A preparation of autologous peripheral blood T-lymphocytes (PBTL) that have been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for the B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, BCMA-specific CAR-expressing T-lymphocytes specifically recognize and kill BCMA-expressing tumor cells. BCMA, a tumor specific antigen and a receptor for both a proliferation-inducing ligand and B-cell activating factor, is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily and plays a key role in plasma survival; it is found on the surfaces of plasma cells and overexpressed on malignant plasma cells.