Have you or someone you know experienced CAR-T cell therapy for myeloma?
Many MyMyelomaTeam members have explored or undergone CAR-T cell therapy. This treatment has become an important option for people with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have tried at least four other treatments.
CAR-T cell therapy works by Show Full Answer
Have you or someone you know experienced CAR-T cell therapy for myeloma?
Many MyMyelomaTeam members have explored or undergone CAR-T cell therapy. This treatment has become an important option for people with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have tried at least four other treatments.
CAR-T cell therapy works by collecting your T cells, genetically engineering them in a lab to recognize and attack myeloma cells, then returning them to your body. The process involves:
- Apheresis to collect your T cells
- Lab modification to add special receptors (CARs) that target myeloma
- Growing these modified cells to create more copies
- Infusing them back into your body
Two FDA-approved CAR-T therapies for myeloma are idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti). Results have been encouraging - in clinical trials, about 3 out of 4 people saw reduced cancer signs, and 1 out of 3 achieved complete response. Among those with complete response, about 2 out of 3 stayed in remission for at least a year.
However, it's important to know about potential side effects. Most are manageable, but some can be serious:
- Cytokine release syndrome (flu-like symptoms, occurred in 84% of patients in trials)
- Neurotoxicity (nervous system effects)
- Low blood cell counts
- Infections, fatigue, and other common symptoms
You'll need to stay near the treatment center for monitoring, sometimes for a month or more after infusion.
Have you discussed with your doctor whether you might be eligible? They can help determine if this treatment fits your specific situation.
December 4, 2025
Join
Your Privacy Choices
