Eman’s Story: CAR T-Cell Therapy for Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis at Sheba

For 20 years, Eman endured debilitating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that left her bedridden, in constant pain, and unable to perform basic tasks. When standard RA medications failed, Sheba’s pioneering CAR T-cell therapy research program offered her a life-changing opportunity.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 20, Eman came to Sheba when she was 40 after watching her condition worsen over two decades. The disease affected nearly all her joints, causing relentless pain and immobility that confined her to bed. None of the multiple RA medications she tried provided relief or restored function.

Faced with a life dominated by suffering, Eman discovered Sheba’s research exploring CAR T-cell therapy, typically used for blood cancers, for refractory rheumatoid arthritis.

Facing CAR T-Cell Therapy with Courage

With all other options exhausted, Eman had no choice but to face the unknown.
After her physician recommended CAR T-cell therapy and Prof. Merav Lidar, Director of Sheba’s Rheumatology Unit, explained the innovative approach, Eman moved forward decisively. She described it as “a very difficult decision,” born out of the harsh reality that conventional treatments had failed and her condition was rapidly worsening. “I had no life; I was limited, bedridden, not sleeping, not doing anything,” she said. “I was at a stage where they told me there was no medication that could help and that my condition was getting worse. I knew I wouldn’t have much time to live without the transplant.”

Despite the risks, Eman embraced CAR T-cell therapy as her final hope.

The CAR T-Cell Therapy Process at Sheba

Eman’s treatment began with comprehensive pre-transplant testing, including imaging, biopsies, MRIs, and evaluations of her heart, lungs, and brain. A week after her blood was collected to extract T-cells for genetic modification, she received chemotherapy to prepare her immune system, followed by reinfusion of the engineered CAR T-cells. Post-treatment complications affecting her nervous system required close monitoring, but Sheba’s expert team guided her through recovery.

Rapid Recovery, Healing, & New Found Life

Recovery exceeded her expectations. Within one month, Eman slept through the night, walked independently, cooked, traveled, and resumed activities she hadn’t done in years. She even completed a pastry course despite lingering hand limitations.

Nearly two years post-transplant, Eman remains under active follow-up care. While joint damage from decades of RA is irreversible, the inflammation and pain that controlled her life have dramatically improved. “I don’t regret my decision for even a moment,” she says.

For severe rheumatoid arthritis patients seeking innovative treatments, contact Sheba Medical Center to discuss eligibility for ongoing CAR T-cell therapy research.