Multiple Myeloma CAR T-cell Therapy Guide

In this section, you will learn about the purpose of this guide and how to navigate it.

In this section of the guide, learn how CAR-T for myeloma works.

Learn about the surface proteins that myeloma CAR T-cell therapies target.

Learn about the difference between CAR-T and an autologous stem cell transplant for myeloma.

Learn factors that doctors consider when recommending CAR T-cell therapy for people with myeloma.

Learn which people with myeloma are eligible for CAR T-cell therapy.

Learn about clinical trials that test CAR-T as an earlier treatment option for myeloma.

Learn what to consider before CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma.

Learn about the benefits and barriers to CAR‑T for myeloma.

Learn about the FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapies for people with myeloma.

Learn how effective cilta-cel (Carvykti) is for people with myeloma.

Learn how effective ide-cel (Abecma) is for people with myeloma.

Learn why common side effects of CAR T-cell therapy happen and how they are managed for people with myeloma.

Learn why cytokine release syndrome (CRS) happens from CAR T-cell therapy and how it is managed.

Learn what neurotoxicity and ICANS are, why they sometimes happen from CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma, and how they are managed.

Learn why low blood counts happen from CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma and how they are managed.

Learn why infections happen after CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma and how they are managed.

Learn about the digestive side effects of CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma and how they are managed.

Learn why fatigue happens after CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma and how to manage it.

Learn why muscle, joint, and bone pain happen after CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma and how to manage them.

Learn about newer types of CAR T-cell therapies for multiple myeloma in clinical trials.

Helping your loved one prepare for and recover from CAR T-cell therapy can be challenging. This section outlines ways the patient may need support and offers tips to help you in your role as their care partner.

Learn how your loved one with myeloma may need help from a care partner during CAR-T therapy. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared for the role.

Caring for someone receiving CAR T-cell therapy can be demanding. Learn strategies to help care partners stay healthy while supporting their loved one.

Many people wonder if they can still receive CAR T-cell therapy without a full-time caregiver. The good news is that there are solutions, and not having a caregiver does not automatically disqualify you from treatment.

This section helps you understand how to talk with your healthcare team about chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma. You’ll learn what questions to ask, what to expect, and how to make informed decisions about this treatment.

Knowing when to bring up this treatment option can help ensure it's discussed at the right time.

Discover questions you can ask your doctor about CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma.

Sometimes, going to a healthcare appointment alone can feel overwhelming. Having a loved one come with you can help carry some of the weight when addressing all concerns and questions.

Getting another expert’s perspective can offer peace of mind and ensure you’re making the most informed decision for your unique situation.

When discussing complex treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Staying organized helps you make decisions with more confidence and clarity.

Open communication with your care team is essential, especially when navigating complex treatments like CAR T-cell therapy. If you have questions, concerns, or if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to speak up.

If you’re considering transferring to a different health program, learn about the steps you need to take.

Recovery after CAR T-cell therapy takes time as your immune system slowly rebuilds. The first 30 days after the infusion are considered the acute recovery period.

For the first month after infusion, you will have at least weekly appointments to check blood counts and manage any side effects.

People with myeloma often report that finances are one of the biggest concerns for CAR T-cell therapy.  Where most patients with myeloma in the United States are over the age of 65, we’ll discuss how Medicare coverage applies to CAR-T. If you have private insurance coverage, please contact your insurance provider regarding questions related to CAR-T costs.  This guide section also includes free financial coaching information and additional resources for navigating CAR-T costs.

Learn how medicare coverage works for myeloma CAR T-cell therapies.

Learn about pharmaceutical company assistance programs for myeloma CAR T-cell therapies.

Explore additional financial resources for myeloma CAR T-cell therapy.

This section contains additional resources that might be helpful as you learn more about CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma.

We invite you to read the sources below to learn more about CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma.

This resource list also acts as a reference for this guide, as much of the material referenced was used to create the content.