Introduction
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal proliferation of plasma cells, which arises from B lymphocytes. 1 , 2 MM accounts for nearly 2% of all cancers and cancer-related deaths with the 5-year relative survival rate of 58%. 3 Although clinical outcomes have improved over the last decade, the prognosis for patients with high-risk disease or relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease remains poor, highlighting the need for newer treatment approaches. 4–6 Many potential targets in MM have been identified which includes CD24, CD38, CD56, CD138, signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7), programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). 7–10 However, many normal cells also express these receptors on their surface raising the possibility for systemic adverse reactions, while others have failed to show response in clinical trials. 11–13 There are other novel targets such as G protein-coupled receptor class C, group 5, member D (GPRC5D) and integrin β 7 with targeted agents under investigation. 14–17 One promising target in the treatment of MM is B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which is specifically expressed on mature B-lymphocytes and plasma cells, but not in other normal cells. 18–20 In this review, we discuss the rationale behind targeting BCMA and the available BCMA-targeted therapies.
Rationale of BCMA
BCMA, also known as TNFRSF17 or CD269, is a transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. It is expressed on mature B-lymphocytes and is overexpressed on malignant plasma cells. Activation of BCMA leads to the survival of plasma cells, and it serves as a binding site for a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and B cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF), which are crucial for normal B-cell and plasma cell development ( Figure 1 ). 21–23
APRIL has a higher affinity for BCMA compared to BAFF, and binding of APRIL or BAFF to BCMA triggers downstream gene expressions that play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MM 23 , 24 Soluble BCMA (sBCMA) levels have been shown to be elevated in patients with MM and correlate with the proportion of plasma cells in bone marrow biopsies in MM patients. Elevated sBCMA also carries prognostic implications in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma. 25 , 26 In patients with MM, increased sBCMA levels prevent circulating BAFF from performing its normal signaling and impairs B-cell development, resulting in lower polyclonal antibody levels. 27
Currently, there are three main categories of targeted therapies for BCMA, including bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and chimeric antigen receptor modified T-cell (CAR-T) therapy.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) consist of a monoclonal antibody that is directed towards a specific antigen on tumor cells and a cytotoxic payload that is connected to the antibody by a chemical linker. ( Figure 2 ) ADCs are associated with reduced systemic toxicity compared to other classes of drugs due to their tumor cell-specific targeting. 28
Belantamab mafodotin is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting BCMA, which is conjugated to a tubulin polymerization inhibitor known as monomethyl auristatin-F (MMAF or mafodotin) via a maleimidocaproyl (MC) linker that is resistant to proteolysis. Once the ADC attaches to the cell surface, it is internalized, and the active components are released, leading to antibody-mediated cytotoxicity and subsequent cell death. 29 Belantamab mafodotin was granted accelerated FDA approval in 2020 based on the DREAMM-2 study ( NCT03525678 ) for the treatment of patients with R/R MM who had received at least three prior myeloma-directed therapies. However, it was withdrawn from the market in November 2022 due to results from the Phase III confirmatory trial, DREAMM-3 ( NCT04162210 ), which showed that Belantamab mafodotin did not demonstrate superiority in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone. 30–32 Additionally, high-grade keratopathy was a common adverse event (AE), with grade 3 keratopathy occurring in 54% of patients, which can be a limiting factor in delivering therapy. 33 It is currently only available through an expanded access protocol. 34
Bispecific Antibodies
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are unique molecules that can bind to two separate epitopes or antigens simultaneously. In the context of MM, commonly selected target-binding epitopes for BsAbs are BCMA on myeloma cells and CD3 receptor on T cells. ( Figure 3 ) When the target is the CD3 receptor on T cells, these BsAbs are commonly referred to as bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE). 35 , 36 ( Figure 2 ) However, there are many other potential target sites, including GPRC5D, Fc receptor-homolog 5 (FcRH5), CD138, CD38, SLAMF7 on myeloma cells, as well as natural killer group 2 D (NKG2D), CD16A, and natural cytotoxicity receptor 3 (NKp30) on natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. 14 , 37–44 BsAbs form a cross-linkage between myeloma cells and T cells upon binding to their respective receptors. This interaction activates CD4+/CD8+ T cells which releases perforin, granzyme, and interferon-γ, resulting in lysis of myeloma cells. 45
Teclistamab
Teclistamab is a humanized IgG4 BsAb that specifically targets BCMA on myeloma cells and CD3 receptor on T cells. 30 It is the only FDA approved BsAb for relapsed/refractory (R/R) MM, based on the results of the MajesTEC-1 study ( NCT04557098 ). 46 , 47 This multicohort phase I/II trial enrolled 165 patients, including more than two-thirds of patients with triple-class refractory disease, who received weekly subcutaneous teclistamab. At a median follow-up of approximately 14 months, the overall response rate (ORR) was 63%, with 19.4% patients achieving very good partial response (VGPR), 32.7% stringent complete response (sCR), 6.7% complete response (CR). About one-fourth (44/165) of patients had negative minimal residual disease (MRD) assessed by next-generation sequencing with a threshold of 10 −5 cells. Median duration of response (DOR) was about 18 months and median duration of progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.3 months. 47
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 72.1% of patients, with grade 1 CRS in 50.3% of patients, grade 2 in 21.2%, and grade 3 or higher in 0.6% of patients. Neurotoxicity occurred in 24% of patients, with only 1% experiencing grade 3 or higher neurotoxicity.
Teclistamab and other BCMA targeting agents also target normal plasma cells, which can result in profound hypogammaglobulinemia increasing the risk of infections. 48–50 In the MajesTEC-1 study, infections were reported in 76.4% of patients, with COVID-19 occurring in 17.6% of patients, pneumonia in 18.2%, bronchitis in 13.3%, cellulitis in 2.4%, and pneumocystis jirovecii (PJP) pneumonia in 3.6% of patients. There were also 41.2% reported deaths, with 24.8% attributed to progressive disease and 11.5% due to infections.
Cytopenias were also commonly observed, with neutropenia being the most frequent (all grade neutropenia in 70.9% of patients, with grade 3 neutropenia in 64.2%), anemia occurring in 52.1% of patients, and thrombocytopenia in 40% of patients. 47
Based on these results, teclistamab appears to be a promising agent awaiting long-term outcomes and the results of future randomized clinical trials.
