Chimeric antigen receptor T cell targeting B cell maturation antigen immunotherapy is promising for multiple myeloma

Ann Hematol. 2019 Apr;98(4):813-822. doi: 10.1007/s00277-018-03592-9. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable plasma cells malignancy because of its complex genetic heterogeneity and high relapse rate post immunotherapy. The encouraging results of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) immunotherapy clinical trials have shed light on curing MM in recent years. However, many therapeutic side effects limit the promotion and clinical use of this novel effective approach such as cytokine release syndrome, antigen escape, and neurotoxicity. We should make every effort to do further study about this immunotherapy to make it safer and effective. This review focusing on this topic clarifies the following contents: present status of MM treatment, effectiveness of CAR-T cells, features of BCMA, preclinical and clinical trials of BCMA CAR-T cells therapy, and existing problems and strategies. Hoping to provide a reference for the subsequent correlative clinical and research.

Keywords: B cell maturation antigen; BCMA; CAR-T; Chimeric antigen receptor T cell; MM; Multiple myeloma; Targeted immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • B-Cell Maturation Antigen / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods*
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / immunology*
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / transplantation*

Substances

  • B-Cell Maturation Antigen
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen
  • TNFRSF17 protein, human