CAR T cell therapy in multiple myeloma, where are we now and where are we heading for?

The introduction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells revolutionized treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in recent years. Currently, two CAR T cell products-idecabtagene vicleucel and ciltacabtagene autoleucel-are approved in the United States and the European Union to treat patients with three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti-CD38 antibody. Moreover, seminal phase III trials of both agents in earlier lines of therapy have been published recently. Despite unprecedented rates of deep and lasting remissions in RRMM, there are still areas of uncertainty regarding the optimal use and distribution of CAR T cells in multiple myeloma. In the current review, we discuss the available data on approved CAR T cell products as well as unmet clinical needs and ongoing developments to optimize usage of this promising treatment modality in multiple myeloma.

Automated summary

The introduction of CAR T cells has revolutionized the treatment of RRMM. Two CAR T cell products are approved for use in the US and EU, and phase III trials for earlier lines of therapy have been published recently. Despite the success, there are still uncertainties regarding the optimal use of CAR T cells in multiple myeloma. This review discusses the available data and ongoing developments to optimize CAR T cell usage in this disease.