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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
Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD
Videos
05/04/2026
Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD
Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD, discusses updated results from the TRUST-I and TRUST-II trials assessing taletrectinib in TKI-naive patients with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD, discusses updated results from the TRUST-I and TRUST-II trials assessing taletrectinib in TKI-naive patients with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD,...
05/04/2026
Oncology
Francesca Jackson-Spence, MBChB
Videos
05/04/2026
Francesca Jackson-Spence, MBChB
Francesca Jackson-Spence, MBChB, discusses final results from the phase 2 CALYPSO study evaluating savolitinib plus durvalumab in metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma.
Francesca Jackson-Spence, MBChB, discusses final results from the phase 2 CALYPSO study evaluating savolitinib plus durvalumab in metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma.
Francesca Jackson-Spence, MBChB,...
05/04/2026
Oncology
Jacqueline Barrientos, MD
Videos
05/04/2026
Jacqueline Barrientos
Jacqueline Barrientos, MD, discusses emerging combination treatment strategies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Jacqueline Barrientos, MD, discusses emerging combination treatment strategies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Jacqueline Barrientos, MD,...
05/04/2026
Oncology
Alison Schram, MD
Videos
05/04/2026
Alison Schram, MD
Alison Schram, MD, discusses results from the phase 2 PYNNACLE trial which assessed rezatapopt in TP53 Y220C mutated advanced or metastatic ovarian cancer.
Alison Schram, MD, discusses results from the phase 2 PYNNACLE trial which assessed rezatapopt in TP53 Y220C mutated advanced or metastatic ovarian cancer.
Alison Schram, MD, discusses...
05/04/2026
Oncology
Jonathan Friedberg, MD
Videos
04/30/2026
Jonathan W. Friedberg, MD, MMSc
Jonathan Friedberg, MD, MMSc, discusses results from the SWOG S1826 trial which led to the recent FDA approval of nivolumab plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine for patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma.
Jonathan Friedberg, MD, MMSc, discusses results from the SWOG S1826 trial which led to the recent FDA approval of nivolumab plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine for patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma.
Jonathan Friedberg, MD, MMSc,...
04/30/2026
Oncology
Brian Slomovitz, MD
Videos
04/30/2026
Brian Slomovitz, MD
Brian Slomovitz, MD, discusses results from the ROSELA trial which led to the recent FDA approval of relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Brian Slomovitz, MD, discusses results from the ROSELA trial which led to the recent FDA approval of relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Brian Slomovitz, MD, discusses...
04/30/2026
Oncology
Catherine Haring, MD
Videos
04/29/2026
Catherine Haring, MD
Catherine Haring, MD, discusses findings from a study evaluating ctDNA as a biomarker in patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer undergoing surgery.
Catherine Haring, MD, discusses findings from a study evaluating ctDNA as a biomarker in patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer undergoing surgery.
Catherine Haring, MD, discusses...
04/29/2026
Oncology
Robert Jenq, MD
Videos
04/29/2026
Robert Jenq, MD
Robert Jenq, MD, discusses how microbiome factors and emerging interventions may influence and improve CAR T-cell therapy outcomes.
Robert Jenq, MD, discusses how microbiome factors and emerging interventions may influence and improve CAR T-cell therapy outcomes.
Robert Jenq, MD, discusses how...
04/29/2026
Oncology
Neil Kay, MD
Videos
04/29/2026
Neil Kay, MD, discusses the evolving debate between continuous versus fixed-duration therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Neil Kay, MD, discusses the evolving debate between continuous versus fixed-duration therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Neil Kay, MD, discusses the...
04/29/2026
Oncology
Emese Zsiros, MD, PhD
Videos
04/24/2026
Emese Zsiros, MD, PhD
Emese Zsiros, MD, PhD, discusses results from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-B96 trial, which demonstrated that pembrolizumab improves survival while maintaining quality of life in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Emese Zsiros, MD, PhD, discusses results from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-B96 trial, which demonstrated that pembrolizumab improves survival while maintaining quality of life in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Emese Zsiros, MD, PhD, discusses...
04/24/2026
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
FDA Alerts
05/04/2026
Stephanie Holland
Based on results from the phase 3 CAPItello-281 trial, the FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee has voted that capivasertib plus abiraterone and ADT demonstrates a favorable benefit-risk profile in PTEN-deficient metastatic...
