Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Establishment of a Human Multiple Myeloma Xenograft Model in the Chicken to Study Tumor Growth, Invasion and Angiogenesis
Published on: May 1, 2015
B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) as a Target for New Drug Development in Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Abstract:
During the past two decades there has been a major shift in the choice of agents to treat multiple myeloma, whether newly diagnosed or in the relapsed/refractory stage. The introduction of new drug classes, such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, and anti-CD38 and anti-SLAMF7 monoclonal antibodies, coupled with autologous stem cell transplantation, has approximately doubled the disease's five-year survival rate. However, this positive news is tempered by the realization that these measures are not curative and patients eventually relapse and/or become resistant to the drug's effects. Thus, there is a need to discover newer myeloma-driving molecular markers and develop innovative drugs designed to precisely regulate the actions of such putative targets. B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which is found almost exclusively on the surfaces of malignant plasma cells to the exclusion of other cell types, including their normal counterparts, has emerged as a specific target of interest in this regard. Immunotherapeutic agents have been at the forefront of research designed to block BCMA activity. These agents encompass monoclonal antibodies, such as the drug conjugate belantamab mafodotin; bispecific T-cell engager strategies exemplified by AMG 420; and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapeutics that include idecabtagene vicleucel (bb2121) and JNJ-68284528.
Insights
Newer treatments have improved multiple myeloma survival rates, but the disease remains incurable. Research is focusing on B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as a specific target for novel immunotherapies to overcome treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma treatment has evolved significantly over 20 years, with new drug classes and stem cell transplantation doubling survival rates.
- Despite advances, multiple myeloma remains incurable, with patients often experiencing relapse or drug resistance, necessitating new therapeutic strategies.
- B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a highly specific surface target on malignant plasma cells, making it a promising candidate for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the shift in multiple myeloma treatment strategies.
- To identify B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as a specific target for novel therapies.
- To review current and emerging immunotherapeutic agents targeting BCMA.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advancements in multiple myeloma treatment modalities.
- Identification and characterization of B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as a therapeutic target.
- Analysis of various immunotherapeutic approaches targeting BCMA, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells.
Main Results:
- Introduction of novel drug classes (proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, monoclonal antibodies) has significantly improved patient survival.
- Emergence of BCMA as a highly specific target for immunotherapeutic intervention in multiple myeloma.
- Development of diverse BCMA-targeting agents, including belantamab mafodotin, AMG 420, idecabtagene vicleucel, and JNJ-68284528.
Conclusions:
- While current treatments have improved outcomes, they are not curative for multiple myeloma.
- BCMA-specific immunotherapies represent a promising frontier for overcoming treatment resistance and improving long-term disease control.
- Targeting BCMA offers a precise strategy to combat malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma.
Related Concept Videos
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
01:31Hybridoma Technology
Hybridoma Selection
Commonly used fusion techniques — electroporation,...