CAR-T therapy, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, has emerged as one of the most potent weapons against relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, a cancer characterized by the malignant proliferation of plasma cells within bone marrow. By genetically reprogramming a patient’s own T cells to recognize and obliterate cancerous cells, CAR-T therapy has achieved remarkable remission rates where conventional treatments often fail. However, the therapy is double-edged, as it can trigger CRS—an excessive immune response marked by the release of cytokines, leading to symptoms ranging from fever and hypotension to respiratory distress and multi-organ failure.

CRS represents a daunting hurdle in the clinical application of CAR-T treatments. Its unpredictable onset and rapid progression necessitate close hospital monitoring, often restricting therapy to inpatient settings and imposing significant burdens on patients and healthcare systems alike. Traditionally, CRS detection relies on intermittent nursing assessments and laboratory analyses, which might miss subtle early signs that herald the escalation of inflammation. To address this gap, the multidisciplinary team at Mount Sinai explored the utility of continuous physiological data collection through wearable sensors as a noninvasive, real-time surveillance method to identify the earliest manifestations of CRS.

The pilot study enrolled 30 individuals with multiple myeloma who were undergoing CAR-T therapy at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Each participant was equipped with a wearable device designed to monitor multiple vital parameters, including skin and axillary temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and physical activity. In parallel, blood samples were periodically collected to quantify circulating cytokine levels, shedding light on the molecular underpinnings of CRS pathogenesis. This integrative approach allowed the team to correlate fluctuations in wearable-derived data with biological markers of inflammation.

Among 25 patients whose data were fully analyzable, the wearable devices detected 18 out of 20 clinically diagnosed CRS episodes, identifying alarming physiological changes a median of seven hours before they were recognized by standard nursing evaluations. This temporal lead time is critically important as it could enable preemptive clinical interventions to mitigate severe complications. The continuous temperature measurements from the skin and underarm, in particular, emerged as a sensitive early indicator closely mirroring the changes in interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a key inflammatory cytokine implicated in CRS.

The correlation between wearable data and cytokine profiles not only validates the physiological signals captured by the devices but also promises to enhance predictive algorithms for CRS onset. Dr. Samir Parekh, senior corresponding author and Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai, emphasized that while these findings are preliminary, they highlight the transformative potential of integrating wearable technology into cancer immunotherapy protocols. If these results are replicated in larger cohorts, wearable monitoring could facilitate safer administration of CAR-T outside hospitals, broadening patient access and alleviating the strain on medical facilities.

Another critical aspect underscored by the research is the patient-centric benefit of remote continuous monitoring. Early detection of CRS through wearables could minimize the severity of symptoms, reduce intensive care admissions, and improve overall patient comfort and quality of life by enabling timely outpatient interventions. Dr. Adriana Rossi, co-corresponding author, noted that the real-time insights afforded by wearable sensors equip clinicians with a dynamic view of immune system activity and enable a more precise and proactive therapeutic approach.

Furthermore, the integration of biologic markers such as cytokine profiling with wearable-derived physiological signals signifies a new frontier in personalized oncology care. Dr. Alessandro Laganà, a co-corresponding author and assistant professor specializing in genetics and genomic sciences, remarked that this multimodal monitoring approach could pave the way for “smarter” health technologies. These systems could eventually predict patient-specific toxicity risks, tailor therapeutic regimens, and ultimately optimize clinical outcomes in the era of precision medicine.

Despite these promising findings, the researchers caution against overinterpretation due to the study’s limitations, including its small sample size and single-center design. They advocate for extensive multicenter trials to validate the reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of wearable monitoring in diverse patient populations and in outpatient care settings where early identification and management of CRS could vastly improve treatment safety.

This innovative research was generously supported by Bristol Myers Squibb and the Center of Excellence for Multiple Myeloma Philanthropic Fund, along with significant grants from the National Cancer Institute and the American Society of Hematology. The collaboration exemplifies the growing convergence between oncology, technology, and immunology—fields that, when integrated thoughtfully, hold the promise of reshaping cancer treatment paradigms.