Based on results from the phase 3 CAPItello-281 trial, the FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee has voted that capivasertib plus abiraterone and ADT demonstrates a favorable benefit-risk profile in PTEN-deficient metastatic...
Based on results from the phase...
05/04/2026
Oncology
FDA Approval
05/01/2026
Emily Estrada
Based on results from the phase 3 VERITAC-2 trial, the FDA has approved vepdegestrant for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Based on results from the phase 3 VERITAC-2 trial, the FDA has approved vepdegestrant for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Based on results from the phase...
05/01/2026
Oncology
News
04/30/2026
Stephanie Holland
Based on results from the phase 3 RINGSIDE trial, a New Drug Application for varegacestat has been submitted to the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with desmoid tumors.
Based on results from the phase 3 RINGSIDE trial, a New Drug Application for varegacestat has been submitted to the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with desmoid tumors.
Based on results from the phase...
04/30/2026
Oncology
News
04/30/2026
Stephanie Holland
Results from a post hoc analysis of the phase 3 DeFi trial demonstrate that nirogacestat provides consistent clinical benefit across prognostic subgroups of patients with desmoid tumors.
Results from a post hoc analysis of the phase 3 DeFi trial demonstrate that nirogacestat provides consistent clinical benefit across prognostic subgroups of patients with desmoid tumors.
Results from a post hoc analysis...
04/30/2026
Oncology
News
04/30/2026
Stephanie Holland
Results from a phase 1/2 study demonstrate that FOG-001 shows early clinical activity with manageable safety in patients with desmoid tumors.
Results from a phase 1/2 study demonstrate that FOG-001 shows early clinical activity with manageable safety in patients with desmoid tumors.
Results from a phase 1/2 study...
04/30/2026
Oncology
News
04/30/2026
Emily Estrada
Final results from the phase 3 BRIGHT-2 trial demonstrated that bireociclib plus fulvestrant significantly improves PFS compared with fulvestrant alone in previously treated HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
Final results from the phase 3 BRIGHT-2 trial demonstrated that bireociclib plus fulvestrant significantly improves PFS compared with fulvestrant alone in previously treated HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
Final results from the phase 3...
04/30/2026
Oncology
News
04/30/2026
Emily Estrada
Results from the phase 3 RECITE trial demonstrated that romiplostim significantly reduced the need for chemotherapy dose modifications in patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.
Results from the phase 3 RECITE trial demonstrated that romiplostim significantly reduced the need for chemotherapy dose modifications in patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.
Results from the phase 3 RECITE...
04/30/2026
Oncology
News
04/30/2026
Stephanie Holland
Results from the phase 3 TACO trial demonstrate that tri-weekly cisplatin provides similar survival with improved safety and quality of life vs weekly dosing in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
Results from the phase 3 TACO trial demonstrate that tri-weekly cisplatin provides similar survival with improved safety and quality of life vs weekly dosing in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
Results from the phase 3 TACO...
04/30/2026
Oncology
FDA Alerts
04/30/2026
Stephanie Holland
Based on data from the phase 1/2 CARDINAL study, the FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation to TERN-701 for previously treated Ph-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.
Based on data from the phase 1/2 CARDINAL study, the FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation to TERN-701 for previously treated Ph-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.
Based on data from the phase 1/2...
04/30/2026
Oncology
News
04/29/2026
Emily Estrada
Results from a phase 1 study demonstrate that HSK42360 shows promising clinical activity with favorable safety in patients with BRAF V600-mutant gliomas.
Results from a phase 1 study demonstrate that HSK42360 shows promising clinical activity with favorable safety in patients with BRAF V600-mutant gliomas.
Results from a phase 1 study...
04/29/2026
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
05/01/2026
Which genomic feature predicts poor survival with ruxolitinib plus venetoclax in patients with R/R acute myeloid leukemia?
Which genomic feature predicts poor survival with ruxolitinib plus venetoclax in patients with R/R acute myeloid leukemia?
Which genomic feature predicts...
05/01/2026
Oncology
Quiz
05/01/2026
Results from a translational analysis of patients with high-grade glioma demonstrated that which of the following immune cell population changes distinguished long-term survivors from short-term survivors?
Results from a translational analysis of patients with high-grade glioma demonstrated that which of the following immune cell population changes distinguished long-term survivors from short-term survivors?
Results from a translational...
05/01/2026
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