BCMA-targeted therapy

BCMA-targeted therapy refers to a class of immunotherapies designed to target the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 17 (TNFRSF17). BCMA is highly and selectively expressed on the surface of malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma, making it an ideal therapeutic target. This category encompasses several distinct modalities, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies (such as idecabtagene vicleucel and ciltacabtagene autoleucel), bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) or bispecific antibodies (such as teclistamab and elranatamab), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) (such as belantamab mafodotin). These therapies work by directing the immune system or cytotoxic payloads specifically to BCMA-expressing cells, leading to their destruction. While highly effective in treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, these treatments are associated with significant immunosuppression, which can impair the development of humoral and cellular immune responses to vaccinations, such as those for SARS-CoV-2.

Other names

anti-BCMA therapyBCMA-directed therapyBCMA-targeted treatment