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In this week’s blog, the International Myeloma Foundation discusses the top takeaways from a Facebook Live Q&A on “Ask Me Anything About Myeloma” with IMF Scientific Advisory Board Member, and Myeloma Specialist and Cellular Therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Saad Z. Usmani, MD, MBA, FACP, FASCO. Dr. Usmani broadly addresses pressing questions about the latest myeloma treatments, how to manage side effects, and more. In case you missed it, you can still watch a replay of the Facebook Live Q&A in its entirety. READ THE BLOG.

The Miracles for Myeloma Virtual/In-Person 5K Run/Walk is happening in Philadelphia on May 3, 2025, alongside the IMF 's Patient & Family Seminar—and you don’t want to miss it. DoubleTree guests, we’ve got you covered! Complimentary transportation to FDR Park departs at 6:30 AM and 6:50 AM EST—first come, first served. If you can't be in Philadelphia in person, join us virtually and run or walk from wherever you are! Every stride supports groundbreaking research, life-changing care, and—most importantly—hope for patients and families. Plus, top finishers, spirited participants, and fundraising champs—get ready for rewards. Let’s turn steps into strides toward a cure. REGISTER NOW.

According to a press release from GSK, Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) has been authorized by the UK Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) “for the treatment of adults with multiple myeloma in combination with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (BVd) in patients who have received at least one prior therapy, and in combination with pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (BPd) in patients who have received at least one prior therapy including lenalidomide.”
 
This approval was based on “superior efficacy results from the pivotal DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 phase III trials in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma which support MHRA authorization of Blenrep combinations.”
 
“As patients with multiple myeloma increasingly receive combination therapies at diagnosis, treatment options available in the community setting that use different mechanisms like Blenrep are crucial to extending remission and ultimately survival. We are pleased to see this advancement in the treatment landscape extended across both academic and community settings where many patients are treated,” said IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP, FASCO about the approval.
 
“This UK regulatory authorization marks the first in the world for Blenrep in this treatment setting,” stated GSK. Find out more about Blenrep’s UK MHRA approval. LEARN MORE.
 

Two new white papers from the IMF’s Nurse Leadership Board reveal how frontline nurses are leading the charge in delivering innovative treatments like CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. As the FDA expands approval for CAR-T into earlier lines of treatment, nurses are navigating new challenges in referral, patient education, outpatient care, and side effect management. The CAR-T white paper offers real-world strategies and insights to support this shift, including best practices for care coordination and emergency preparedness.

Also, bispecific antibody therapies show remarkable promise for relapsed/refractory patients, with response rates up to 71%. These “off-the-shelf” immunotherapies are transforming treatment options where other approaches have failed. The bispecifics white paper highlights how nurses manage side effects like cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, while also guiding patients through transitions from academic to community care. Both resources emphasize the critical role of nursing leadership in delivering safe, effective treatment and improving outcomes.

Explore how nurses are reshaping multiple myeloma care from the front lines. READ BOTH WHITE PAPERS NOW. 

Join the IMF for a Regional Community Workshop in Edina, MN, on April 26, 2025, at the Westin Edina Galleria (3201 Galleria). Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with leading myeloma specialists in a supportive, in-person setting. This FREE workshop is designed for patients and families seeking reliable information and expert guidance in a smaller, community-focused environment. Speakers include IMF Senior VP of Patient Support Robin Tuohy; IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP, FASCO (TGen at the City of Hope — Phoenix, AZ) ; IMF Infoline Advisor and Nurse Leadership Board member Teresa Miceli, RN, BSN, OCN®; Douglas W. Sborov, MD, MS (Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah —  Salt Lake City, UT); Joselle Cook, MD (Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN); Erin Hartung, Director of Legal Services and Managing Attorney, ICARE Program; as well as myeloma patient Steve Ellingboe and care partner Sheila Ellingboe.

During the event, experts will cover key topics, including myeloma basics, upfront treatments at diagnosis, maintenance therapy, and what to know about relapse. A member of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board will also provide insights on managing side effects and symptoms. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the specialists. Seating is LIMITED, so be sure to save your seat today! REGISTER NOW.

Join us from May 2-3, 2025, for the International Myeloma Foundation’s FREE Patient & Family Seminar at the DoubleTree (237 South Broad Street) near the Hilton Philadelphia Center City in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity to learn about emerging treatments, clinical trials, and the latest advancements in myeloma care directly from world-renowned experts, including IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP, FASCO (TGen at the City of Hope — Phoenix, AZ); Amanda Goodstadt, Esq. (Triage Center); Dan Vogl, MD, MSCE (Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia); David Vesole, MD, PhD (John Theurer Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital — Washington, DC); Michaela Hillengass, RN, ACSM-CPT(Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center — Buffalo, NY); Noa Biran, MD (Hackensack Meridian Health — Hackensack, NJ); and IMF Nurse Leadership Board member Patricia Mangan, RN, MSN, APRN-BC (University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia) as well as members of the IMF staff. Seating is limited so be sure to register early: REGISTER NOW.