Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for multiple myeloma, particularly in patients who have not responded to conventional therapies. This innovative approach involves extracting a patient’s T cells, genetically modifying them to target the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) present on myeloma cells, and reinfusing them to attack the cancer. Notably, CAR T-cell therapy is often a one-time treatment, offering a significant advantage over continuous therapies. Dr. Robert Orlowski, director of myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, emphasizes its potential, stating, “One of the nice advantages is that, so far, CAR T is a one-and-done therapy.”
Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma. For instance, the FDA-approved therapies Abecma (ide-cel) and Carvykti (cilta-cel) have shown remarkable results in heavily pretreated patients. In one study, Carvykti reduced the risk of death by 45% over nearly three years. Despite these advancements, accessibility remains a challenge, as CAR T-cell therapy is currently available primarily through clinical trials at specialized centers. Ongoing research aims to expand its availability and explore its use in earlier stages of the disease, potentially improving outcomes for a broader patient population.