Elranatamab
Elranatamab (PF-06863135) is a BsAb that has received “breakthrough therapy” designation from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), based on the results of the Phase II MagnetisMM-3 study ( NCT04649359 ). 51–53 In this open-label, multicenter, single-arm trial, 123 patients received subcutaneous elranatamab weekly with a 2-step-up priming dose regimen. At a median follow-up of 6.8 months, patients achieved an ORR of 61%, with more than half achieving CR or better. Median time to response was noted to be 36 days.
Incidences of grade 1 and 2 CRS were reported in 71% of patients, with no events of grade 3 or higher CRS reported. Neurotoxicity was observed in 3.4%, all of which were either grade 1 or grade 2. Infections were reported in about 62% of patients, with upper respiratory tract infections occurring in 14.6% and pneumonia in 10.6%.
Peripheral neuropathy was reported in 17.1% of patients, with peripheral sensory neuropathy (4.9%), paresthesia (4.1%), and gait disturbance (2.4%) being the most common manifestations. 54
Considering the risks and responses observed in the trial, elranatamab shows promise as a potential addition to the armamentarium of BsAbs, pending complete data from the phase II trial.
Linvoseltamab (REGN5458)
Linvoseltamab, a BCMAxCD3 BsAb, is currently in development and being studied in the LINKER-MM2 trial ( NCT05137054 ). Phase 1/2 data from this trial involving 167 recruited patients showed that linvoseltamab achieved an ORR of 75% at doses greater than or equal to 200mg, with 37.5% of patients achieving CR or better. The most common AEs were CRS with an overall incidence of 47.9% (grade 1: 36.5%, grade 2: 10.8%, and grade 3: 0.6%), anemia (36.5%), fatigue (34.1%), neutropenia (28.7%), and thrombocytopenia (16.2%). 55–57 The trial is currently ongoing and is also being explored for potential benefits in combination with other anti-myeloma therapies. 58
Pavurutamab (AMG701)
Pavurutamab is currently being evaluated in the phase 1/2 ParadigMM-1B trial ( NCT03287908 ) to assess its efficacy as monotherapy or in combination with pomalidomide in patients with R/R MM. 59 According to preliminary results from the first in-human study, out of 75 patients treated for a median duration of approximately 6 weeks, the ORR was 36%. However, in 6 patients who received earlier dose escalation, the ORR was as high as 83%, among which 33.3% were VGPR and 50% were partial response (PR). The most common non-hematological AEs included CRS in 61% of patients, mostly grade 1 and grade 2 (53%), with grade 3 CRS occurring in 7% of patients. Hematological AEs included anemia (43%), neutropenia (23%), and thrombocytopenia (20%). Infections were reported in 13% of patients. 60
Alnuctamab (CC-93269)
Alnuctamab (ALNUC; BMS-986349; CC-93269) is a humanized IgG antibody with bivalent affinity for BCMA and monovalent affinity for CD3. 61 In the first in-human study involving 70 patients ( NCT03486067 ) treated with alnuctamab in a dose-escalation fashion, the ORR was 39%. Among the 10 patients who received a targeted escalated dose of ≥30mg, the ORR was 77%, that included 23% sCR/CR, 8% VGPR, and 46% PR. The median time to response was 4.3 weeks. Common AEs included CRS in 53% of patients, all limited to grade 1 or grade 2. Grade 1 neurotoxicity was observed in only one patient. Neutropenia was reported in 34% patients and anemia in 34%. 61 , 62 Alnuctamab continues to be evaluated in a Phase I trial, which is expected to be completed in 2027. 63
ABBV-383
ABBV-383, previously known as TNB-383SB, is a BCMA x CD3 T-cell engaging BsAb currently in development ( NCT03933735 ) with promising early results. 64 In a phase I study, 124 patients, who received ABBV-383 every 3 weeks, the ORR was 57%, out of which 43% was VGPR or better. However, when stratified to the dose escalation group, with patients receiving the drug at 40mg, the ORR increased to 83% with 67% achieving CR or better and 83% achieving VGPR or better. Among 58 patients in 60 mg dose escalation and expansion group, ORR was 60% with 29% CR or better and 43% VGPR or better.
CRS occurred in 83% of patients in the 40 mg group (with 0% classified as grade 2 or above), and in 72% of patients in the 60 mg group (with 2% classified as grade 2 or above). Infections were reported in 50% of patients in the 40mg cohort and 43% in the 60 mg cohort. Neutropenia (67%) and anemia (33%) were other common AEs reported. 65 , 66
BsAbs have emerged as an important treatment modality for patients with R/R MM, showing promising responses. Teclistamab is currently the only commercially available BsAb for MM treatment, while others are still in early development. Additionally, there are ongoing studies exploring the use of BsAbs in combination with other anti-myeloma agents, although this approach may be associated with an increased risk of infections. 49 , 58 , 67 , 68 Table 1 provides a summary of BsAbs.
Table 1
Summary of Bispecific Antibodies in Clinical Trials
Notes : β At escalated doses. γ 60 mg escalation + expansion group. ζ 40mg escalation group.
