Immunotherapy for Multiple Myeloma

Medically reviewed by: Craig Cole, MD

Last Updated: August 2026

Immunotherapy uses the body’s natural defenses (the immune system) to find, attack, and kill cancer cells. There are a few different kinds of immunotherapy used for multiple myeloma:

CAR T‑cell therapy: In CAR T-cell therapy, a lab-made protein called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is added to the patient’s own T-cells. T-cells are a type of white blood cell found in the body. The CAR protein helps T-cells recognize the cancer cells to be killed.

Monoclonal antibody therapy (mAbs): mAbs are man‑made proteins that act like the body’s natural immune system antibodies. They attach to specific cancer cells and help destroy them.  

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs): An ADC is a monoclonal antibody connected to a chemotherapy drug. The antibody finds the myeloma cell, attaches to it, and delivers the chemo directly to the cancer.  

Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs): BiTEs attach to the BCMA on the myeloma cell and to the CD3 on the patient’s T‑cells (a type of immune cell). By linking the cancer cell and the T‑cell together, the drug forces the immune system to attack and kill the cancer.

These are the immunotherapy drugs that are used most often to treat multiple myeloma. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.  

Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. Each therapy and drug has its own set of side effects and ways of working. It's important to discuss all potential side effects with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell them about any side effects you have.