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MEDTECH Cilta-cel CAR-T-cell therapy: A ray of hope for refractory multiple myeloma patients.
A new study on ciltacabtagene autoleucel CAR-T-cell therapy (cilta-cel) shows promise for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. Published in Blood, the study led by Dr. Adam Cohen from the University of Pennsylvania, focuses on patients with previous exposure to noncellular anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) therapies.
The team’s objective was achieving the primary endpoint of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, alongside multiple secondary endpoints. They tested on patients above 18 with RRMM, progressive disease within 12 months of their last treatment or six months of prior therapy, and measurable disease at baseline.
They conducted a multicohort study, primarily focusing on cohort C which entailed cilta-cel treatment. A total of 20 patients met the eligibility criteria and received cilta-cel. Among them, 35% had BsAb as their latest anti-BCMA treatment, while 65% had ADC.
With a median follow-up of 11.3 months, 7 patients achieved MRD negativity. The overall response rate stood at 60%, with 55% achieving very good partial response (VGPR) or better, and 30% achieving complete remission (CR) or better.
However, all patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events, majorly grade 3 to 4 cytopenias. Most of these cytopenia events recovered to grade ≤2 by day 30.
Considering the positive results, Dr. Cohen and his team concluded that heavily pretreated RRMM patients can respond to cilta-cel after previous exposure to a noncellular BCMA-targeting agent. They emphasized understanding the best candidates for cilta-cel treatment post other BCMA-targeting therapies, to optimize outcomes.
In conclusion, ciltacabtagene autoleucel CAR-T-cell therapy shows significant promise for heavily pretreated RRMM patients. Its potential impact on patient outcomes is an area of compelling interest for the medical community.