| Name of Drug | Clinical Trial | Status | N | ORR (%) | Level of Response | Median Duration of Response | CRS Any Grade (%) | CRS Grade 3 or Above (%) | Infections (%) |
| Teclistamab 47 | MajesTEC-1 ( NCT04557098 ) | FDA approved | 165 | 63 | 32.7% sCR, 6.7% CR, 19.4% VGPR, 4.2% PR | 18 months | 72 | 1 | 76.4 |
| Elranatamab 53 | MagnetisMM-3 ( NCT04649359 ) | Breakthrough therapy designation by FDA, completed Phase 2 | 123 | 61 | NA | NA (not reached) | 67 | 0 | 61.8 |
| Linvoseltamab (REGN5458) 56 | LINKER-MM2 ( NCT05137054 ) | Phase 1/2 | 167 | 75 | NA | NA (not reached) | 47.9 | 1.3 | NA |
| Pavurutamab (AMG701) 60 | ParadigMM-1B ( NCT03287908 ) | Phase 1/2 | 75 | 36 and 83 β | Among 5/6 patients, 3 PR, 2 VGPR | 6 weeks | 61 | 7 | 13 |
| Alnuctamab (CC-93269) 61 | NCT03486067 | Phase 1 | 70 | 39 and 77 β | NA | 4.3 weeks | 53 | 0 | NA |
| ABBV-383 66 | NCT03933735 | Phase 1 | 124 | 57, 60 γ and 83 ζ | 67% CR or above, 83% VGPR or above ζ | NA (not reached) | 72 γ and 83 ζ | 2 γ and 0 ζ | 43 γ and 50 ζ |
CAR-T Therapy
CAR-T cells are engineered to recognize and bind tumor antigens without the need for major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mediated antigen presentation, leading to cytokine release, cytotoxicity, and tumor lysis. This process is illustrated in Figure 4 . 69
The first-in-human clinical trial that studied BCMA-targeting CAR-T cells took place in 2018, using γ-retrovirus as a vector to encode CAR-BCMA for transduction into T cells. 70 The manufacturing process of CAR T cells begins with autologous leukapheresis to obtain peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which are then sorted using magnetic cell sorting kits to enrich for CD3+ T lymphocytes. These T cells are then genetically modified using an inactivated lentivirus/retrovirus or a non-viral DNA modification system to introduce the CARs, followed by immunophenotyping, in-vitro expansion, formulation, and cryopreservation before infusion. 71–73
Currently, there are several BCMA CAR-T therapies in development, but only idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) have received FDA approval for the treatment of R/R MM ( Table 2 ). 74 , 75
Table 2
Summary of CAR-T Cell Therapies in Clinical Trials
| Name of Drug | Clinical Trial | Status | N (Based on Latest Data) | ORR (%) | Level of Response | Median Duration of Response | CRS any Grade (%) | CRS Grade 3 or Higher (%) | Neurotoxicity (%) | Infections (%) |
| Idecabtagene (Ide-cel or bb2121) 76 | KarMMa-3 Phase 3 ( NCT03651128 ) Earlier trials: KarMMa ( NCT03361748 ), KarMMa-2 ( NCT03601078 ) | FDA approved | 386 | 71 | 35% sCR, 3% CR, 22% VGPR, 11% PR | 14.8 months | 88 | 4 | 15 | 58 |
| Ciltacabtagene (Cilta-cel, LCAR-B38M or JNJ-68284528) 77 | CARTIFAN-1 Phase 2 ( NCT03758417 ) Earlier trials: LEGEND-2 ( NCT03090659 ), CARTITUDE-1 ( NCT03548207 ) | FDA approved | 48 | 85.4 | 79.2% sCR; 8.3% VGPR; | Not reached | 97.9 | 35.4 | 4.2 | 85.4 |
| Equecabtagene (CT 103A) 78 | FUMANBA-1 Phase ½ ( NCT05066646 ) Earlier trial: ChiCTR1800018137 | Fast track and regenerative medicine advanced therapy designation | 103 | 95 | 74%≥CR; 17% VGPR, 4% PR | Not reached | 93.2 | 1 | 1.9 | NA |
| Bb21217 79 | CRB-402 ( NCT03274219 ) | Phase 1 | 72 | 69 | 28% sCR/CR; 58% ≥VGPR | 17 months | 75 | 4.1 | 15 | NA |
| Orvacabtagene (Orva-cel, JCARH-125) 80 | EVOLVE ( NCT03430011 ) | Phase 1 | 51 | 91 | 39% sCR + CR, 25% VGPR, 27% PR | NA | NA | 2 | 4 (grade 3 or above) | 14% (grade 3 or above) |
| BMS-986354/CC-98633 81 | CC-98633-MM-001 ( NCT04394650 ) | Phase 1 | 66 | 98.1 | 57.4% VGPR or better; 29.6% CR or better | NA | 80 | 1.8 | 10.9 | NA |
| Zevorcabtagene (Zevor-cel, CT053) 82 | LUMMICAR-2 ( NCT03915184 ) Earlier trials: LUMMICAR-1 | Phase 2 | 102 | 92.8 | 42.2% CR/sCR; 81.9% VGPR or better | Not reached | 90.2 | 6.9 | 2 | NA |
| MCARH171 83 | NCT03070327 | Phase 1 | 11 | 64 | NA | 106 days | 40 | 20 | 10 | NA |
| ARI0002h 84 | CARTBCMA-HCB-01 ( NCT04309981 ) | Phase 1 pilot study | 35 | 96.3 | 44.4% sCR, 18.6% VGPR, 33.3 PR | 1 month | 87 | 0 | 0 | NA |
| CS-1 BCMA bispecific CAR T 85 | NCT04662099 | Phase 1 | 16 | 81 | 37.5% sCR, 18.75% VGPR, 25% PR | Not reached | 38 | 6.2 | 0 | NA |
| PHE885 86 | Phase 1: NCT04318327 Phase 2: NCT05172596 | Phase 1 Currently in phase 2 | 7 | 100 | 17% CR, 33% VGPR, 50% PR | NA | 100 | 0 | 33.3% | NA |
| C-CAR088 87 | NCT03815383 , NCT03751293 , NCT042295018, NCT04322292 | Phase 1 | 31 | 96.4 | 42.9% sCR, 14.3% CR, 32.1% VGPR | Not reached | 93.5 | 9.7 | 3.2 | NA |
| FHVH33 88 | NCT03602612 | Phase 1 | 25 | 92 | 72% sCR + VGPR | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| UCARTCS1 89 | MELANI-01 ( NCT04142619 ) | Phase 1 | Only preclinical data available |
Idecabtagene Vicleucel
Idecabtagene vicleucel, also known as ide-cel or bb2121, demonstrated promising interim results in its phase 1 study ( NCT02658929 ) with an ORR of 85% in 33 patients and a median DOR of 10.9 months. In the phase 2 KarMMA study ( NCT03601078 ), which reported results on 128 out of 140 enrolled patients, ide-cel showed an ORR of 73%. The median PFS was 8.8 months with median DOR of 10.7 months. 90 , 91
Recently published results from KarMMA-3 ( NCT03651128 ), involving 386 patients from 12 countries, compared ide-cel to variable regimens in patients with triple-class-refractory (66%) or daratumumab-refractory (95%) MM. Both groups had similar distribution of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, tumor burden, extramedullary disease, high-risk cytogenetics, and previous class exposures. Median follow-up duration was 18.6 months. In the ide-cel group, 71% of patients achieved an OR, with 35% sCR, 3% CR, 22% VGPR and 11% PR. MRD negativity was 20% (51/254) in the ide-cel group within 3 months, compared to 1/132 in the standard regimen group. Median DOR was 14.8 months, and PFS was 13.3 months in the ide-cel group, compared to 4.4 months in the standard regimen group. Common non-hematological AEs included CRS in 88% of patients, with 4% experiencing grade 3 or higher CRS, and neurotoxicity in 15% of patients, with 3% experiencing grade 3 or higher neurotoxicity. The most common hematological AEs were neutropenia (90%), anemia (66%), and thrombocytopenia (54%). Infections occurred in 58% of patients, with upper respiratory tract infection being the most common (12%) and pneumonia following thereafter (10%). 76 It is important to note that higher percentage of grade V all cause event occurred in the ide-cel group (14% vs 6%). Moreover grade III/IV neutropenia in patients treated with ide-cel was high at 76% with a median time to recover of 1.7 months.
