Patient described the therapy not only as a biomedical intervention but also as a deepl existential journey that reshaped their understanding of self and life trajectory. Overall, the abstract has been condensed to enhance readability and emphasize stud scope and participant clarity. These results highlight the limitations of conventiona quantitative assessments in capturing the essence of patient experiences and underscor the value of phenomenology in advancing patient-centered care. By foregrounding th subjective voices of patients, this study contributes to a more holistic framework fo evaluating gene-based therapies and offers directions for integrating psychosocia support into clinical practice.