A preparation of autologous T-lymphocytes that have been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for the tumor-associated antigen (TAA) CD19, with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, autologous CD19-targeted CAR T cells CC-97540 specifically target and bind to CD19-expressing tumor cells. This results in a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against CD19-expressing tumor cells and tumor cell lysis. CD19, cluster of differentiation 19, is a B-cell-specific cell surface antigen overexpressed in B-cell lineage tumors.