Health-related quality of life was assessed using standardized questionnaires in patients enrolled in the KarMMA trial, and those who received ide-cel showed improvement in pain, physical functioning, fatigue, and overall quality of life lasting for 15–18 months. 92
Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel or cilta-cel (previously known as LCAR-B38M or JNJ-68284528) was first evaluated in the LEGEND-2 multicenter study in China ( NCT03090659 ) in 57 patients. ORR was 88% with 68% achieving CR, 5% VGPR and 14% PR. MRD negativity was achieved in 63% patients. Median PFS was 15 months. Ninety percent patients experienced CRS with 7% having grade 3 or higher CRS. Others common AEs were leukopenia (30%), thrombocytopenia (23%). 93–95 A four-year follow-up data to this study was published in 2022 with 74 patients which showed a median PFS to 18 months with median duration of response of 23.3 months. 96 After promising results from the LEGEND-2 study, cilta-cel was further studied in CARTITUDE-1 phase 1b/2 study ( NCT03548207 ) done in 113 patients from 16 USA centers. Patients received a single cilta-cel infusion at a target dose of 0.75×10 6 CAR T cells/kg and followed up at a median duration of 12.5 months. ORR was at a striking 97% among which 67% had achieved sCR with time-to-first response being 1 month. Twelve-month PFS was 77% and overall survival rate was 89%. CRS occurred in 95% patients with 4% being grade 3 or higher. The median time to onset of CRS was 7 days. ICANS occurred in 21% patients where 9% were grade 3 or higher. BCMA agents have also shown to cause delayed movement disorders and parkinsonian features. 97 , 98 In the CARTITUDE-1 trial, late neurotoxicity was reported in 12% and parkinsonism in 4% patients. There were 14 mortalities, 6 of which was attributed to treatment-related AEs. In terms of hematological AEs, neutropenia was the most common (95%), followed by anemia (68%), leukopenia (60%) and thrombocytopenia (60%). Infections occurred in 58% patients. 99 A follow-up study was conducted to above study which showed slightly better ORR at 97.9% with 82.5% achieving sCR. PFS at 27-month was 54.9% and OS was 70.4%. 100
A phase-2 study is ongoing in China, called CARTIFAN-1 ( NCT03758417 ) and data from 48 patients were published at a median follow-up of 26.4 months, that shows an ORR of 85.4%. 79.2% patients achieved sCR and MRD negativity of 40%. PFS & OS rates were 52.6% and 74.2% in 24-months respectively. Again, CRS occurred in most patients (97.9%) out of which 35.4% were grade 3 or higher. Neurotoxicity occurred in 4.2%, infections occurred in 85.4% patients, 37.5% were grade 3 or higher. There were 12 reported deaths, out of which 8 were attributed as treatment related. 77 , 101 , 102
CAR-T cell therapies show promising outcomes, but comes at a cost of increased CRS, neurotoxicity and prolonged cytopenias, which may require stem cell boost. Besides, availability of treatment is limited, and there is also a component of disparity in access to treatment. 103 Therefore, patients can clinically decline awaiting treatment given the length of wait time. 104
Mechanisms of BCMA Resistance
Both antigen and T-cell related mechanisms are responsible for resistance to BCMA treatment. T-cell mediated processes leading to BCMA-treatment resistance are T-cell senescence/exhaustion and development of immunosuppressive bone marrow microenvironment. 105 T-cell exhaustion and senescence are the primary mechanisms for BCMA resistance and refer to loss of cytokine producing and proliferating abilities respectively, which would otherwise play key roles in tumor lysis. 105
One of the antigen-related mechanisms is antigen escape, that occurs because of dysregulated expression of MHC or changes in tumor-associated antigen epitopes. 106 Dual-targeting BCMA with another antigen has shown to prevent antigen escape-related relapse. 107 , 108 BCMA shedding from plasma cells driven by γ-secretase results in circulation of sBCMA, that can potentially lead to masking of antigen. 109 The third antigen-dependent process is the development of anti-scFv antibodies, which was more common with non-human scFv. 110 Use of humanized scFv has been shown to reduce production of anti-scFv antibodies, decreasing the risk for resistance. 109
Future Directions
Allogeneic BCMA-targeted CAR T cells are being studied to address the logistical challenges with autologous CAR-T, that largely limits its access. UNIVERSAL is a phase 1, first-in-human trial of ALLO-715 ( NCT04093596 ) used in escalating doses with an anti-CD52 antibody ALLO-647. ALLO-715 is an allogeneic CAR-T therapy comprising a second-generation anti-BCMA CAR containing humanized scFv and intracellular domains of 4–1BB and CD3ζ. T cell receptor alpha constant (TRAC) is knocked out of in this that reduces the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Based on interim results of 48 patients with relapsed/refractory MM, 70.8% patients had a response with 45.8% VGPR or better and 25% with CR or sCR. Median duration of response was 8.4 months. CRS occurred in 55.8% patients with grade 3 or move in 2.3%, neurotoxicity was observed in 14% patients with no grade 3 or more events. Infections occurred in 53.5% patients with 23.3% above grade 3. No cases of GVHD were reported. 111
Bispecific CAR-T has been studied using BCMA & CD24 CARs which showed both in-vitro and in-vivo cytotoxic activity against myeloma warranting further studies. 10 Similarly, anti-BCMA CAR-NK cells are being studied in pre-clinical phase in different models, with good results and may possess a place in the BCMA therapeutics shelf in the future. 112 , 113
Currently, BCMA directed therapies are only available for R/R MM patients, but many trials are underway to explore their role at earlier stages and in combination with other myeloma therapies and in patients with high-risk disease ( Table 3 ).
