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Myeloma Center clinical director Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D.
From the Clinical Director
| It is my pleasure to present the Winter 2025-2026 issue of Myeloma magazine.
Myeloma care continues to advance with the advent of novel immunotherapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and bispecific antibodies. The new treatment methods are transformative for the outcome of patients with myeloma who have experienced a relapse.
The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the only institution in Arkansas authorized to use CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma. This process, in which the patient’s T cells are used in treatment, is proving to be highly effective. T cells are collected, then enhanced to add the specific receptor to the T cells needed to kill myeloma cells. Once this process is completed, the cells are infused into the patient.
CAR T-cell therapy is now allowed to be used earlier in treatment, including at first relapse. The ability to apply this therapy when the patients’ immune system is healthier and less affected by repeated therapies improves the chances of success. We also can now administer CAR T-cell therapy in the outpatient setting, which is more convenient for patients.
UAMS has taken part in an international trial for newly diagnosed myeloma patients who are treated with CAR T-cell therapy. The trial is studying the efficiency of CAR T-cell therapy compared to autologous stem cell transplant, long the gold standard for treating those just diagnosed with myeloma. It seems likely that in future CAR T-cell therapy will be part of front-line therapy.
The Myeloma Center also utilizes bispecific antibodies, a therapy that activates the patient’s immune cells. These treatments can be administered directly “off-the-shelf” without being manufactured, which allows for the immediate treatment of patients.
The Myeloma Center has been routinely testing all patient’s bone marrow for small amounts of myeloma since 2013. This so-called minimal residual disease (MRD) test can detect myeloma even if bone marrow appears normal. Ongoing clinical trials give increasing insight into how to best utilize this information. These studies will determine if therapy can be discontinued if patients have serial negative tests MRD test or conversely while some patients with a positive need different therapy.
This issue contains uplifting stories about our staff and patients. We look at the Cancer Institute’s Infusion B center, which opened five years ago and is an important part of treatment for our blood cancer patients. You will read a patient story highlighting the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy, as well as about a prestigious honor received by one of our outstanding Myeloma Center physicians as well as a special endowment bestowed upon research director by Fenghuang (Frank) Zhan, M.D., Ph.D.
We believe that myeloma is curable. Treatment advancements and a specialized approach to therapy are the best option for our patients.
Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D. MRCP(UK) FRCPath
Clinical Director of the Myeloma Center
Associate Director of Clinical Science, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
Charles and Clydene Scharlau Chair for Hematologic Malignancies Research