Building Referral Networks to Foster Timely Referral and Care Coordination for CAR T-cell Therapy in Multiple Myeloma: Results from an Academic-Community Paired Education Model

To guide evidence-based CAR T-cell utilization in multiple myeloma (MM), high-performing referral practices between community oncology clinics and CAR T-cell centers are essential. Leveraging a paired-center education model, this initiative supported academic and community hematology/oncology teams to build referral networks, enable timely referrals, coordinate bridging therapy, and guide post-infusion care. Between March – May 2025, 3 CAR T-cell centers paired with 5 community-based clinics participated in live educational sessions to foster relationships and strengthen referral networks. Clinics submitted patient cases in advance to inform education and discussion. Providers completed 60-day follow-up surveys assessing practice improvements in referral and care coordination. Community providers (N = 50) reported that knowing which CAR T-cell product is on formulary as the top barrier to identifying eligible patients to receive CAR T-cell therapy (42%) (Figure 1) and coordinating referral and transfer of care as the top barrier to managing patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy (40%) (Figure 2). Providers committed to educating team members on the latest evidence and guidelines for earlier line CAR T-cell therapy (42%) and improving care coordination between community care teams and CAR T-cell specialists (42%). Providers endorsed resources to guide identification of eligible patients (61%) and checklists to enhance care coordination and patient information exchange during referral and transfer of care (53%) to support CAR T-cell therapy utilization. Follow up surveys of clinic champions (N = 13) revealed clinic-level progress in keeping up with the latest evidence and guidelines (62%) and knowing at which line of therapy patients are eligible for CAR T-cell therapy (54%) to improve identification of eligible patients for CAR T-cell therapy (Figure 1). Related to patient management, providers reported gains in coordinating referral and transfer of care (69%) and bridging therapy selection (69%) (Figure 2). Notably, 85% stated their team has improved communication with CAR T-cell centers for referral of eligible patients. This initiative supported optimization of clinical processes related to CAR T-cell patient identification, referrals, bridging therapy and post-infusion care across practice settings. These findings underscore the value of paired education with community and academic centers to strengthen referral networks for CAR T-cell therapy and support evidence-based MM care.