CAR T-cell therapies can target multiple types of proteins including BCMA, GPRC5D, SLAMF7, CD38, CD19 and others. 

The B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a protein found in the surface of myeloma cells. This protein can also be present in B-lymphocytes, but it has become a specific target in multiple myeloma. 

The FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapies cilta-cel (Carvykti) and ide-cel (Abecma) attach to the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) on the surface of myeloma cells.  

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Are there CAR-T targets other than BCMA for myeloma?

Clinical trials are exploring myeloma CAR-T targets outside of BCMA. These targets are also in myeloma cells, by increasing the odds of CAR-T to only bind to myeloma cells, side effects in healthy cells can be prevented. 

These other targets are under investigation: GPRC5D,  SLAMF7, CD38.  

To learn more about this research, visit the guide section: A Look Ahead: The Future of Myeloma CAR T-cell Therapy