Multiple Myeloma: Investigating anti-BCMA CAR-T Therapies
By: Ruby Sethi, Bridgewater-Raritan High School
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Summary
This project explores the use of CAR-T cell therapy targeting the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as a treatment for multiple myeloma (MM), a rare and aggressive blood cancer. MM is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal plasma cells, leading to various health issues, including bone damage and kidney failure. BCMA is a protein highly and exclusively expressed on plasma cells, making it an ideal target for CAR-T therapies. CAR-T therapy involves modifying a patient's T-cells to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically targets cancer cells. Two FDA-approved BCMA CAR-T therapies, Abecma and Carvykti, have shown promise in treating MM, particularly in patients who have relapsed after other treatments. However, relapses continue to be a significant challenge. Research suggests that combining BCMA CAR-T therapy with other targets, such as CD19, could improve treatment outcomes by addressing different subsets of myeloma cells.
Diagram showing BCMA and anti-BCMA CAR-T (Figure representation created by the author: Ruby Sethi)
Video Presentation
Impact Statement
My name is Ruby, and I am a junior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. My project was focused on the plasma cell cancer Multiple Myeloma and the role of anti-BCMA protein CAR-T therapy as a treatment option. I also investigated possible solutions to improve Myeloma CAR-T therapy in the future. Through Elio Academy, I was able to broaden my knowledge of biomedical science and gain exposure to modern advancements in this field. I particularly enjoyed learning about cell and gene therapy and bioengineering, and immersing myself in these topics has made me curious to learn even more. With the guidance of extremely helpful instructors, I am now able to navigate valuable resources and databases and am now familiar with the process of conducting scientific research. After this amazing and enlightening learning experience, I am eager to conduct more biomedical research in the future, equipped with the foundation and skills I gained in this program.
Report White Paper
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_By: Ruby Sethi_
The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Elio Academy.
