Arlo-Cel Shows Promise for Multiple Myeloma

Doris Hansen, MD, discusses GPRC5D-directed CAR T-cell therapy as a potential route toward a definitive cure in multiple myeloma.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Cancer

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single glass culture flask with amber liquid and cream cells on a deep navy field, evoking a cell-therapy research breakthrough. — Doris Hansen of Moffitt Cancer Center said GPRC5D-directed CAR T-cell therapy arlocabtagene autoleucel shows promise as a potential route toward a cure for multiple myeloma. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Doris Hansen, MD, of Moffitt Cancer Center discussed the potential role of GPRC5D-directed CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma, citing positive efficacy and safety data for arlocabtagene autoleucel (arlo-cel; BMS-986393). The interview was published November 2, 2026.

Why it matters

As BCMA-directed agents move into earlier relapsed/refractory lines, a growing number of patients will become quadruple-class exposed and refractory, making new targets essential. Arlo-cel targets GPRC5D, a target beyond BCMA, offering an alternative for these patients.

Phase 1 first-in-human trial data (NCT04674813) showed an 87% overall response rate among 79 efficacy-evaluable patients and a 53% complete response rate with a median progression-free survival of 18.3 months (95% CI, 11.8-21.9). Long-term durability and the path to cure remain under study.

The players

Doris Hansen, MD

Hansen is an associate member in the Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy at Moffitt Cancer Center, a Tampa-based institution in Florida.

Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center is a comprehensive cancer center based in Tampa, Florida, known for its blood and marrow transplant and cellular immunotherapy programs.

The details

Arlo-cel is a CAR T-cell therapy directed at GPRC5D, a target beyond BCMA. Hansen presented the findings at Bridging the Gaps in Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma, and the phase 1 data were first presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition.

2024: Phase 1 arlo-cel data presented at the ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition.
September 2026: The 23rd International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting focused on defining cure in multiple myeloma.
November 2, 2026: Hansen's interview was published on OncLive.

Health Landscape

As quadruplet regimens move into frontline use, patients are becoming triple-class exposed and refractory earlier, following the path set by BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapies. GPRC5D-directed arlo-cel extends that progression by offering a target beyond BCMA for patients who have exhausted earlier options.

Patients with multiple myeloma who have received several prior lines of therapy may eventually have access to GPRC5D-directed CAR T-cell treatment as it advances through clinical development. Current evidence is from early-phase trials, so availability and outcomes for individual patients remain uncertain.

The takeaway

Newer targets such as GPRC5D are becoming necessary as multiple myeloma patients exhaust existing therapy options earlier. Patients and families should discuss emerging clinical trial options with their oncology team.