Great question! BiTE (Bispecific T-cell Engager) therapy is an exciting and relatively new treatment option for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) — meaning myeloma that has come back or stopped responding to other treatments.
Here's a quick breakdown of how BiTEs work:
- They are specially engineered Show Full Answer
Great question! BiTE (Bispecific T-cell Engager) therapy is an exciting and relatively new treatment option for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) — meaning myeloma that has come back or stopped responding to other treatments.
Here's a quick breakdown of how BiTEs work:
- They are specially engineered antibodies that act like bridges
- One end attaches to a protein on myeloma cells
- The other end attaches to your immune T cells
- This connection helps your immune system recognize and destroy the myeloma cells There are currently four FDA-approved BiTE drugs for myeloma:
- Teclistamab (Tecvayli) – approved 2022
- Elranatamab (Elrexfio) – approved 2023
- Talquetamab (Talvey) – approved 2023
- Linvoseltamab (Lynozyfic) – approved 2025
The first three target a protein called BCMA on myeloma cells. Talquetamab targets a different protein called GPRC5D. BiTEs are given as injections under the skin, usually in the stomach or thigh. They cannot be taken as a pill because stomach acid would break them down before they could work.
Dosing typically starts low and gradually increases over the first week or two, then settles into a schedule of once every one to four weeks depending on the specific drug. In clinical trials, teclistamab showed an overall response rate of about 62%, with nearly 67% of those who responded still responding at nine months. Patients also showed better progression-free and overall survival compared to standard therapies.
Like all treatments, BiTEs can have side effects, so it's really important to talk with your healthcare team about what to expect and whether this option might be right for your situation.
August 4
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