Anti-BCMA CAR-T cells therapy for a patient with extremely high membrane BCMA expression: a case report

B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR-T cell therapy is a disruptive approach for treating relapsed/ refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM); however, optimization is necessary to maximize patient benefit. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with primary refractory MM who presented with high expression of membrane BCMA and low expression of soluble BCMA (sBCMA), experienced grade 4 cytokine release syndrome, and died fromsevere pneumonia after receiving anti-BCMA CAR-T (CT103A) therapy. This case highlights the importance of assessing the expression range of BCMA for its efficacy and safety in patients receiving BCMA CAR-T therapy. For patients who present with extremely high membrane BCMA expression and extremely low sBCMA expression, the presence of i-secretase-related gene mutations should be considered. Special attention should also be paid to the prevention and treatment of cytokine release syndrome in such patients.

Automated summary

BCMA-directed CAR-T cell therapy is a disruptive approach for treating R/R MM, but optimization is necessary for maximizing patient benefit. This case study highlights the importance of assessing the expression range of BCMA for the efficacy and safety of BCMA CAR-T therapy. Special attention should be given to patients with extremely high membrane BCMA expression and extremely low sBCMA expression, as well as the prevention and treatment of cytokine release syndrome.