Immunotherapy for Multiple Myeloma

Immunotherapy works with the body’s immune system to find, attack, and kill cancer cells. These drugs can work in different ways. Some boost the immune system, so it can fight cancer better. Other immunotherapy drugs help the immune system better recognize cancer cells. 

These are the latest immunotherapy treatments that are available to treat multiple myeloma.

Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your health care team. Be sure to tell your health care team about any side effects you do have.

All Available Treatments

Intravenous =
Pill =

Treatment Type

Bisepecific T-cell Engagers

Drug Names
Elrexfio ® (elrantamab-bcmm) (Subcutaneous Injection) (IV)
Talvey® (talquetamab-tgvs) (Subcutaneous Injection) (IV)
Potential Side Effects - All Drugs
Abnormal lab tests Infections Low blood counts Nervous system changes
Potential Side Effects - Talvey Only
Skin/nail changes
Important Things to Know
  • These medications are for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have been treated with other immunotherapies. 
  • These drugs can cause potentially fatal Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), Neurological Toxicity including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS), and can damage the liver 
  • These treatments can cause fetal harm

Treatment Type

Cell-based Gene Therapy (CAR T Therapy)

Drug Names
Abecma® (idecabtagene vicleucel) (IV)
CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel)
Potential Side Effects
Diarrhea Emotional or cognitive changes Fatigue/weakness Fever Infections Low blood counts Musculoskeletal pain Nausea/vomiting Skin/nail changes Weight/appetite changes
Potential Side Effects - CARVYKTI
Bleeding Nervous system changes
Important Things to Know
  • Cell-based gene therapy, or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, is one way to use the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. A lab-made protein, a CAR protein, is added into the patient’s own T cells.
  • You may experience tremors and uncoordinated balance as a potential side effect.
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome and ICANS (Immune effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome) may occur. These conditions can lead to side effects; some may be severe. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your health care team. Learn more about CAR T therapy and its side effects.

Treatment Type

Immunodulatory Drugs (IMIDS)

Drug Names
Pomalyst® (pomalidomide) (Pill)
Revlimid® (lenalidomide) (Pill)
Thalomid® (thalidomide) (Pill)
Potential Side Effects - All Drugs
Blood clots Constipation Diarrhea Fatigue/weakness Low blood counts Muscle cramps Skin/nail changes
Potential Side Effects - Thalomid
Neuropathy
Important Things to Know
  • These drugs help the immune system find and attack myeloma cells.
  • Thalomid is given at a low dose (rarely used in the U.S.).
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.