Bispecific Antibodies and T‐Cell Engagers in Multiple Myeloma
Bispecific antibodies have reshaped the therapeutic landscape for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), complementing proteasome inhibitors, IMiDs, and anti-CD38 antibodies and competing with BCMA-directed CAR-T cells. In this review, we discuss the structure, mechanisms of action, and clinical data for currently approved and emerging T-cell redirecting antibodies and discuss practical questions around sequencing with CAR-T therapy, toxicity mitigation, and resistance. Bispecific T-cell engagers have shown high response rates in early relapse, as well as multidrug-refractory disease and post-CAR-T relapse, but are limited by continuous dosing, infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, cytopenias, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and neurologic toxicity. We review emerging concepts in resistance like T-cell exhaustion, antigen loss, soluble BCMA, and extramedullary disease and discuss strategies to enhance efficacy, including combinations with anti-CD38 antibodies and IMiDs. Bispecific antibodies have become indispensable in relapsed myeloma, and for patients who are ineligible for or relapse after CAR-T therapy. With multiple clinical trials and new molecules in development, rational sequencing and combination approaches will determine how far their promise translates into durable disease control.
Authors
- Shaji Kunnathu Kumar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5392-9284)
- S. Vincent Rajkumar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5862-1833)
- Mahin Bhatt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9696-2057)
Institutions
- Mayo Clinic (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- European Journal Of Haematology
- Published
- 2026-08-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/ejh.70301
- Primary Topic
- CAR-T cell therapy research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Institutes of Health