As CAR-T therapies continue to expand their reach beyond hematologic malignancies into solid tumors and other refractory cancers, the ability to monitor and mitigate adverse immune effects swiftly will be paramount. Wearable technologies represent a compelling step toward real-time, personalized monitoring that can make these cutting-edge therapies more accessible and safer. This breakthrough also underscores the potential for digital health innovations to transform patient monitoring, offering hope for improved survival and enhanced quality of life among those battling cancer.

The convergence of continuous physiological monitoring with cytokine analysis thus emerges as a powerful tool to illuminate the complex immune landscapes in CAR-T therapy recipients. Moving forward, harnessing this synergy may unlock novel predictive models and intervention strategies, alleviating one of the most challenging barriers to the broader dissemination of life-saving immunotherapies. This seminal work lays the foundation for a new era of cancer care where wearable devices are integral to treatment precision and patient safety.

Subject of Research: People

Article Title: Detection of cytokine release syndrome using wearables and cytokine profiling following CAR-T therapy for myeloma

News Publication Date: 22-Jun-2026

Web References: doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.203988

Keywords: Cytokine storm, Multiple myeloma, CAR-T therapy, Cytokine release syndrome, Wearable technology, Immunotherapy toxicity, Interferon gamma, Continuous monitoring, Cancer immunotherapy, Personalized medicine

The infusion of funds from the Greenebaum family will predominantly support pioneering faculty research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), bolstering efforts to develop cutting-edge cancer therapies. A major focus will be on immunotherapies, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, which have revolutionized treatment paradigms in hematologic malignancies and are now being explored aggressively for efficacy against solid tumors. This strategy involves reprogramming a patient’s immune cells to recognize and eradicate cancer cells with heightened specificity, offering hope for treating cancers that have historically been resistant to conventional approaches.

Beyond therapeutic innovations, the endowment will also strengthen survivorship programs at UMGCCC. Emerging wearable technologies capable of continuous physiological monitoring will be integrated into patient care strategies to optimize quality of life for cancer survivors. Personalized supportive care, including tailored nutritional regimens and psychosocial resources, will form a crucial component in enhancing long-term outcomes and mitigating treatment-related toxicities. This holistic approach underscores the center’s commitment to not only prolong lives but also improve the lived experience of patients beyond their clinical treatment.

As UMGCCC prepares for a significant physical expansion with its relocation to the Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine scheduled for fall 2026, the family’s donation assumes added significance. The new facility’s lobby will bear the Greenebaum name, symbolizing their enduring impact on the institution. The Stoler Center will house state-of-the-art laboratories, patient care suites, and clinical trial infrastructure designed to facilitate seamless translational research and multidisciplinary collaboration, ultimately accelerating the bench-to-bedside delivery of novel therapies.

Michael Greenebaum, scion of the Greenebaum family and an influential philanthropist, articulated the familial dedication behind the gift. Marking the 30th anniversary of the original donation, he emphasized that the contribution empowers the center to meet the escalating demand for expert oncology care in Maryland and its surrounding regions. The family’s longstanding involvement exemplifies how philanthropy can catalyze scientific breakthroughs and foster comprehensive patient-centric cancer care.

The Greenebaum family’s involvement extends beyond financial support. Michael Greenebaum serves as Chair of the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Board of Visitors and sits on the UMGCCC Board of Advisors. He is also the founder of the Maryland Half-Marathon & 5K, which has raised over $8 million for the center, demonstrating an innovative approach to community engagement in cancer fundraising. This multi-faceted participation underscores the synergistic relationship between leadership, philanthropy, and research advancement.

