What’s the mechanism of action of Carvykti?
Carvykti is a personalized CAR T cell therapy that works by helping your own white blood cells (called T cells) recognize and fight multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. Carvykti is given as a one-time intravenous (IV) infusion of genetically modified T cells called CAR T cells.
Your T cells in your immune system normally seek out special proteins on cancer cells but can’t always find these proteins due to structural changes.
In Carvykti therapy, your T cells are collected from your blood and then genetically changed by adding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). This creates your personalized CAR-T cell therapy.
Carvykti CAR T cells then find and attack the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) protein found on the outside of most multiple myeloma cancer cells as well as normal plasma cells.
Carvykti is used when at least one other treatment has not worked or has stopped working to treat multiple myeloma.
When was Carvykti approved?
Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) was first approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration on (FDA) February 28, 2022 to treat multiple myeloma in adults.
It is classified as a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)- directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy and is manufactured by Janssen Biotech Inc.
What is Carvykti used to treat?
Carvykti is approved by the FDA to treat multiple myeloma in adults.
- It’s used after you have received 1 or more lines of treatments and your cancer came back or you stopped responding.
- Your prior treatments may include a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent, and you are refractory to lenalidomide, meaning it no longer works.
Learn More: Boxed Warning for Carvykti from the FDA
How will I receive Carvykti?
Making and receiving your personalized Carvykti CAR T cell therapy is a multi-step process. Your healthcare providers will provide all the details you need for your treatment.
- Carvykti is made by collecting your T cells (white blood cells) from your blood through a procedure called leukapheresis, which can take 3 to 6 hours.
- The T cells are then sent to a specialized manufacturing facility and genetically modified to create CAR-T cells. These cells are then grown and multiplied in the lab, which can take up to 4 to 5 weeks. While your Carvykti is being made you may receive other medicines to help treat your multiple myeloma.
- Before you receive your Carvykti treatment, you may receive chemotherapy for a few days to help the CAR T cell therapy better respond to your cancer. This chemotherapy is usually not very strong. CAR T cells work best when there are cancer cells to attack.
- When your CAR-T cell therapy is ready it will be sent back to your healthcare team.
- 30 to 60 minutes before you are given Carvykti, you may be given other medicines to help prevent fever and allergic reactions. You will then receive the CAR-T cells back into your body through a single intravenous (IV) infusion of Carvykti. The Carvykti infusion usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. These personalized CAR-T cells can then multiply in your body and are better able to find the cancer and help fight it.
- You will receive your Carvykti at a healthcare facility that can provide care for this type of therapy. This facility may not be close to your home town and you may need to make plans to travel.
- You will also need to stay close to a healthcare center after getting Carvykti, usually for at least 14 days, to receive special treatment if needed, and to monitor for side effects. Avoid driving for at least 2 weeks after receiving this medicine.
- After getting Carvykti, your healthcare provider will follow you closely to be sure your treatment is working and to look for side effects. You will need special blood tests, too. If you miss an appointment, contact your provider to reschedule it right away.
- You may need to be hospitalized again if you develop serious side effects. This is so your side effects can be treated and it is safe for you to leave the hospital.
You can learn more about Carvykti side effects in more detail by reading this information.
This is not all the information you need to know about Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your healthcare provider's directions. Review the full product information and discuss any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
Related questions
- What is CAR T-cell therapy and how does it work?
- What is the success rate for Carvykti for Multiple Myeloma?
- What is the strongest chemotherapy drug for breast cancer?
References
- Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) [prescribing information]. 6/2025. Horsham, PA. Janssen Biotech. Accessed July 3, 2025 at https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/CARVYKTI-pi.pdf
- FDA Approves Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) BCMA-Directed CAR-T Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Feb 28, 2022. Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-carvykti-ciltacabtagene-autoleucel-bcma-directed-car-t-immunotherapy-patients-relapsed-5795.html
Read next
Which medications make you sleepy?
Many medications can make you sleepy – some intentionally – such as sleeping pills, but others can make you tired as a side effect or an unintended consequence of the medication. It is important to know before taking a medication if there is a chance it may make you sleepy, drowsy, tired, or fatigued, because this may have an impact on your driving or ability to operate machinery, and how competent you are to make good decisions. 13 common classes of medications can make you sleepy. Continue reading
Is small cell or non-small cell lung cancer worse?
Generally, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is worse than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC accounts for about 10-15% of people who have lung cancer and is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. SCLC usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi), and although the cells are small, they grow very quickly and create large tumors. Early on in the course of the disease, there are rarely any symptoms. If caught early (limited-stage disease) 20-25% of people can be potentially cured. Extensive SCLC is more difficult to treat. Continue reading
Is non-small cell lung cancer hereditary?
A hereditary family history of lung cancer is one of the many risk factors for developing non-small cell lung cancer. About 8% of lung cancers are thought to be inherited or linked to gene changes, but smoking and air pollution remain the primary causes of lung cancer. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- How aggressive is non-small cell lung cancer?
- Does smoking cause non-small cell lung cancer?
- What type of prostate cancer is Erleada used to treat?
- What type of lung cancer is Vizimpro used to treat?
- What type of cancer is Tecentriq used to treat?
- What type of cancer is Daurismo (glasdegib) used to treat?
- How much ibuprofen can I take and how often?
- Does methylene blue kill cancer cells?
- Oxycodone vs Hydrocodone - How do they compare?
- Does omeprazole cause cancer?
- Why is Xanax so addictive?
- Does Ozempic cause cancer?
- How do you increase platelet count during chemotherapy?
- What are Monoclonal Antibodies and how do they work?
- What medications are known to cause hair loss?
- Vicodin vs Percocet: What's the difference?
- Radiation vs. Chemo: Which cancer treatment is right for you?
- What is Quercetin and what are its health benefits?
- Why give Taxol (Paxel) before carboplatin?
- What is the TC chemo regimen and how does it treat breast cancer?
- How do I know if immunotherapy is working?
- What are anti-VEGF drugs (VEGF inhibitors)?
- Treatments for Menopause
- My stool has changed color. What does it mean?
- How do I know if Aldara is working for skin cancer?
Drug information
- Carvykti Information for Consumers
- Carvykti prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Carvykti (detailed)
Related support groups
- Carvykti (3 questions, 3 members)
- Cancer (197 questions, 645 members)
- Multiple Myeloma (26 questions, 54 members)