The Importance of Using Newer Myeloma Treatments Like CAR T-cell Therapy

Watch myeloma survivor and HealthTree founder Jenny Ahlstrom’s recent interview or read her story below to learn how a one-time CAR T-cell therapy infusion helped her stay in long-lasting remission from relapsed/refractory myeloma, and how it could help you too.

What is CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma, and why does it matter?

CAR T-cell therapy is a newer treatment that uses your own immune system to fight cancer. Doctors collect a type of white blood cell, called T-cells, from your blood. These cells are changed in a lab to better recognize and kill cancer cells. The modified cells are then returned to your body through an IV. 

This approach is different from traditional chemotherapy or stem cell transplant because it targets cancer more directly and may work when other treatments stop working. For people with myeloma who have already tried several therapies, this option could lead to longer-lasting remission.

Jenny’s story shows how CAR-T can make a difference 

Jenny was 43 when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2010. After trying several treatments, she joined a clinical trial and received a type of CAR T-cell therapy called cilta-cel (Carvykti, Johnson & Johnson). Cilta-cel has since become FDA-approved.

Jenny’s T-cells were collected, changed in a lab to target myeloma cells, and given back to her through an IV. Since receiving CAR-T, she has been in remission for nearly four years without needing additional treatment.

Stories like Jenny’s show that newer myeloma treatments, such as CAR-T, can help certain patients go longer without needing therapy, improving their length and quality of life. 

CAR T-cell therapy is available, but not everyone is getting it

Even though certain CAR T-cell therapies are now FDA-approved for relapsed/refractory myeloma, not all people who could benefit are receiving them. 

“It’s really a tragedy if CAR T-cell therapies don’t get used when they’re FDA-approved. They’ve been tested, and the doctors know how to administer them. There shouldn’t be many reasons you can’t get CAR-T. If you need support, there are services available for patients for travel, a caregiver, or other things like that.” - Jenny 

In a previous article, we outlined research insights that evaluated what barriers people with blood cancer face in receiving CAR-T and how to overcome them. Read those findings here: 

• Understanding Barriers to CAR T-Cell Therapy for Blood Cancer Patients

Being aware of these issues can help you recognize potential challenges and take steps to address them. Many barriers can be overcome, so it's important to talk with your myeloma specialist about whether CAR-T is right for you and how to navigate potential obstacles. 

Why taking advantage of CAR-T matters for your myeloma care  

CAR T-cell therapy may not be right for everyone, but it could be a powerful option for many people living with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. If you’ve already tried other treatments and the cancer keeps coming back, or you want to understand all possible choices, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor. 

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