Multiple Myeloma Hub

The Multiple Myeloma Hub spoke with María-Victoria Mateos, University Hospital of Salamanca, ES. We asked about the latest findings from the updated follow-up of CARTITUDE-2 Cohort D. During this interview, Mateos discussed the latest outcomes from the phase II CARTITUDE-2, multicohort study evaluating ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Cilta-cel) across various clinical settings of unmet need. She covered the updated follow-up data (40.2 months) from Cohort D from the trial, as presented at the 22nd IMS Annual Meeting (September, 17–20, 2025), investigating Cilta-cel + lenalidomide (Len) maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) who achieved less than a complete response after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as first-line therapy (N = 17). Mateos highlighted the deep and durable responses to treatment, including achievement of measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity, and noted that no new safety signals were reported with the longer follow-up. She concluded that the benefit–risk ratio of Cilta-cel continues to be favorable for this patient population. This educational resource is independently supported by Legend Biotech. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Multiple Myeloma Hub spoke with María-Victoria Mateos, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. We asked about the evolving diagnostic criteria for high-risk smoldering MM. During this interview, Mateos discussed the latest updates in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of high-risk smoldering MM. The discussion covered the diagnostic criteria that distinguish smoldering MM from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and active MM, with emphasis on the role of myeloma-defining events. Mateos outlined updates to risk stratification models, including the International Myeloma Working Group 2/20/20 model and its integration with cytogenetics, along with alternative approaches such as flow cytometry, positive emission tomography imaging, genomic profiling, and dynamic models like PANGEA. Mateos highlighted the importance of identifying patients with high-risk smoldering MM, given the significantly higher risk of progression among these patients, and reviewed data from clinical trials supporting therapeutic intervention in this setting. Mateos concluded with an overview of more novel approaches under investigation, including CAR T-cell therapies and bispecific antibodies. This educational resource is independently supported by Johnson & Johnson. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Multiple Myeloma Hub spoke with Ravi Vij, Washington University, St. Louis, US. We asked, What combination regimens including bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) are being evaluated for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)?  During this interview, Ravi Vij discussed combination strategies involving BiTEs for the treatment of RRMM. Vij highlighted the movement of B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)- and G-protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D)-directed BiTEs into earlier lines of therapy and their integration into regimens with established agents such as daratumumab, pomalidomide, and lenalidomide. In addition, Vij noted that novel FcRH5-directed BiTEs such as cevostamab are being investigated in combination regimens, with early-phase studies reporting high response rates, including complete responses. Vij concluded that while results are encouraging, concerns remain regarding increased risk of infections and the need for more mature data on durability of response and progression-free survival prior to regulatory approvals of new agents or combinations.This educational resource is independently supported by Roche. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Multiple Myeloma Hub spoke to Irene Ghobrial, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, US. We asked about risk stratification and prognosis in smoldering multiple myeloma (MM). During this interview, Ghobrial discussed risk stratification and prognosis in smoldering MM, with a focus on whether high-risk smoldering MM should be treated early. Ghobrial emphasized the heterogeneity of the condition, which ranges from indolent disease to high-risk cases with an approximately 50% likelihood of progression within 2 years. High-risk smoldering MM is a true malignancy, with plasma cells actively proliferating despite the absence of symptoms or myeloma-defining events. Early treatment was highlighted as a potential opportunity to achieve long-term disease control, with supporting data from the AQUILA study and other clinical trials indicating that therapies such as daratumumab can improve progression-free and overall survival for these patients. Ghobrial concluded by noting that advances in immunotherapy, including bispecific antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy, may enable earlier, fixed-duration treatment strategies that prevent end-organ damage and potentially achieve cure in high-risk smoldering MM. This educational resource is independently supported by Johnson & Johnson. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Multiple Myeloma Hub spoke with Alexander Lesokhin, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, US. We asked, What combination regimens containing B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed bispecific antibodies are being evaluated for multiple myeloma (MM)? In this interview, Lesokhin discussed the range of combination regimens featuring a BCMA-directed bispecific antibody for MM, outlining the rationale for these strategies and noting that while BCMA bispecifics have shown high response rates in the relapsed/refractory setting outcomes can be further improved. Lesokhin reviewed combinations with other bispecific antibodies, established MM therapies, and other novel agents including checkpoint inhibitors and those that can enhance BCMA expression on malignant cells. This educational resource is independently supported by Pfizer. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Peter Forsberg from the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute sheds light on the complexities of neurotoxicity related to CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma. He discusses the critical need for early identification of symptoms and innovative management strategies, particularly focusing on immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Forsberg underscores how collaboration among healthcare professionals can refine diagnostic criteria and improve patient care as CAR T-cell therapies evolve.

The Multiple Myeloma Hub spoke with Sagar Lonial, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, US. We asked, What might be the future applications for B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed bispecific antibodies in multiple myeloma (MM) and other plasma cell dyscrasias?In this interview, Sagar Lonial discussed the expanding role of BCMA-directed bispecific antibody therapies beyond relapsed/refractory MM, including their potential applications in high-risk smoldering MM and light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Lonial also evaluated emerging strategies for optimizing dosing schedules, enhancing the patient experience, and mitigating treatment resistance.This educational resource is independently supported by Johnson & Johnson. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Multiple Myeloma Hub spoke with Shaji Kumar, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, US. We asked about the future perspectives for the treatment of patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (MM).  In this interview, Dr Kumar explored the emerging treatment landscape for high-risk smoldering MM, highlighting a shift from active monitoring to intervention. Kumar discussed the increasing evidence supporting early treatment in patients at high risk of progression to active MM, including data from clinical trials.  This educational resource is independently supported by Johnson & Johnson. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Multiple Myeloma Hub was pleased to speak with Hang Quach, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AU. We asked, How are B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed bispecific antibodies currently utilized in real-world practice for multiple myeloma (MM)? In this interview, Professor Quach discussed how the development and integration of BCMA-directed bispecific antibodies have transformed the treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Quach covered regulatory approvals, key clinical trial data, strategies for managing toxicities and infections, considerations for community-based treatment, and the adoption of flexible dosing approaches in real-world clinical practice. This educational resource is independently supported by Pfizer. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee. Funders were allowed no influence on the content of this resource.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the Multiple Myeloma Hub Steering Committee Meeting in April 2025, key opinion leaders met to discuss the implications of measurable residual disease (MRD) on clinical practice and trial design in multiple myeloma (MM). The meeting opened with a presentation by Bruno Paiva and featured a discussion including Paul Richardson, Hang Quach, Sonja Zweegman, and Rakesh Popat.   During their presentation, Bruno Paiva explored the evolving role of MRD in MM, highlighting both clinical and research applications. Paiva reviewed current MRD detection methods, evaluated sustained MRD negativity as an indicator for long-term survival outcomes, discussed the value of MRD as an early endpoint in clinical trials, and outlined scenarios where MRD could guide treatment decisions, such as fixed-duration therapy or reinitiation upon MRD resurgence.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.