The foundational success story of Marlene Greenebaum’s battle with breast cancer is intertwined with pioneering research at UMGCCC. She benefited from treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, a type of hormone therapy developed by Angela Brodie, PhD, a leading breast cancer researcher associated with the cancer center. Aromatase inhibitors function by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens, thereby reducing estrogen levels that fuel hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. This therapeutic breakthrough has become a standard of care globally, emblematic of how translational science at academic centers can alter clinical practices.

Leadership at UMGCCC recognizes the critical importance of sustained philanthropic support. Dr. Taofeek K. Owonikoko, the center’s Executive Director, noted that continuous funding is imperative for maintaining the momentum of clinical trials, which now number over 450 and represent a doubling from earlier years. These trials explore next-generation agents, combination immunotherapies, precision oncology approaches, and modalities aimed at overcoming tumor microenvironment-mediated resistance pathways. Such a robust clinical pipeline positions the center as a leader in oncology innovation.

UMGCCC’s research budget exceeds $130 million annually, reflecting its stature as a premier academic and research institution. The breadth of oncology clinical and basic research encompasses molecular biology, genomics, immunology, bioinformatics, and population health studies. The center’s faculty conduct extensive investigations into tumor biology, mechanisms of metastasis, and the development of novel biomarkers to enable early detection and therapeutic responsiveness. This comprehensive research spectrum embodies a systems biology approach to conquering cancer’s complexity.

The clinical environment benefits enormously from integration with UMGCCC’s basic science enterprises. The reciprocal relationship facilitates rapid hypothesis testing and functional validation of emerging targets in vivo through patient-derived xenograft models and organoid cultures. Moreover, the multidisciplinary teams comprising oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and data scientists collaborate intensively to tailor individualized treatment regimens, reinforcing the precision medicine paradigm.

Maryland’s University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the flagship hospital in the 11-hospital University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), serves as the clinical anchor for UMGCCC. UMMC’s advanced infrastructure supports high-complexity procedures, including solid organ transplantation and sophisticated imaging modalities vital for cancer diagnosis and management. The integration of clinical care and research fosters an ecosystem that translates scientific discoveries swiftly into standard practice, benefiting thousands of patients annually.

The upcoming expansion into the Stoler Center also represents a strategic bet on the future of oncology, emphasizing seamless integration of digital health technologies, telemedicine capabilities, and patient navigation services to improve access and adherence to cancer care protocols. The center’s mission aligns with global efforts to reduce cancer mortality through innovation while addressing survivorship challenges in an aging population that increasingly confronts late effects of cancer treatment.

In conclusion, the recent $5.5 million gift from the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Family Foundation marks a significant milestone for the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. This philanthropic investment supports transformative cancer research, accelerates development of breakthrough therapies like CAR T-cell treatment for solid tumors, and enhances survivorship programs through advanced wearable technologies and tailored clinical support. The planned move to the Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine will bolster these efforts, situating UMGCCC to remain at the vanguard of cancer care and research. The Greenebaum family’s enduring legacy continues to inspire scientific innovation and exceptional patient care, reaffirming the profound impact of philanthropy in advancing the fight against cancer.

Subject of Research: Cancer research and treatment innovations at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, including immunotherapies and survivorship care.

Article Title: University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center Receives $5.5 Million Gift to Accelerate Cancer Research and Care Expansion

News Publication Date: Not specified in the source content.

Web References:

• https://www.umms.org/umgccc
• https://www.umms.org/about/leadership/mohan-suntha
• https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/profiles/gladwin-mark/
• https://www.umms.org/ummc/about/leadership/bert-w-omalley
• https://www.umms.org/find-a-doctor/profiles/dr-taofeek-kunle-owonikoko-md–phd-1578770871
• https://www.umms.org/ummc/about/leadership/heather-culp
• https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/
• http://www.umm.edu/
• http://www.umms.org/

Image Credits: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Keywords: Cancer research, Immunotherapy, CAR T-cells, Survivorship care, Philanthropy, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Translational medicine, Clinical trials, Oncology innovation, Comprehensive cancer center