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BCMA Biological Pathways Reviews

Videos

Videos
12/29/2020
Dr Boyd highlights details of the phase 3 DREAMM-7 trial, examining the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin with bortezomib and dexamethasone for relapsed/refractory MM.
Dr Boyd highlights details of the phase 3 DREAMM-7 trial, examining the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin with bortezomib and dexamethasone for relapsed/refractory MM.
Dr Boyd highlights details of...
12/29/2020
Oncology
Videos
11/03/2020
Dr Kochenderfer talks about the findings and clinical significance of the KarMMA study, which looked at the use of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy for relapsed/refractory MM.
Dr Kochenderfer talks about the findings and clinical significance of the KarMMA study, which looked at the use of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy for relapsed/refractory MM.
Dr Kochenderfer talks about the...
11/03/2020
Oncology
Videos
09/28/2020
In this video, Dr Raje discusses the clinical significance of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy with bb2121 in patients with relapsed or refractory MM.
In this video, Dr Raje discusses the clinical significance of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy with bb2121 in patients with relapsed or refractory MM.
In this video, Dr Raje discusses...
09/28/2020
Oncology
Ajay Nooka, MD
Videos
04/02/2026
Ajay K. Nooka, MD, MPH
Ajay Nooka, MD, discusses practice-changing advances in multiple myeloma emerging from 2025 data.
Ajay Nooka, MD, discusses practice-changing advances in multiple myeloma emerging from 2025 data.
Ajay Nooka, MD, discusses...
04/02/2026
Oncology
John Leonard, MD
Videos
04/02/2026
John Leonard, MD, explores recent advances in mantle cell lymphoma.
John Leonard, MD, explores recent advances in mantle cell lymphoma.
John Leonard, MD, explores...
04/02/2026
Oncology
Valentín Ortiz-Maldonado, MD
Videos
04/01/2026
Valentín Ortiz-Maldonado, MD, discusses results from the phase 2 CART19-BE-02 trial which assessed varnimcabtagene autoleucel in adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Valentín Ortiz-Maldonado, MD, discusses results from the phase 2 CART19-BE-02 trial which assessed varnimcabtagene autoleucel in adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Valentín Ortiz-Maldonado, MD,...
04/01/2026
Oncology
Cathy Eng, MD
Videos
04/01/2026
Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO
Cathy Eng, MD, discusses recent updates in anal carcinoma, highlighting rising incidence and ongoing unmet needs in advanced disease.
Cathy Eng, MD, discusses recent updates in anal carcinoma, highlighting rising incidence and ongoing unmet needs in advanced disease.
Cathy Eng, MD, discusses recent...
04/01/2026
Oncology
Danny Nguyen, MD
Videos
04/01/2026
Danny Nguyen, MD, discusses the recent FDA approval of a new, simplified once-monthly dose of subcutaneous amivantamab for the first-line treatment of patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC.
Danny Nguyen, MD, discusses the recent FDA approval of a new, simplified once-monthly dose of subcutaneous amivantamab for the first-line treatment of patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC.
Danny Nguyen, MD, discusses the...
04/01/2026
Oncology
Jonathan Anker, MD, PhD
Videos
04/01/2026
Jonathan Anker, MD, PhD, discusses results from the phase 2 HCRN GU 2444 study evaluating a response-adapted bladder preservation strategy among cisplatin-ineligible patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Jonathan Anker, MD, PhD, discusses results from the phase 2 HCRN GU 2444 study evaluating a response-adapted bladder preservation strategy among cisplatin-ineligible patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Jonathan Anker, MD, PhD,...
04/01/2026
Oncology
Sarah Rutherford, MD
Videos
04/01/2026
Sarah Rutherford, MD
Sarah Rutherford, MD, discusses recent advances in frontline treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and how emerging data are reshaping clinical practice.
Sarah Rutherford, MD, discusses recent advances in frontline treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and how emerging data are reshaping clinical practice.
Sarah Rutherford, MD, discusses...
04/01/2026
Oncology
Lindsay Rein, MD
Videos
04/01/2026
Lindsay Rein, MD
Lindsay Rein, MD, discusses emerging therapeutic strategies across myeloproliferative neoplasms, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis.
Lindsay Rein, MD, discusses emerging therapeutic strategies across myeloproliferative neoplasms, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis.
Lindsay Rein, MD, discusses...
04/01/2026
Oncology
Asher Chanan-Khan, MD
Videos
04/01/2026
Asher Chanan-Khan, MD
Asher Chanan-Khan, MD, discusses recent advances in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia including developments in BTK inhibitors, BCL2 combinations, and novel targeted therapies.
Asher Chanan-Khan, MD, discusses recent advances in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia including developments in BTK inhibitors, BCL2 combinations, and novel targeted therapies.
Asher Chanan-Khan, MD, discusses...
04/01/2026
Oncology
Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, MD
Videos
04/01/2026
Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, MD
Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, MD, discusses the unmet need in high-risk multiple myeloma, including extramedullary disease, CNS involvement, and plasma cell leukemia.
Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, MD, discusses the unmet need in high-risk multiple myeloma, including extramedullary disease, CNS involvement, and plasma cell leukemia.
Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, MD,...
04/01/2026
Oncology
OLN

