Universal CAR-T Cells Targeting Multiple Myeloma

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of universal CAR T cells targeting multiple myeloma. Another goal of the study is to learn more about the persistence and function of the universal CAR T cells in the body.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of the plasma cells, which remains a clinical challenge despite advanced therapeutic interventions including novel molecular therapies and stem cell transplantation (SCT).

CAR-T therapy has proven to be a revolutionary treatment for hematological malignancies, but its manufacture is still limited by the high cost, and a long preparation time that is not conducive to timely treatment of patients. In addition, many MM patients suffer from long-term bone marrow suppression caused by tumor growth or prolonged and intense chemotherapies, resulting in exhaustion, aging and functional defects of autologous T cells, which substantially affect the quality of CAR-T cells and the clinical efficacy. The universal CAR-T cells could overcome many of the above problems.

By using universal type of CAR-T cells, the product can be supplied off-the-shelf without being customized from individual patients. In addition, the immediate availability means that patients under severe bone marrow suppression may get a chance to be treated with CAR-T cells to achieve disease remission. In addition, those patients who suffer from long-term immunosuppression due to tumor microenvironment or myelosuppressive chemotherapy would have the option of treatment with the universal CAR-T cells.

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of several 4SCAR designs including BCMA, CD138, CD38 and CD19-specific universal CAR-T products targeting MM. Another goal is to learn more about the function of these universal CAR T cells and their persistency in the patients.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with confirmed multiple myeloma failed curative treatment options (including autologous or allogeneic SCT).
2. Complete remission (CR) cannot be achieved after at least 2 prior therapy regimens.
3. High risk MM in CR1 or CR2 and not eligible for SCT because of age or comorbid diseases.
4. Less than 1 year between last chemotherapy and progression (i.e. most recent progression free interval \< 1 year).
5. Relapsed after prior autologous or allogenic SCT with residual disease after at least 1 prior therapy and not eligible for allogeneic SCT.
6. Residual disease after primary therapy and not eligible for ASCT
7. Expected survival \> 12 weeks• Creatinine \< 2.5 mg/dl• ALT (alanine aminotransferase)/AST (aspartate aminotransferase) \< 3x normal
8. Bilirubin \< 2.0 mg/dl
9. Any relapse after prior SCT is eligible regardless of other prior therapy
10. Adequate venous access for apheresis, and no other contraindications for leukapheresis
11. Voluntary informed consent is signed

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or lactating women
2. Uncontrolled active infection
3. Active hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
4. Concurrent use of systemic steroids. Recent or current use of inhaled steroids is not exclusionary.
5. Previous related CAR-T cell therapy
6. Any uncontrolled active medical disorder that would preclude participation
7. HIV infection