What is CAR T-cell therapy and how does it help with myeloma?
CAR T-cell therapy is an immunotherapy that helps your immune system fight myeloma more effectively. Here's how it works:
The Process
* Your T cells (immune cells) are collected from your blood through a process called apheresis
* These cells are genetically Show Full Answer
What is CAR T-cell therapy and how does it help with myeloma?
CAR T-cell therapy is an immunotherapy that helps your immune system fight myeloma more effectively. Here's how it works:
The Process:
* Your T cells (immune cells) are collected from your blood through a process called apheresis
* These cells are genetically modified in a lab to recognize and attack myeloma cells
* The modified cells are returned to your body where they multiply and hunt down cancer cells
How It Helps:
The therapy targets a protein called BCMA that's found on myeloma cells. Two FDA-approved options are available: Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) and Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel).
Results:
* About 3 out of 4 people see reduced signs of cancer
* 1 out of 3 people achieve complete response (all signs of cancer gone)
* Among those with complete response, 2 out of 3 remain in remission for at least one year
* Can lead to very deep, long-lasting remissions even after many prior treatments
Important Considerations:
CAR T-cell therapy can cause serious side effects including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) with fever and low blood pressure, and neurological issues. It's only performed at specialized centers with close monitoring.
You're typically eligible if your myeloma is relapsed or refractory and you've tried at least four other treatments.
March 7
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