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What happens if CAR T-cell therapy fails to treat multiple myeloma?
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system locate and attack the cancer Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two CAR T-cell therapies to treat multiple myeloma (MM): Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel, Abecma) and Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel, Carvykti). These target a protein called BCMA, which is found on myeloma cells. CAR T-cell therapy has shown great success in treating MM that has not responded to other treatments or has come back. However, this treatment may not work for everybody. Most CAR T-cell therapy failures occur within 6 months of to a 2022 article, there is no agreed-upon standard of care if CAR T-cell therapy fails. Instead, a person will work with their healthcare team to come up with a different treatment plan. In some cases, they may suggest a second round of CAR T-cell the most commonly used therapies after CAR T-cell failure include:chemotherapy with the drug lenalidomidetargeted therapychemoimmunotherapybispecific antibodieslocalized radiation therapyFinding out that a treatment option has not worked can be challenging to manage. A person may benefit from seeking support from loved ones, support groups, mental health professionals, and a member of their healthcare team. A mental health professional can help a person manage the psychological aspects of living with a medical condition, and a healthcare professional will be able to answer any questions a person may undergoing treatment for MM can find support and resources at the following organizations:American Cancer SocietyLeukemia & Lymphoma SocietyCancerCareMultiple Myeloma Research FoundationInternational Myeloma FoundationLearn moreWhat to do next when multiple myeloma treatment stops workingCan multiple myeloma be cured?Multiple myeloma: Treatment and moreTypes of maintenance therapy for multiple myelomaWhat are some risks of stopping treatment for multiple myeloma?
