BCMA CAR T-cell therapy in a patient with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory POEMS Syndrome: a case report
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Dynamic Imaging of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells with [18F]Tetrafluoroborate Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Published on: February 17, 2022
Hongxiao Han1,2,3, Danqing Zhao2,3, Anan Li1,2,3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy is an established treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. However, its application in POEMS syndrome remains largely unreported, despite overlapping pathogenesis involving plasma cell dyscrasia. Herein, we present a woman in her 30s with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory POEMS syndrome who received equecabtagene autoleucel, a fully human anti-BCMA CAR T-cell product. The patient achieved a complete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) response by day 14 post-infusion, with sustained remission through 12 months of follow-up. Clinical improvements included resolution of heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and renal dysfunction, along with marked neurological recovery, enabling the patient to return to normal daily activities and occupational functioning, a status that persisted through the 16-month follow-up. Treatment-related toxicities comprised Grade 2 cytokine release syndrome and persistent hypogammaglobulinemia, without severe infectious complications. No delayed neurotoxicity or secondary malignancies were observed. This case provides evidence that BCMA CAR T-cell therapy is a safe and efficacious option for patients with relapsed/refractory POEMS syndrome.

