CAR T and CAR NK cells in multiple myeloma: Expanding the targets

Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 2020 Mar;33(1):101141. doi: 10.1016/j.beha.2020.101141. Epub 2020 Jan 13.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematologic malignancy with significant improvements in the overall survival over the last decade. However, patients still relapse and die due to a lack of treatment options. Ultimately, novel therapies with the potential for long term remissions are needed for patients with advanced MM. Research efforts for such immune therapies were not successful until recently when the first immunotherapies for MM were approved in 2015 and many more are under development. In this review, we focus on adoptive cell therapies including CAR T-cell and CAR NK-cell therapies for patients with MM. We will provide an update on clinical and translational advances with a focus on results from ongoing clinical trials with BCMA targeted cellular therapies and the development of other novel targets, changes in the manufacturing process, trials focusing on earlier lines of therapy and combinations with other therapies as well as off the shelf products.

Keywords: Adoptive immunotherapy; B-Cell maturation antigen; CAR T-cell therapy; Chimeric antigen receptors; Multiple myeloma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • B-Cell Maturation Antigen / genetics*
  • B-Cell Maturation Antigen / immunology
  • Cell Engineering / methods
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / transplantation
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / genetics*
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / transplantation

Substances

  • B-Cell Maturation Antigen
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen