ASCO 2021 | CAR-T therapy options for multiple myeloma
Yi Lin, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, discusses the range of immunotherapeutics against multiple myeloma, including the first FDA-approved BCMA targeting CAR-T therapy ide-cel (idecabtagene vicleucel), proven from the KarMMa trial (NCT03361748), with a median overall survival of 2 years. An upcoming therapeutic to be reviewed by FDA is cilta-cel (ciltacabtagene autoleucel), which is being evaluated as part of the CARTITUDE-1 trial (NCT03548207), showing an overall response rate of 98%. Both drugs aim to be delivered in earlier settings to improve efficacy. Dr Lin explains that many studies are looking at ways to improve CAR-T functions, such as longer therapeutic duration and faster manufacturing. Despite the many options for patients, it is important to view this data with longer follow-up times to compare the progression-free survival between the therapeutic options. This interview took place at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2021 Virtual Meeting.
