CAR T-cell therapy has become one of the most important advances in the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas, especially aggressive large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). As of 2025, published clinical trials and real-world data show that approximately 50–80% of eligible lymphoma patients respond to CAR T therapy, and around 30–40% achieve long-term remission, depending on the treatment product, disease subtype, and timing of therapy.
2025 CAR T therapy success rates for lymphoma
Most current results come from CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapies—including axicabtagene ciloleucel, lisocabtagene maraleucel, and tisagenlecleucel—used after standard treatments have failed.
When looking across pivotal studies, expanded access programs, and multi-year follow-ups, the 2025 outcome ranges for aggressive B-cell lymphomas are:
- Overall response rate (ORR): Typically 60–80% of patients experience a measurable reduction in disease.
- Complete response (CR): About 40–60% achieve a full remission across major trials, though certain high-risk groups may see lower rates.
- Durable remission / progression-free survival (PFS): Many patients who reach complete remission stay disease-free for years. Long-term analyses report 2–5 year PFS around 30–40% and overall survival (OS) around 40–50% for leading CAR T products.
Some lymphoma subtypes respond even better. In transformed follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma, several studies report ORR above 80–90% and CR rates above 60%, with many responses lasting beyond one to two years.
In simple terms: In 2025, about half to two-thirds of patients with relapsed lymphoma respond to CAR T-cell therapy, and roughly one-third achieve long-term remission that may be functionally curative.
Why CAR T-Cell Therapy Success Differs Between Patients
Although CAR T is a powerful treatment, outcomes are influenced by multiple clinical factors. These include:
- Disease characteristics and treatment timing
Patients who receive CAR T earlier in their treatment course—such as second-line therapy after relapse from initial chemoimmunotherapy—often achieve stronger and more durable responses. By contrast, lymphomas with aggressive biology (double-hit lymphoma, primary refractory disease, Richter transformation) may respond initially but have a higher risk of relapse. - Tumor burden and overall health
A high tumor burden, large bulky masses, or poor physical condition at infusion are linked with greater toxicity and reduced long-term benefit. Patients who enter treatment with well-controlled disease and good performance status—sometimes with the help of bridging therapy—tend to have better outcomes. - CAR T product type and manufacturing approach
Each CAR T product is built differently. Variations in costimulatory domains, manufacturing time, and cell expansion influence depth of response, durability, and side-effect profile. Long-term data for axicabtagene ciloleucel and lisocabtagene maraleucel show that a meaningful number of patients remain in remission five years after treatment. - Experience of the treating center
CAR T is a complex therapy. Hospitals with extensive CAR T programs generally offer faster recognition and management of complications such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity (ICANS), infections, and delayed cytopenias. Expertise and structured follow-up are crucial for maximizing both safety and long-term outcomes.
Publication date: December 2025
Sources:
CAR T-cell therapy for B-cell lymphoma
Real-World (RW) Outcomes of Lisocabtagene Maraleucel (liso-cel) in Patients (pts) with Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL)
CD19 CAR-T cell therapy for Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma; Why does it Fail?
Five-Year Follow-Up of Standard-of-Care Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Bristol Myers Squibb Presents First Data from the Marginal Zone Lymphoma Cohort
CAR T-cell therapy for B-cell lymphoma
Real-world outcomes of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in relapsed/refractory transformed indolent lymphomas