Table 3
Ongoing Trials in BCMA
| Identifier | Title | Status | Interventions | Phase | Enrollment | Estimated Completion |
| ANTIBODY DRUG CONJUGATE (ADC) | ||||||
| NCT03828292 | An Open-label, Dose Escalation Study in Japanese Participants with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Who Have Failed Prior Anti Myeloma Treatments | Active, not recruiting | Drug: Belantamab mafodotin | Drug: Bortezomib | Drug: Dexamethasone | Drug: Pomalidomide | Phase 1 | 15 | 2023 |
| NCT04549363 | Characterization of Corneal Epithelial Changes in Participants Treated with Belantamab Mafodotin | Recruiting | Drug: Belantamab mafodotin | Phase 3 | 25 | 2023 |
| NCT04822337 | Study of Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, Dexamethasone and Belantamab Mafodotin in Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, Dexamethasone, Belantamab Mafodotin | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 70 | 2024 |
| NCT05208307 | Belantamab Mafodotin, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone for the Treatment of High-Risk Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: Belantamab Mafodotin | Drug: Dexamethasone | Drug: Pomalidomide | Phase 2 | 34 | 2024 |
| NCT04036461 | A Study of CC-99712, a BCMA Antibody-Drug Conjugate, in Participants with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: CC-99712 | Drug: BMS-986405 | Phase 1 | 160 | 2025 |
| NCT04398745 | A Study of Belantamab Mafodotin Monotherapy in Multiple Myeloma Participants with Normal and Varying Degree of Impaired Renal Function | Recruiting | Drug: Belantamab mafodotin | Phase 1 | 36 | 2025 |
| NCT04876248 | Belantamab Mafodotin and Lenalidomide for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma in Patients with Minimal Residual Disease Positive After Stem Cell Transplant | Recruiting | Biological: Belantamab Mafodotin | Drug: Lenalidomide | Phase 2 | 20 | 2025 |
| NCT04680468 | Study of Belantamab Mafodotin as Pre- and Post-autologous Stem Cell Transplant and Maintenance for Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Belantamab mafodotin | Phase 2 | 47 | 2026 |
| NCT04246047 | Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Belantamab Mafodotin, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone Versus Daratumumab, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Participants with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: Belantamab mafodotin | Drug: Daratumumab | Drug: Bortezomib | Drug: Dexamethasone | Phase 3 | 575 | 2026 |
| NCT04484623 | Belantamab Mafodotin Plus Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone (Pd) Versus Bortezomib Plus Pd in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Belantamab mafodotin | Drug: Pomalidomide | Drug: Dexamethasone | Drug: Bortezomib | Phase 3 | 300 | 2027 |
| NCT04126200 | Platform Study of Belantamab Mafodotin as Monotherapy and in Combination with Anti-cancer Treatments in Participants with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) (DREAMM 5) | Recruiting | Drug: Belantamab mafodotin | Drug: GSK3174998 | Drug: Feladilimab | Drug: Nirogacestat | Drug: Dostarlimab | Drug: Isatuximab | Drug: Lenalidomide | Drug: Dexamethasone | Drug: Pomalidomide | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 464 | 2028 |
| NCT05117008 | Maintenance Belantamab Mafodotin (Blenrep ® ) After B-cell Maturation Antigen-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Belantamab mafodotin | Phase 2 | 45 | 2032 |
| BISPECIFIC ANTIBODIES | ||||||
| NCT03269136 | PF-06863135 As Single Agent And In Combination with Immunomodulatory Agents In Relapse/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: PF-06863135 monotherapy IV or SC | Drug: PF-06863135 + dexamethasone | Drug: PF-06863135 + lenalidomide | Drug: PF-06863135 + pomalidomide | Phase 1 | 103 | 2023 |
| NCT04798586 | MAGNETISMM-2: Study of Elranatamab (PF-06863135) in Japanese Participants with Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab (PF-06863135) | Phase 1 | 4 | 2023 |
| NCT04083534 | First In Human (FIH) Study of REGN5459 in Adult Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM) | Active, not recruiting | Drug: REGN5459 | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 43 | 2023 |
| NCT04649359 | MagnetisMM-3: Study Of Elranatamab (PF-06863135) Monotherapy in Participants with Multiple Myeloma Who Are Refractory to at Least One PI, One IMiD and One Anti-CD38 mAb | Active, not recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab (PF-06863135) | Phase 2 | 187 | 2024 |
| NCT03145181 | Dose Escalation Study of Teclistamab, a Humanized BCMA*CD3 Bispecific Antibody, in Participants with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Teclistamab (IV) | Drug: Teclistamab (SC) | Phase 1 | 282 | 2025 |
| NCT05228470 | A Study of Elranatamab (PF-06863135) in Chinese Participants with Refractory Multiple Myeloma. | Recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab | Phase 2 | 36 | 2025 |
| NCT05020236 | MagnetisMM-5: Study of Elranatamab (PF-06863135) Monotherapy and Elranatamab + Daratumumab Versus Daratumumab + Pomalidomide + Dexamethasone in Participants with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab | Drug: Daratumumab | Drug: Pomalidomide | Drug: Dexamethasone | Phase 3 | 589 | 2025 |
| NCT04696809 | A Study of Teclistamab in Japanese Participants with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Teclistamab | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 38 | 2025 |
| NCT04557098 | A Study of Teclistamab in Participants with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Teclistamab | Phase 2 | 244 | 2025 |
| NCT04735575 | A Ph1/2 Study of EMB-06 in Participants with Relapsed or Refractory Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: EMB-06 | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 66 | 2025 |
| NCT03582033 | A Safety Study of SEA-BCMA in Patients with Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: SEA-BCMA | Drug: dexamethasone | Drug: pomalidomide | Phase 1 | 83 | 2026 |
| NCT05090566 | MagnetisMM-4: Umbrella Study of Elranatamab (PF-06863135) in Combination with Anti-Cancer Treatments in Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab + Nirogacestat | Drug: Elranatamab + lenalidomide + dexamethasone | Phase 2 | 105 | 2026 |
| NCT03933735 | A Study of TNB-383B in Participants with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: TNB-383B | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 220 | 2026 |
