Dr. Brayer on the Promise of BiTEs in Multiple Myeloma

Jason Brayer, MD, PhD, assistant member, malignant hematology program, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the promise of bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) in multiple myeloma.

Although CAR T-cell therapies elicit unprecedented efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, it takes time to collect and engineer the T-cells. Often, these patients are symptomatic and cannot wait the amount of time needed to manufacture the CAR T-cell product, Brayer explains. However, BiTEs and bispecific antibodies are off-the-shelf options that could be utilized when a patient is experiencing relapse, Brayer says.

CAR T-cell therapy and BiTEs are similar in terms of their immunologic adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, Brayer continues. However, the field has developed an understanding of how to manage these toxicities given the experience with CAR T-cell therapy. Therefore, that knowledge is being effectively applied to clinical trials with BiTEs, Brayer adds. Although both therapeutic approaches are associated with specific toxicities, management strategies can minimize the impact they have on patients, Brayer concludes.