CAR T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma: Who, When, What to Expect

Dr. Krina Patel of MD Anderson Cancer Center explains CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma at the HealthTree Houston Myeloma Roundtable (October 24, 2026). She covers who is eligible for the two FDA-approved BCMA CAR-T products, ide-cel (Abecma) and cilta-cel (Carvykti), why timing before bispecific antibodies matters, how holding and bridging therapy improve outcomes, and what happens step by step: leukapheresis, cell engineering, lymphodepleting chemotherapy, and infusion. She reviews cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, delayed side effects, response rates, five-year remission data, new CAR-T trials (dual-target, GPRC5D, in vivo CAR-T), and practical needs like caregivers and driving restrictions.