| NCT05535244 | A Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Cevostamab in Prior B Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)-Exposed Participants with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Cevostamab | Drug: Tocilizumab | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 140 | 2026 |
| NCT05014412 | A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine (Elranatamab) Either Alone or in Combination with Dexamethasone in Participants with Multiple Myeloma That Has Come Back After Responding to Treatment or Has Not Responded to Treatment | Recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab | Drug: Elranatamab+ dexamethasone | Phase 2 | 76 | 2026 |
| NCT05675449 | A Clinical Trial of Three Medicines (Elranatamab Plus Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone) in People with Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab | Drug: Carfilzomib | Phase 1 | 14 | 2026 |
| NCT03486067 | Study of CC-93269, a BCMA x CD3 T Cell Engaging Antibody, in Participants with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: CC-93269 | Phase 1 | 220 | 2027 |
| NCT05623020 | A Study to Learn About the Effects of the Combination of Elranatamab (PF-06863135), Daratumumab, and Lenalidomide Compared with Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Who Are Not Candidates for Transplant | Recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab | Drug: Daratumumab | Drug: Lenalidomide | Drug: Dexamethasone | Phase 3 | 676 | 2028 |
| NCT05317416 | Study with Elranatamab Versus Lenalidomide in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma After Transplant | Recruiting | Drug: Elranatamab | Drug: Lenalidomide | Phase 3 | 700 | 2029 |
| NCT05137054 | Linvolseltamab (Anti-BCMA x Anti-CD3 Bispecific Antibody) Plus Other Cancer Treatments for Participants with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (LINKER-MM2) | Recruiting | Drug: REGN5458 | Drug: Daratumumab | Drug: Carfilzomib | Drug: Lenalidomide | Drug: Bortezomib | Drug: Pomalidomide | Drug: Isatuximab | Drug: Nirogacestat | Phase 1 | 245 | 2032 |
| NCT03761108 | Phase 1/2 Study of REGN5458 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: REGN5458 | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 309 | 2032 |
| CAR T/NK cells | ||||||
| NCT04162353 | BCMA-CD19 cCAR in Multiple Myeloma and Plasmacytoid Lymphoma | Recruiting | Biological: BCMA-CD19 cCAR T cells | Phase 1 | 12 | 2021 |
| NCT03943472 | BCMA Chimeric Antigen Receptor Expressing T Cells Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: Anti-BCMA CAR-T cells | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Drug: Immune inhibitors | Early Phase 1 | 10 | 2022 |
| NCT04236011 | BCMA and CD19 Targeted Fast Dual CAR-T for BCMA+ Refractory/Relapsed Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: GC012F injection | Early Phase 1 | 15 | 2022 |
| NCT05346198 | Evaluate CART-BCMA in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: CART-BCMA | Phase 1 | 15 | 2023 |
| NCT04637269 | Anti-BCMA CAR-T Cell Therapy for the R/R Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: anti-BCMA CAR-T | Early Phase 1 | 16 | 2023 |
| NCT04271644 | BCMA-Targeted CAR-T Cell Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: BCMA CAR-T cells | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 80 | 2023 |
| NCT04272151 | Safety and Efficacy of BCMA-Targeted CAR-T Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: BCMA CAR-T cells | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 40 | 2023 |
| NCT04776330 | A Clinical Research of BCMA-Targeted Prime CAR-T Cell Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: BCMA targeted prime CAR-T cells | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 80 | 2023 |
| NCT03380039 | Clinical Study of CAR-BCMA T Cells in Patients with Refractory or Relapsed Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Genetic: CAR-BCMA T cells | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Not Applicable | 6 | 2023 |
| NCT05008536 | Anti-BCMA CAR-NK Cell Therapy for the Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: Anti-BCMA CAR-NK Cells | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cytoxan | Early Phase 1 | 27 | 2023 |
| NCT03716856 | Clinical Study of CAR-BCMA T in Patients with Refractory or Relapsed Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Genetic: CAR-BCMA T cells | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Phase 1 | 11 | 2023 |
| NCT04662099 | T Cells Expressing a Bispecific CAR Targeting CS1 and BCMA in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: Conditioning chemotherapy followed by CAR T cell infusion | Phase 1 | 24 | 2023 |
| NCT04714827 | Targeting CD19 and BCMA CAR-T Cells Immunotherapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: CD19-CD22 CAR-T cells | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 24 | 2023 |
| NCT05201118 | A Study of a Fully Human BCMA-targeting CAR (CT103A) Combined with Selinexor in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Extramedullary Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Selinexor | Drug: CT103A | Phase 1 | 20 | 2023 |
| NCT05652530 | Clinical Study of the Safety and Efficacy of BCMA CAR-NK | Recruiting | Drug: Chimeric Antigen Receptor NK Cell Injection Targeting BCMA (BCMA CAR-NK) | Early Phase 1 | 19 | 2023 |
| NCT03455972 | Study of T Cells Targeting CD19/BCMA (CART-19/BCMA) for High Risk Multiple Myeloma Followed with Auto-HSCT | Recruiting | Biological: anti-CD19 and anti-BCMA CAR | Drug: Immunomodulatory drugs | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 15 | 2023 |
| NCT03430011 | Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of JCARH125 in Subjects with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Biological: JCARH125 | Biological: JCARH125 + anakinra | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 169 | 2023 |
| NCT05336383 | Phase II Study of Salvage Radiation Treatment After B-cell Maturation Antigen Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy for Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Radiation Therapy | Phase 2 | 30 | 2023 |
| NCT04935580 | Study of FasT CAR-T GC012F Injection in High Risk TE NDMM Patients | Recruiting | Biological: GC012F injection | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 20 | 2023 |
| NCT03302403 | Clinical Study of Redirected Autologous T Cells with a Chimeric Antigen Receptor in Patients with Malignant Tumors | Active, not recruiting | Genetic: CAR-CD19 T cell | Genetic: CAR-BCMA T cell | Genetic: CAR-GPC3 T cell | Genetic: CAR-CLD18 T cell | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Not Applicable | 18 | 2023 |
