Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42315764›Full record

SynthesisAnnals of hematology2026

Infectious toxicities associated with bispecific antibodies and CAR-T Cells in multiple myeloma: a systematic review.

Magdalena Benda, Patrick Reimann, Wolfgang Willenbacher, Eberhard Gunsilius, Katja Weisel, Irene Strassl, Maria Theresa Krauth, Stefan Knop, Thomas Winder, Normann Steiner

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Annals of hematology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Magdalena BendaDepartment of Internal Medicine II, Feldkirch Academic Teaching Hospital, Feldkirch, Austria.
Patrick ReimannDepartment of Internal Medicine II, Feldkirch Academic Teaching Hospital, Feldkirch, Austria.
Wolfgang WillenbacherDepartment of Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Eberhard GunsiliusDepartment of Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Katja WeiselDepartment of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Cancer Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Irene StrasslDivision of Hematology with Stem Cell Transplantation, Hemostaseology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz, Austria.
Maria Theresa KrauthDepartment of Internal Medicine I, Division Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Stefan KnopDepartment of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, Nuremberg General Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany.
Thomas WinderDepartment of Internal Medicine II, Feldkirch Academic Teaching Hospital, Feldkirch, Austria.
Normann SteinerDepartment of Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. normann.steiner@i-med.ac.at.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

T-cell-redirecting therapies have transformed the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) but are associated with substantial infection risk. We systematically reviewed infections after CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), focusing on incidence, timing, pathogens, risk factors, and prevention. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed through May 22, 2026, and included studies reporting infectious outcomes in RRMM patients treated with CAR-T cells or BsAbs. A total of 123 predominantly early-phase, non-comparative studies were analyzed. Across BCMA-directed CAR-T products and BsAbs, infections were frequent (any-grade incidence ~ 40-80%), with highest risk early after CAR-T infusion and during the first months of BsAb therapy. Grade ≥ 3 infections were common and exceeded 50% in several BsAb cohorts. Fatal infections were less frequent but occurred across both CAR-T and BsAb studies. In randomized CAR-T trials, grade 5 infections represented a substantial proportion of treatment-related deaths. Talquetamab showed lower infection rates (47-55%) but relevant mucocutaneous toxicity. Viral and bacterial pathogens predominated; CMV reactivation, invasive fungal infections, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, particularly without prophylaxis, were also reported. Risk factors included neutropenia, corticosteroid/tocilizumab exposure, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Antiviral and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis and, most notably, immunoglobulin replacement reduced infections, though residual risk persisted. Real-world data suggest higher infection-related healthcare use and mortality with BsAbs versus CAR-T therapy. Extended dosing intervals may reduce infections, particularly severe infections, while preserving efficacy. Infectious toxicity remains a key limitation. Risk is particularly high with BCMA-targeted therapies and continuous BsAb administration. Tailored prophylaxis, early immunoglobulin replacement, and response-adapted treatment strategies, including extended dosing intervals, may improve safety and outcomes.

Indexed as

Antibodies, BispecificImmunotherapy, AdoptiveInfectionsMultiple MyelomaHumansAntibodies, BispecificBispecific antibodiesCAR-T cellsImmunosuppressionInfectious complicationsMultiple myeloma

Identifiers

PMID42315764
PMCPMC13521976

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.