BCMA

ALIASES

B-cell maturation antigen

BCMA is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family that is expressed on plasma cells and on late stage normal and malignant B-cells.1 BCMA binds to BAFF, activating the NF-kB and MAPK8/JNK signaling pathways, which leads to the proliferation and survival of plasma cells.2

BCMA can also bind to a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), which is associated with B cell development. Both ligands are associated with the regulation of cell survival and growth.3

Understanding the Role of BCMA

This animation explains the role of BCMA in the life cycle of plasma cells and the effects of overexpression of BCMA on the abnormal survival of these cells.

Expression in Cancer

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
80%
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
43%
Hodgkin Lymphoma
86%
Multiple Myeloma
100%
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
67%

Resources

News
12/01/2021
A subgroup of patients with MM who received anti-BCMA or anti-CD38 therapies were found to have lower B and T-cell counts against SARS-CoV-2.
A subgroup of patients with MM who received anti-BCMA or anti-CD38 therapies were found to have lower B and T-cell counts against SARS-CoV-2.
A subgroup of patients with MM...
12/01/2021
Oncology
News
11/10/2021
GSI combined with BCMA CAR T-cell treatment was shown to create deep, tolerable, and durable responses in patients with R/R MM; all data were presented at the 2021 ASH Meeting.
GSI combined with BCMA CAR T-cell treatment was shown to create deep, tolerable, and durable responses in patients with R/R MM; all data were presented at the 2021 ASH Meeting.
GSI combined with BCMA CAR...
11/10/2021
Oncology
News
10/21/2021
Two phase 1 studies investigate the safety and efficacy of anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy for R/R patients with or without extramedullary MM and identify important risk factors.
Two phase 1 studies investigate the safety and efficacy of anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy for R/R patients with or without extramedullary MM and identify important risk factors.
Two phase 1 studies investigate...
10/21/2021
Oncology
News
04/02/2026
Stephanie Holland
Results from a phase 2 trial suggest that sintilimab plus anlotinib demonstrates encouraging efficacy with manageable safety among patients with relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who have a short chemotherapy-free...
Results from a phase 2 trial suggest that sintilimab plus anlotinib demonstrates encouraging efficacy with manageable safety among patients with relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who have a short chemotherapy-free...
Results from a phase 2 trial...
04/02/2026
Oncology
News
04/02/2026
Stephanie Holland
Updated results from the phase 3 CAPSTONE-1 trial demonstrate that adebrelimab plus chemotherapy continues to provide durable survival benefit in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
Updated results from the phase 3 CAPSTONE-1 trial demonstrate that adebrelimab plus chemotherapy continues to provide durable survival benefit in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
Updated results from the phase 3...
04/02/2026
Oncology
News
04/02/2026
Stephanie Holland
Exploratory results from the phase 3 IMforte trial suggest that first-line treatment with lurbinectedin plus atezolizumab delays subsequent therapy and maintains overall survival benefit in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
Exploratory results from the phase 3 IMforte trial suggest that first-line treatment with lurbinectedin plus atezolizumab delays subsequent therapy and maintains overall survival benefit in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
