Potential New Treatment Option for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel; Carvykti) is showing promise as a potential treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma, offering a new path apart from traditional methods such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Ishmael Applewhite, BSN, RN-BC, OCN, a registered nurse at the University of Rochester Medical Center, discussed the results of the phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 trial (NCT04181827) at the 2024 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress.

While there is currently no cure for multiple myeloma, cilta-cel is offering patients extended survival time. Applewhite recommends considering the use of this agent in later stages of treatment for maximum benefit.

The findings from the CARTITUDE-4 trial revealed an impressive overall response rate of 99.4% in patients who received cilta-cel, with 86.4% achieving a complete response or better. The 12-month progression-free survival rate was 90%, and the 12-month overall survival rate was 92% among the treated population.

In Applewhite’s view, cilta-cel presents an opportunity to extend the lives of patients with multiple myeloma, providing hope for those who have exhausted other treatment options. Although cost is a consideration, integrating cilta-cel into the treatment pathway could offer patients more time while researchers continue to explore new therapies.

The results of the CARTITUDE-4 trial suggest that cilta-cel has the potential to become a new standard-of-care for patients with multiple myeloma, offering a ray of hope in the fight against this challenging disease.