An anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome antagonist, and an immunomodulating agent are used to treat these people with multiple myeloma who have relapsed (come back) or who have not improved after treatment with at least four prior anticancer medicines. It's also being researched for use in the treatment of other cancers. T cells from a patient are used to make abecma (a type of immune system cell). In the lab, a gene encoding an unique receptor termed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is introduced to T cells.