Exploratory results from the...
04/02/2026
Oncology
FDA Approval
04/02/2026
Stephanie Holland
Based on results from the phase 2 ZUMA-2 study, the FDA approved brexucabtagene autoleucel for adult patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma, including those who are BTK inhibitor–naïve.
Based on results from the phase 2 ZUMA-2 study, the FDA approved brexucabtagene autoleucel for adult patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma, including those who are BTK inhibitor–naïve.
Based on results from the phase...
04/02/2026
Oncology
News
04/02/2026
Emily Estrada
Updated results from the phase 2 ASTRUM-LC01 trial demonstrate that following concurrent Hypo-cCRT with consolidation serplulimab improves survival with manageable safety in limited-stage small cell lung cancer.
Updated results from the phase 2 ASTRUM-LC01 trial demonstrate that following concurrent Hypo-cCRT with consolidation serplulimab improves survival with manageable safety in limited-stage small cell lung cancer.
Updated results from the phase 2...
04/02/2026
Oncology
News
04/01/2026
Emily Estrada
According to results from the phase 2 BL-B01D1-204-01 study, izalontamab brengitecan plus serplulimab demonstrated encouraging efficacy with manageable safety in treatment- extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
According to results from the phase 2 BL-B01D1-204-01 study, izalontamab brengitecan plus serplulimab demonstrated encouraging efficacy with manageable safety in treatment- extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
According to results from the...
04/01/2026
Oncology
News
04/01/2026
Stephanie Holland
Results from a phase 3 study demonstrated that transdermal estradiol was noninferior to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists for survival outcomes among patients with locally advanced prostate cancer.
Results from a phase 3 study demonstrated that transdermal estradiol was noninferior to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists for survival outcomes among patients with locally advanced prostate cancer.
Results from a phase 3 study...
04/01/2026
Oncology
News
04/01/2026
Emily Estrada
Results from the phase 2 ARC-9 study, demonstrate that etrumadenant plus zimberelimab, mFOLFOX-6, and bevacizumab significantly improves survival in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Results from the phase 2 ARC-9 study, demonstrate that etrumadenant plus zimberelimab, mFOLFOX-6, and bevacizumab significantly improves survival in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Results from the phase 2 ARC-9...
04/01/2026
Oncology
News
03/31/2026
Emily Estrada
Results from a translational analysis suggest that long-term survival in patients with high-grade glioma is associated with a distinct immune microenvironment characterized by enhanced NK cell activity and microglial activation.
Results from a translational analysis suggest that long-term survival in patients with high-grade glioma is associated with a distinct immune microenvironment characterized by enhanced NK cell activity and microglial activation.
Results from a translational...
03/31/2026
Oncology
News
03/31/2026
Emily Estrada
Results from a multicenter, phase 1 trial demonstrated that ruxolitinib plus venetoclax is well tolerated but shows modest clinical activity in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia.
Results from a multicenter, phase 1 trial demonstrated that ruxolitinib plus venetoclax is well tolerated but shows modest clinical activity in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia.
Results from a multicenter,...
03/31/2026
Oncology