| NCT04196491 | A Study to Evaluate the Safety of bb2121 in Subjects with High Risk, Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) | Active, not recruiting | Biological: bb2121 | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Drug: Lenalidomide | Phase 1 | 13 | 2023 |
| NCT04003168 | Human BCMA Targeted T Cells Injection Therapy for BCMA-positive Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: Human BCMA targeted T Cells Injection | Phase 1 | 18 | 2024 |
| NCT05712083 | A Study of BCMA CAR-T Cell Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: BCMA CAR-T cells | Phase 2 | 40 | 2024 |
| NCT03602612 | T Cells Expressing a Novel Fully-Human Anti-BCMA CAR for Treating Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Drug: Fludarabine | Biological: Anti-BCMA CAR T cells | Phase 1 | 35 | 2024 |
| NCT04706936 | Novel BCMA-targeted CAR-T Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: anti-BCMA CAR-T | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Drug: Fludarabine | Phase 1 | 25 | 2024 |
| NCT03070327 | BCMA Targeted CAR T Cells with or without Lenalidomide for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Biological: EGFRt/BCMA-41BBz CAR T cell | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Drug: Lenalidomide. | Phase 1 | 20 | 2024 |
| NCT05302648 | To Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Human Derived Anti-BCMA CAR-T Injection for Subjects with R/R MM | Recruiting | Drug: Human Derived anti-BCMA CAR-T Injection | Early Phase 1 | 18 | 2024 |
| NCT05066646 | A Phase 1/2 Study of a Fully Human BCMA-targeting CAR (CT103A) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (FUMANBA-1) | Recruiting | Drug: CT103A | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 132 | 2024 |
| NCT05150522 | B Cell Maturation Antigen Targeted CAR-T Cells in Treatment with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: BCMA CAR-T cells | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 10 | 2024 |
| NCT04601935 | A Single-center Exploratory Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of a BCMA-targeted Universal LCAR-BCX Cells in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Biological: LCAR-BCX cells product | Phase 1 | 34 | 2024 |
| NCT05412329 | Study of Dual Targeted CD19/BCMA FASTCART GC012F in Relapsed/ Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: GC012F injection | Phase 1 | 9 | 2024 |
| NCT03994705 | Descartes-11 in Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Biological: Descartes-11 | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 25 | 2024 |
| NCT03361748 | Efficacy and Safety Study of bb2121 in Subjects with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Biological: bb2121 | Phase 2 | 149 | 2024 |
| NCT05618041 | The Safety and Efficacy Investigation of CAR-T Cell Therapy for Patients with Hematological Malignancies | Recruiting | Biological: CAR-T Autologous T cell injection | Not Applicable | 50 | 2024 |
| NCT04677452 | Dose Exploration Study OF JWCAR129, BCMA-Targeted CART for RRMM | Recruiting | Biological: JWCAR129 | Phase 1 | 24 | 2024 |
| NCT05266768 | Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerance, Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Efficacy of IBI346#CIBI346Y002# | Recruiting | Drug: IBI346 | Phase 1 | 36 | 2024 |
| NCT05270928 | Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerance, Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Efficacy of IBI346#CIBI346Y001# | Recruiting | Drug: IBI346 | Phase 1 | 42 | 2024 |
| NCT05430945 | A Study of BCMA-targeted CAR-T Cells Therapy for Refractory/Relapsed Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: BCMA Targeted CAR T-cells | Early Phase 1 | 100 | 2025 |
| NCT05509530 | Safety and Efficacy of Anti-BCMA/GPRC5D CAR-T Cell Therapy in Treating Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (rr/MM) | Recruiting | Other: anti-BCMA/GPRC5D CAR-T CELL | Phase 2 | 30 | 2025 |
| NCT03975907 | Clinical Trial to Evaluate CT053 in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (LUMMICAR STUDY 1) | Recruiting | Biological: CAR-BCMA T Cells | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 114 | 2025 |
| NCT04318327 | BCMA-directed CAR-T Cell Therapy in Adult Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: PHE885 | Phase 1 | 56 | 2025 |
| NCT04287660 | Study of BiRd Regimen Combined with BCMA CAR T-cell Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients | Recruiting | Drug: clarithromycin, lenalidomide, dexamethasone and autologous BCMA-directed CAR T-cells | Phase 3 | 20 | 2025 |
| NCT04309981 | Clinical Trial Using Humanized CART Directed Against BCMA (ARI0002h) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma to Proteasome Inhibitors, Immunomodulators and Anti-CD38 Antibody. | Recruiting | Biological: Adult differentiated autologous T-cells with anti-BCMA specificity | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 36 | 2025 |
| NCT04133636 | A Study of JNJ-68284528, a Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (CAR-T) Therapy Directed Against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) in Participants with Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: JNJ-68284528 | Drug: Lenalidomide | Drug: Daratumumab | Drug: Bortezomib | Drug: Dexamethasone | Phase 2 | 157 | 2025 |
| NCT04394650 | A Study of CC-98633, BCMA-targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cells, in Participants with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Biological: CC-98633 | Phase 1 | 150 | 2025 |
| NCT05740891 | AHSCT Combined with CAR-T Cells in the Treatment of Refractory and Relapsed Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: BCMA CAR-T cells injection | Phase 1 | 50 | 2025 |
| NCT05032820 | MM CAR-T to Upgrade Response BMTCTN1902 | Recruiting | Drug: Lenalidomide and bb2121 | Phase 2 | 40 | 2025 |
| NCT05632380 | ASCT in Combination with C-CAR088 for Treating Patients with Ultra High-risk Multiple Myeloma (MM) | Recruiting | Procedure: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation | Biological: C-CAR088 | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 20 | 2025 |
| NCT05172596 | PHE885 CAR-T Therapy in Adult Participants with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: PHE885 | Phase 2 | 136 | 2025 |
| NCT03274219 | Study of bb21217 in Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Biological: bb21217 | Phase 1 | 72 | 2025 |
| NCT05396885 | Study of CART-ddBMCA in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (iMMagine-1) | Recruiting | Biological: CART-ddBCMA | Phase 2 | 110 | 2025 |
