CAR T-cell therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for certain blood cancers, offering new hope to patients whose illness hasn’t responded to standard treatments. University College London Hospitals (UCLH) is proud to be one of Europe’s leading centres for this advanced care.
The therapy uses the patient’s own immune system. T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are collected and genetically modified to target and destroy cancer cells. Once returned to the body, these cells act as a living treatment, attacking cancer with precision.
It’s shown strong results in some patients with relapsed or resistant B-cell cancers, such as large B-cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Because of potential side effects, it’s delivered in specialist centres like UCLH, where patients receive expert care throughout.
UCLH has offered CAR T-cell therapy since 2016, treating hundreds of patients through clinical trials and approved therapies. We provide a full range of licensed CAR T products, including:
- Axicabtagene Ciloleucel
- Tisagenlecleucel
- Brexucabtagene Autoleucel
- Lisocabtagene Maraleucel
Each treatment is tailored to the individual, aiming for the best outcomes with minimal risk.
Our service is delivered across two sites:
- Macmillan Cancer Centre – Outpatient care, cell collection (apheresis), ambulatory support, and patient information.
- Grafton Way Building – Inpatient care with intensive monitoring and support.
Patients are looked after by a specialist team including haematologists, oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, and allied health professionals — all experienced in CAR T-cell therapy.
We support patients and families at every stage, from referral and assessment to recovery and follow-up. For young people aged 13–19, we offer dedicated care through our Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Unit, working closely with referring hospitals to ensure joined-up care.
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will guide and support you throughout your treatment, offering personalised care tailored to your needs.
If you have cancer, the Macmillan Support and Information Service provides expert advice and emotional support for you, your family, and carers. Located on the ground floor of the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, they run support groups for people with blood cancer and those who’ve had CAR T-cell therapy.
If you have an autoimmune condition, our rheumatology and neurology teams are here to help.
By offering personalised, joined-up care, we aim to meet your individual needs every step of the way.
In the first few weeks after treatment, the UCLH team will monitor you closely through a mix of clinic visits and phone appointments. Some tests must be done at UCLH, but many can be carried out at your local hospital. Over time, we aim to reduce how often you need tests and assessments.
You’ll be given contact details for your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), your trials team, and an emergency out-of-hours hotline for urgent concerns.
Your CNS will stay in touch for up to 15 years after treatment, ensuring you continue to receive the care, monitoring, and advice you need.
Patient contact
General enquiries
Other contact information
Service management
Giulia Impelluso, Deputy Divisional Manager
giulia.impelluso@nhs.net
Maeve O’Reilly, Service Lead and Consultant Haematologist
maeve.o’reilly@nhs.net
Address
University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
Outpatient clinic
Ground Floor
Huntley Street
London,
WC1E 6AG
Inpatient care:
Grafton Way Building
Inpatient wards: GWB L02 East, L02 North, L03 East, L03 North, L04 East
1 Grafton Way
London
WC1E 6AS
University College Hospital
Inpatient ward: T16
235 Euston Road
NW1 2BU
GP contact
Referral address
University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
Outpatient clinic
Ground Floor
Huntley Street
London, WC1E 6AG
