Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow produces three blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Plasma cells develop from B lymphocytes (B cells), a type of white blood cell part of the body's immune system. Plasma cells make antibodies that protect us from infection and toxins.

Multiple Myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal and divides in an uncontrolled fashion. The abnormal plasma cells are known as myeloma cells. As they multiply, they crowd out normal, healthy cells. Normally, plasma cells make up less than five percent of the cells in the bone marrow. In Multiple Myeloma, the percentage of plasma cells increases to more than 10 percent.

The increased number of abnormal plasma cells can lead to bone destruction and high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). In addition, the abundance of abnormal plasma cells can also interfere with the functioning of other blood cells, particularly red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body.

Part of the immune system produces antibodies that fight infections and diseases. For example, malignant plasma cells, or myeloma cells, have an abnormal antibody known as M protein (also called monoclonal protein) or a small part of the antibodies called light chains that collect in blood and urine. The M protein does not help fight infection. Instead, it can cause the blood to thicken and damage the kidneys. Since myeloma cells are typically found throughout the body, the disease is called Multiple Myeloma. However, "myeloma" and "Multiple Myeloma" are often used interchangeably.

SYMPTOMS

• Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest or hips.
• Nausea.
• Constipation.
• Loss of appetite.
• Mental fogginess or confusion.
• Tiredness.
• Infections.
• Weight loss.
• Weakness.
• Thirst.
• Needing to urinate often.

CAR - T Cells for Multiple Myeloma

• CAR-T has treated 37 Multiple Myeloma patients

• 35 of them (87%) responded to the treatment

• 20 of them showed (57%) complete remission within the first six months

• Of the 18 long-term follow-up patients (median follow-up time ten months), 13 (72%) are relapse-free.

• According to the study, 85% of the patients treated by CAR-T may experience CRS caused by T cell activation. The MMKTM has kept a very mild reaction (no more than grade 2) and CRS helps fight cancer.

Side Effects of CAR T-cells 

The side effects of CAR T-cells vary with the type of treatment the patient uses. There are several large companies and a few smaller companies with differing technology. The newer technologies have fewer side effects than the so-called first generation of CAR T-cells.

The most prominent side effect of CAR T-cell treatment is Cytokine-Release Syndrome (CRS). This potentially severe side effect is frequently associated with CAR T-cell therapy. Cytokines (chemical messengers that help the T cells carry out their functions) are produced when the CAR T-cells multiply in the body and kill the cancer cells. CRS symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms that include.

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Chills

• Fever