| NCT03196414 | Study of T Cells Targeting CD138/BCMA/CD19/More Antigens (CART-138/BCMA/19/More) for Chemotherapy Refractory and Relapsed Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: CART-138/BCMA/19/more | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 10 | 2026 |
| NCT03758417 | A Study of LCAR-B38M CAR-T Cells, a Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) Therapy Directed Against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) in Chinese Participants with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: LCAR-B38M CAR-T Cell | Phase 2 | 130 | 2026 |
| NCT05376345 | BCMA-targeted LCAR-BCDR Cells in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: LCAR-BCDR cells product | Phase 1 | 32 | 2026 |
| NCT04720313 | NXC-201 (Formerly HBI0101) Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: NXC-201 (formerly HBI0101) | Phase 1 | 48 | 2026 |
| NCT04603872 | CAR-T Cells Combined with Dasatinib for Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory B-cell Hematological Malignancies | Recruiting | Drug: CD19/BCMA Targeted CAR T-cells and dasatinib | Drug: CD19/BCMA Targeted CAR T-cells | Early Phase 1 | 120 | 2026 |
| NCT05528887 | Study of CAR-T Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Hematological Malignancies | Recruiting | Biological: Autologous CAR-T cells | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Phase 1 | 10 | 2026 |
| NCT05594797 | Human BCMA Targeted T Cells Injection (BCMA CAR-T) for Subjects with R/R MM | Recruiting | Drug: Human BCMA Targeted T Cells Injection | Phase 2 | 100 | 2027 |
| NCT05722418 | CRISPR-Edited Allogeneic Anti-BCMA CAR-T Cell Therapy in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: CB-011 | Phase 1 | 50 | 2027 |
| NCT04093596 | Safety and Efficacy of ALLO-715 BCMA Allogenic CAR T Cells in in Adults with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (UNIVERSAL) | Recruiting | Genetic: ALLO-715 | Biological: ALLO-647 | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Drug: Nirogacestat | Phase 1 | 132 | 2027 |
| NCT05000450 | Safety and Efficacy of ALLO-605 an Anti-BCMA Allogeneic CAR T Cell Therapy in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Genetic: ALLO-605 | Biological: ALLO-647 | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 136 | 2027 |
| NCT04181827 | A Study Comparing JNJ-68284528, a CAR-T Therapy Directed Against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA), Versus Pomalidomide, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone (PVd) or Daratumumab, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone (DPd) in Participants with Relapsed and Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Drug: JNJ-68284528 | Drug: Pomalidomide | Drug: Bortezomib | Drug: Dexamethasone | Drug: Daratumumab | Phase 3 | 419 | 2027 |
| NCT04244656 | A Safety and Efficacy Study Evaluating CTX120 in Subjects with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Biological: CTX120 | Phase 1 | 26 | 2027 |
| NCT05243212 | Study of CAR-BCMA, a Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (CAR-T) Therapy Directed Against BCMA in Subjects with Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: CAR-BCMA | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 75 | 2028 |
| NCT03601078 | An Efficacy and Safety Study of bb2121 in Subjects with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma and in Subjects with High-Risk Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: bb2121 | Drug: Lenalidomide | Phase 2 | 235 | 2030 |
| NCT03741127 | Long-Term Follow-Up Study for Subjects Treated with P-BCMA-101 | Active, not recruiting | Drug: Rimiducid may be administered as indicated | Phase 1 | 100 | 2032 |
| NCT03915184 | Clinical Trial to Evaluate Zevor-cel (CT053) in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (LUMMICAR STUDY 2) | Recruiting | Biological: zevor-cel | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 105 | 2034 |
| NCT04923893 | A Study of Bortezomib, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (VRd) Followed by Cilta-cel, a CAR-T Therapy Directed Against BCMA Versus VRd Followed by Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (Rd) Therapy in Participants with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma for Whom ASCT is Not Planned as Initial Therapy | Recruiting | Drug: Bortezomib | Drug: Dexamethasone | Drug: Lenalidomide | Drug: Cilta-cel | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Drug: Fludarabine | Phase 3 | 650 | 2034 |
| NCT04155749 | Master Protocol for the Phase 1 Study of Cell Therapies in Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: CART-ddBCMA | Drug: ARC-T Plus Anti-BCMA SparX | Phase 1 | 65 | 2035 |
| NCT03549442 | Up-front CART-BCMA with or without huCART19 in High-risk Multiple Myeloma | Active, not recruiting | Combination Product: BCMA CART + huCART19 | Combination Product: CART BCMA or CART BCMA + huCART19 | Combination Product: Single-dose infusion of CART BCMA or CART BCMA + huCART19 | Phase 1 | 40 | 2036 |
| NCT04613557 | Safety, Activity and Cell Kinetics of CYAD-211 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: CYAD-211 | Drug: Endoxan | Drug: Fludara | Phase 1 | 12 | 2036 |
| NCT05521802 | A Study of C-CAR088 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | 92 | 2037 |
| NCT05577000 | Anti-BCMA Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells for Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: Manufactured Anti-BCMA CAR-T cells | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Phase 1 | 24 | 2039 |
| NCT04960579 | P-BCMA-ALLO1 Allogeneic CAR-T Cells in the Treatment of Subjects with Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Biological: P-BCMA-ALLO1 CAR-T cells | Drug: Rimiducid | Phase 1 | 135 | 2040 |
| NCT05182073 | FT576 in Subjects with Multiple Myeloma | Recruiting | Drug: FT576 (Allogenic CAR NK cells with BCMA expression) | Drug: Cyclophosphamide | Drug: Fludarabine | Drug: Daratumumab | Phase 1 | 168 | 2040 |
Conclusion
BCMA targeted therapy remains the core of treatment for R/R MM with new available agents and many in development that have shown encouraging results. Teclistamab, ide-cel and cilta-cel are the currently FDA approved agents with some in queue for approval. Overall, these add significantly to the treatment arsenal for patients with R/R MM. Other non-BCMA targeted therapies, particularly GPRC5D has shown good results in early clinical trials, but data to compare them with anti-BCMA agents is lacking.
Disclosure
The authors report no competing interests in this work.
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