Additional Advances in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Research and Clinical Trials With Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP
Expert Perspectives · Keira Smith · 2025-04-09
As multiple myeloma research progresses, the need to address disparities and improve access to emerging therapies has become more important than ever. Recently, Dr. Rahul Banerjee, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, served as co-chair of i3 Health’s Multiple Myeloma Task Force activity, which explored strategies for mitigating disease burden and healthcare disparities in the relapsed/refractory setting. With new developments occurring in the field in recent months, Dr. Banerjee sat down to share additional advances in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies, as well as ongoing efforts to make novel therapies practical and accessible for patients.
This interview is also available as a podcast. Listen here!
Click the links below for the Task Force activity!
Position Statement Published in Blood Cancer Journal
Addressing Disparities in Multiple Myeloma
Dr. Banerjee emphasizes the disparities in access to care for multiple myeloma patients, particularly in the relapsed/refractory setting. He notes, “There are very real disparities in diagnosis and front-line treatment, including access to specialty care, transplant eligibility, and adherence to medications like lenalidomide.” The Task Force’s position statement, published in Blood Cancer Journal, focused on these challenges and proposed strategies to mitigate them.
Advances in CAR T-Cell Therapy
One of the most significant updates in the last six months has been the progress in CAR T-cell therapy. Ciltacabtagene autoleucel, which is approved for second-line treatment, has shown remarkable results in overall survival analyses. He states, “CAR T therapy really should be considered for everyone, or at least discussed for everyone, as early as first relapse in myeloma in the United States. It’s worth saying that CAR T therapy is starting to become the default for second- or third-line myeloma, not the exception.” However, he acknowledges the barriers to access, particularly in states without CAR T-cell–capable centers.
Role of Bispecific Antibodies
Bispecific antibodies are emerging as a promising alternative for patients who cannot access CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Banerjee explains, “Bispecific antibodies are off-the-shelf treatments that can provide some of the benefits of immune therapy without requiring relocation to a CAR T-cell–capable center.” While there are many challenges in implementing these therapies in smaller practices, there are numerous ongoing efforts to make them more accessible.
Reducing Driving Restrictions Post-Therapy
Dr. Banerjee shares insights from his recent publication in Blood Advances, which challenges the current eight-week period after CAR T-cell therapy that patients are required to wait before driving. He states, “The data show that the risk of driving-relevant adverse events is minuscule after two weeks, making the eight-week restriction unnecessary.” This change could significantly reduce disparities, especially for patients in rural areas who rely on driving for their daily activities.
Key Takeaways
- CAR T-cell therapy is becoming the standard for second-line treatment in multiple myeloma, but access remains a challenge.
- Bispecific antibodies offer a viable alternative for patients without access to CAR T therapy.
- Efforts to reduce driving restrictions post–CAR T-cell therapy could alleviate disparities for rural patients.
- Ongoing innovations aim to make advanced therapies more accessible and practical for community practices
- Clinicians are encouraged to stay informed about these developments to provide the best care for their patients.
About Dr. Banerjee
Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Oncology at the University of Washington. He also holds a faculty appointment at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Banerjee previously completed his Hematology/Oncology Fellowship and Advanced BMT/CAR-T Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. His clinical interests are in multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, and CAR-T therapy. His research interests are in toxicity management, digital health, and the patient experience.