Podcasts

Podcasts
10/22/2020
Jesus Berdeja, MD, discusses the results of the CARTITUDE-1 trial exploring BCMA-directed CAR-T therapy in relapsed/refractory MM.
Jesus Berdeja, MD, discusses the results of the CARTITUDE-1 trial exploring BCMA-directed CAR-T therapy in relapsed/refractory MM.
Jesus Berdeja, MD, discusses the...
10/22/2020
Oncology
Podcasts
10/20/2020
Natalie S. Callander, MD, discusses individualized treatment approaches for patients with relapsed or refractory MM.
Natalie S. Callander, MD, discusses individualized treatment approaches for patients with relapsed or refractory MM.
Natalie S. Callander, MD,...
10/20/2020
Oncology
Podcasts
01/02/2026
Cassie Kline, MD, MAS
Dr Cassie Klein presents a three-year update from the phase 2 FIREFLY-1 trial evaluating tovorafenib, a weekly oral type II RAF inhibitor, in recurrent or refractory pediatric low-grade glioma. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating...
Dr Cassie Klein presents a three-year update from the phase 2 FIREFLY-1 trial evaluating tovorafenib, a weekly oral type II RAF inhibitor, in recurrent or refractory pediatric low-grade glioma. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating...
Dr Cassie Klein presents a...
01/02/2026
Oncology
Podcasts
09/16/2025
Benjamin Watkins, MD
A case-based discussion on using axatilimab, including toxicity experience. 
A case-based discussion on using axatilimab, including toxicity experience. 
A case-based discussion on using...
09/16/2025
Oncology
Podcasts
09/16/2025
Shernan Holtan, MD
This podcast highlights results from a recent trial on the long-term effects of ruxolitinib in transplant patients with graft-versus-host disease. 
This podcast highlights results from a recent trial on the long-term effects of ruxolitinib in transplant patients with graft-versus-host disease. 
This podcast highlights results...
09/16/2025
Oncology
Podcasts
09/16/2025
Betty Hamilton, MD
An engaging discussion on what drives the move from steroids to a second-line or subsequent third-line therapy for chronic graft-versus-host disease? Are they really the definitions we see in trials, or are they different?
An engaging discussion on what drives the move from steroids to a second-line or subsequent third-line therapy for chronic graft-versus-host disease? Are they really the definitions we see in trials, or are they different?
An engaging discussion on what...
09/16/2025
Oncology
Podcasts
09/16/2025
Yi-Bin Chen, MD
"Beyond Symptoms: Navigating Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Assessment," which covers the symptomatic nature of cGVHD and provides quick tips for adequately assessing chronic graft-versus-host disease symptoms. 
"Beyond Symptoms: Navigating Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Assessment," which covers the symptomatic nature of cGVHD and provides quick tips for adequately assessing chronic graft-versus-host disease symptoms. 
"Beyond Symptoms: Navigating...
09/16/2025
Oncology
Podcasts
05/13/2025
Dr Eugene Hwang explores the evolving role of targeted therapies in recurrent pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG)—balancing molecular precision, quality of life, and real-world treatment logistics in the quest for optimal care.
Dr Eugene Hwang explores the evolving role of targeted therapies in recurrent pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG)—balancing molecular precision, quality of life, and real-world treatment logistics in the quest for optimal care.
Dr Eugene Hwang explores the...
05/13/2025
Oncology
Podcasts
05/13/2025
Dr Eugene Hwang delves into the evolving landscape of MEK and BRAF inhibitors for pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG), comparing efficacy, side effects, and next-gen strategies shaping frontline and salvage care.
Dr Eugene Hwang delves into the evolving landscape of MEK and BRAF inhibitors for pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG), comparing efficacy, side effects, and next-gen strategies shaping frontline and salvage care.
Dr Eugene Hwang delves into the...
05/13/2025
Oncology
Dr Hwang
Podcasts
05/13/2025
Dr Eugene Hwang unpacks the molecular underpinnings of pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG)—highlighting how MAPK pathway alterations are reshaping diagnosis, prognosis, and the promise of precision therapies.
Dr Eugene Hwang unpacks the molecular underpinnings of pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG)—highlighting how MAPK pathway alterations are reshaping diagnosis, prognosis, and the promise of precision therapies.
Dr Eugene Hwang unpacks the...
05/13/2025
Oncology
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Podcasts
03/07/2024

Featured Petros Grivas, MD, PhD

Featured Petros Grivas, MD, PhD ...
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares results from the phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 study evaluating sacituzumab govetican plus pembrolizumab among patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma following progression on platinum-chemotherapy.
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares results from the phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 study evaluating sacituzumab govetican plus pembrolizumab among patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma following progression on platinum-chemotherapy.
Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, shares...
03/07/2024
Oncology
Sara Hurvitz, MD, David Geffen School of Medicine – UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Podcasts
02/16/2023
Sara Hurvitz, MD, shares how she would treat a patient with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
Sara Hurvitz, MD, shares how she would treat a patient with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
Sara Hurvitz, MD, shares how she...
02/16/2023
Oncology

