Dr. Kazandjian on the Potential Utility of BiTEs in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Dickran G. Kazandjian, MD, professor of medicine, Myeloma Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the potential utility of bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

BiTEs are monoclonal antibodies that utilize two binding domains, says Kazandjian. The first binds cytotoxic T cells to CD3, Kazandjian says. The second acts as a bridge to bring the T cell closer to a target on the myeloma cell, such as BCMA, Kazandjian says. In turn, this binding elicits an anticancer immune response, says Kazandjian.

Preliminary findings from studies evaluating BiTEs demonstrated high response rates in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, Kazandjian says. Moreover, some patients derived complete responses and minimal residual disease negativity, Kazandjian explains. It is currently too early to determine whether these responses are durable, but these initial results are encouraging, concludes Kazandjian.