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Inhibitor appears to strengthen anti-BCMA CAR T cells in myeloma patients

Key clinical point: A gamma secretase inhibitor could enhance the efficacy of B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Major finding: The inhibitor, JSMD194, increased BCMA expression in all 10 patients studied. All patients responded to anti-BCMA CAR T-cell therapy, including three patients who had previously failed BCMA-directed therapy.

Study details: A phase 1 trial of 10 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Disclosures: The trial is sponsored by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute. Two researchers involved in this work are employees of Juno Therapeutics. Dr. Cowan reported relationships with Juno Therapeutics, Janssen, Celgene, AbbVie, Cellectar, and Sanofi.

Citation:

Cowan AJ et al. ASH 2019, Abstract 204.