What is CAR-T cell therapy?

CAR-T cell therapy is a completely new way of treating multiple myeloma.

A person’s T cells (immune cells) are extracted, genetically altered to recognise cancer cells, and then infused back into the person, where they seek out and destroy the myeloma.

Unlike cancer therapies that are continuous or require repeat courses, CAR-T cell therapy is a one-off procedure.

The CAR-T cell therapy, Carvykti^® has been approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and received a positive recommendation for funding from MSAC for people with relapsed refractory myeloma who have had four prior lines of therapy.

These therapies must include;

• A proteasome inhibitor such as bortezomib or carfilzomib
• An immunomodulator (IMiD) such as thalidomide, lenalidomide or pomalidomide
• A anti CD38 monoclonal antibody such as daratumumab

You can read the full MSAC public summary document here.

This is fantastic news for the myeloma community but there is still significant work to be done before Carvykti^® will be available in hospitals. The manufacturer will now work with State, Territory and Federal Government representatives to arrange the necessary agreements and prepare hospitals to be able to deliver Carvykti^® safely.

We are unable to confirm how long it will be until Carvkyti^® will be available. Myeloma Australia will continue to keep you informed as government moves through the next steps of the process.

Thank you to everyone who sent in their personal experiences via submission to MSAC. We have been told the response to the Carvykti^® application was unprecedented and really did help MSAC make the positive recommendation.

You can read more about CAR-T cell therapy for myeloma in our treatment fact sheet.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to our team, please email nurses@myeloma.org.au or call 1800 693 566