CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma: mission accomplished?

Abstract

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are the most potent treatment against multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we review the increasing body of clinical and correlative preclinical data that support their inclusion into firstline therapy and sequencing before T-cell–engaging antibodies. The ambition to cure MM with (BCMA-)CAR T cells is informed by genomic and phenotypic analysis that assess BCMA expression for patient stratification and monitoring, steadily improving early diagnosis and management of side effects, and advances in rapid, scalable CAR T-cell manufacturing to improve access.