HealthTree Logo
search more_vert
App Logo
close
person Sign In / Create Account
ASH 2022: Is Cilta-Cel the Answer for Early Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Patients?
Posted: Dec 21, 2022
ASH 2022: Is Cilta-Cel the Answer for Early Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Patients?  image

Experiencing an early relapse or having high-risk disease can be alarming for myeloma patients who see a relapse within 12 months of initial treatment or a stem cell transplant. Using CAR T therapy at first relapse may be a winning strategy for these patients.

During the 64th Annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, Niels van de Donk, MD, PhD from VU University, presented phase II clinical trial results for early relapsed multiple myeloma patients. Results showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 100%, in which 90% of these patients achieved complete response (CR), and the rest achieved very good partial response (VGPR). This outcome was achieved on average from 1 to 5 months after infusion with Janssen's cilta-cel CAR T with 14 of 15 patients achieving MRD negativity.

Side effect were also reviewed for this patients population who had received much less therapy compared to other studies.

Hematological changes were the most common adverse effect (side effect). Cytokine release syndrom (which included symptoms like fever, nausea, fatigue, body aches, etc). also appeared on an average at 8 days onset but were all resolved. 

Hematological side effects

Graded Side Effect 1-4

Patients % Side Effect

Low white cells:

Neutropenia

Grade 3-4

90%

Lymphopenia

42%

Leukopenia

26%

Low platelets

Thrombocytopenia

26%

Other side effects

Cytokine release syndrome 

(causing symptoms of fever, nausea, fatigue, body aches, et)

Grade 4

84%

Three of the patients in the trial had progressive disease and continued another form of myeloma therapy. 

The solid response rates and expected side effect profiles show that 90% of patients who relapse within a year of standard of care treatment can stay progression-free (at 18 months) of cilta-cel infusion, offering them new opportunities and longer remissions. 

The author Marilú Nájera Flores

about the author
Marilú Nájera Flores

Marilú is an International Medical Graduate who recently joined HealthTree in 2022 as part of the Patient Experience team. She helps MGUS and SMM patients understand and track their lab & genetic test results and relevant information from their health history. She is a Disney fan, a travel enthusiast, a passionate novel reader, a cheerful, friendly person, and a good listener who enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Get the latest thought leadership on Myeloma delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe to the weekly "HealthTree Community for Myeloma Newsletter" for Myeloma news, life with Myeloma stories, Myeloma clinical trials, Myeloma 101 articles and events with Myeloma experts.

Thanks to our HealthTree Community for Myeloma Sponsors:

Janssen Oncology
Adaptive Biotechnologies
Amgen Oncology
Abbvie
Genentech

Follow Us

facebook instagram twitter youtube