Interactive

Test Your Knowledge
12/01/2021
True or false: Patients with MM who received anti-BCMA antibody-based therapy were associated with having a lack of T-cell responses following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
True or false: Patients with MM who received anti-BCMA antibody-based therapy were associated with having a lack of T-cell responses following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
True or false: Patients with MM...
12/01/2021
Oncology
Quiz
11/10/2021
Which of the following inhibitors showed an increase in BCMA surface density and a decrease in soluble BCMA levels?
Which of the following inhibitors showed an increase in BCMA surface density and a decrease in soluble BCMA levels?
Which of the following...
11/10/2021
Oncology
Test Your Knowledge
11/02/2021
True or false: In R/R MM, extramedullary disease is linked to significantly poor prognoses.
True or false: In R/R MM, extramedullary disease is linked to significantly poor prognoses.
True or false: In R/R MM,...
11/02/2021
Oncology
Quiz
04/02/2026
In patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer receiving chemoimmunotherapy, which thoracic radiotherapy strategy was associated with improved survival outcomes?
In patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer receiving chemoimmunotherapy, which thoracic radiotherapy strategy was associated with improved survival outcomes?
In patients with extensive-stage...
04/02/2026
Oncology
Quiz
04/01/2026
Emily Estrada
True or False: Results from the STELLAR-303 trial demonstrate that zanzalintinib plus atezolizumab does not significantly improve overall survival compared with regorafenib in patients with relapsed/refractory metastatic colorectal cancer...
True or False: Results from the STELLAR-303 trial demonstrate that zanzalintinib plus atezolizumab does not significantly improve overall survival compared with regorafenib in patients with relapsed/refractory metastatic colorectal cancer...
True or False: Results from the...
04/01/2026
Oncology
Quiz
03/31/2026
Did auceliciclib demonstrate acceptable tolerability and preliminary signs of clinical activity in patients with advanced solid tumors and recurrent/relapsed high-grade glioma?
Did auceliciclib demonstrate acceptable tolerability and preliminary signs of clinical activity in patients with advanced solid tumors and recurrent/relapsed high-grade glioma?
Did auceliciclib demonstrate...
03/31/2026
Oncology
Quiz
03/18/2026
Test your knowledge of the clinical benefit of tucatinib plus trastuzumab therapy in patients with chemotherapy-refractory, HER2-positive, RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer.
Test your knowledge of the clinical benefit of tucatinib plus trastuzumab therapy in patients with chemotherapy-refractory, HER2-positive, RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer.
Test your knowledge of the...
03/18/2026
Oncology
Quiz
03/04/2026
Test your knowledge of how serum LDH and α-HBDH levels following first-line chemoimmunotherapy may influence survival outcomes in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
Test your knowledge of how serum LDH and α-HBDH levels following first-line chemoimmunotherapy may influence survival outcomes in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
Test your knowledge of how serum...
03/04/2026
Oncology
Quiz
03/03/2026
Test your knowledge on a multi-omics model for predicting responses to whole-brain radiotherapy among patents with small cell lung cancer.
Test your knowledge on a multi-omics model for predicting responses to whole-brain radiotherapy among patents with small cell lung cancer.
Test your knowledge on a...
03/03/2026
Oncology
Quiz
03/03/2026
Test your knowledge on safusidenib erbumine, a selective mutant IDH1 inhibitor, patients with newly diagnosed, chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-naïve grade 2 IDH1-mutated gliomas.
Test your knowledge on safusidenib erbumine, a selective mutant IDH1 inhibitor, patients with newly diagnosed, chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-naïve grade 2 IDH1-mutated gliomas.
Test your knowledge on...
03/03/2026
Oncology
Quiz
03/02/2026
Test your knowledge on the response rates and survival outcomes of chidamide, azacitidine, cytarabine, aclarubicin, G-CSF (CACAG), and venetoclax therapy for patients with R/R acute myeloid leukemia.
Test your knowledge on the response rates and survival outcomes of chidamide, azacitidine, cytarabine, aclarubicin, G-CSF (CACAG), and venetoclax therapy for patients with R/R acute myeloid leukemia.
Test your knowledge on the...
03/02/2026
Oncology
Quiz
02/24/2026
Test your knowledge on the safety profile of oral iberdomide plus low-dose cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone for patents with R/R multiple myeloma.
Test your knowledge on the safety profile of oral iberdomide plus low-dose cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone for patents with R/R multiple myeloma.
Test your knowledge on the...
02/24/2026
Oncology
Quiz
02/19/2026
Test your knowledge of results from the phase 3 TROG 05.01 trial evaluating postoperative radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Test your knowledge of results from the phase 3 TROG 05.01 trial evaluating postoperative radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Test your knowledge of results...
02/19/2026
Oncology