Jerina Hoxha
8.1.25
Study shows bispecific antibodies can safely stabilise patients before BCMA CAR T cell treatment
A new study co-authored by CERTAINTY consortium members offers timely insights into an evolving therapeutic strategy in multiple myeloma. The article, titled “Bispecific Antibodies as Bridging to BCMA CAR T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma”, was published in the prestigious journal Blood Cancer Discovery and explores the use of bispecific antibodies as a bridging therapy before administering B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted CAR T cell treatment.
Background
Establishing an effective sequencing strategy for T cell redirecting therapies in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is a key clinical challenge. Bridging therapy is often required before CAR T cell infusion to manage disease burden.
This study assessed teclistamab and talquetamab as bridging therapies. Outcomes measured included clinical response, cytokine profiles, CAR T cell expansion, T cell subset composition, and soluble BCMA levels.
Key Findings
In a retrospective analysis of 52 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, the study reported the following outcomes:
Bispecific antibodies achieved a one hundred percent overall response rate when used as bridging therapy. This significantly outperformed other treatment regimens such as chemotherapy or monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 or SLAMF7, which had a response rate of forty-six percent.
Early CD4-positive CAR-positive and delayed CD8-positive CAR-positiveT-cell expansion was observed in patients who received bispecific antibodies as bridging therapy.
In vitro cytotoxicity of CAR T cells was comparable among BT options.
Single-cell analysis revealed increased T-cell clonality.
Conclusion
The study provides early evidence that bispecific antibodies can serve as a safe and effective bridging option in clinical practice for patients with limited treatment alternatives. The authors report that their data support the feasibility of combining these immunotherapies in sequence.
Access the Publication
Read the full article in Blood Cancer Discovery: https://doi.org/10.1158/2643-3230.BCD-24-0118