A single infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel; Carvykti) is proving to be a potential game-changer for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Updated 5-year data from the CARTITUDE-2 trial (cohort A) — presented at the 2026 International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting — show that half of lenalidomide-refractory patients who had received 1 to 3 prior lines of therapy remained alive and progression free without any further antimyeloma treatment after just one infusion.

The results are striking across the board: median progression-free survival hit 60.5 months, median overall survival was not yet reached, and 95% of patients achieved a complete or stringent complete response. Among those still in remission at 5 years, all three who underwent bone marrow assessment tested negative for minimal residual disease at the highly sensitive 10⁻⁶ threshold.

By the Numbers:

• 50% of patients remained alive and progression free at ≥5 years post-infusion
• 5-year PFS rate: 54.2%; 5-year OS rate: 69.2%
• Median PFS: 60.5 months; median OS: not reached
• 95% of patients achieved a complete or stringent complete response

Why it matters: These results reinforce the case for using cilta-cel earlier in the myeloma treatment journey. Durable, treatment-free remissions — even in patients with high-risk disease features — suggest CAR T-cell therapy could fundamentally shift how multiple myeloma is managed long-term.