A New Destination for Myeloma CAR T-Cell Therapy

Monoclonal antibody and cellular immunotherapeutic agents have improved outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma, but durable remission and cure remain elusive. Investigators now report an industry-funded, phase 1 trial of a second-generation anti-myeloma CAR T-cell product (MCARH109) that targets GPRC5D, a G-protein–coupled receptor expressed on myeloma cells, normal plasma cells, and certain cutaneous tissues. The study tested four CAR T-cell doses: 25, 50, 150, and 450 × 10⁶ cells.

Eligible patients had relapsed or refractory myeloma and had previously received proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies; prior treatment with anti–B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR T-cell or bispecific T-cell–e…