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In this week’s blog, IMF Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie discusses the details and outcome of the recent April 12th Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) meeting on “the use of minimal residual disease (MRD) as an endpoint in multiple myeloma clinical trials, including considerations regarding timing of assessment, patient populations, and trial design for future studies that intend to use MRD to support accelerated approval of a new product or a new indication.” The ODAC convened “to discuss the adequacy of available data to support the use of minimal residual disease (MRD) as an endpoint to support accelerated approval of new therapies for patients with multiple myeloma.” The IMF and collaborative research group i2TEAMM (International Independent Team for Endpoint Approval of Myeloma MRD) were at front and center of the proceedings as one of the applicants. The ODAC panelists voted unanimously in favor of MRD testing as an early endpoint in MM trials (12-0). This was a historic unanimous vote that accepts MRD-negative Complete Response (CR) as a reliable early endpoint— a turning point in myeloma clinical trials, as the bar has been set higher with deep responses as the endpoint of trials and with MRD-negative CR as the new standard for CR. While we await the FDA’s final decision, Dr. Durie is confident that this historic turning point will move the IMF steadily towards much more improved outcomes and a potential cure for multiple myeloma. READ THE BLOG.

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI) announced the recently published cohort study by the iStopMM (Iceland Screens, Treats, or Prevents Multiple Myeloma) team on the “Development of a Multivariable Model to Predict the Need for Bone Marrow Sampling in Persons with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): A Cohort Study Nested in a Clinical Trial.” The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on April 2. Read the full press release to learn more. LEARN MORE.

Join us for an in-person Regional Community Workshop on May 18 in Salt Lake City at the Marriot University Park (480 Wakera Way). Speakers include Peter Forsberg, MD (University of Colorado School of Medicine—Aurora, CO); Doug Sborov, MD, MS  (Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah—Salt Lake City, UT); IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Mary Steinbach, DNP, APRN; and more. Topics to be covered include frontline therapy, maintenance therapies, relapsed therapies, clinical trials, and the management  of myeloma-related symptoms and side effects as well as the side effects brought on by treatment. There will also be a special panel, featuring a patient and care partner panel with John Bailey & Ann Bailey. REGISTER NOW. 

Join this Virtual Regional Community Workshop on Tuesday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. PT | 3:30 p.m. MT |4:30 p.m. CT | 5:30 p.m. ET. IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, M.Ed., FRCPC, FACP, (TGen, City of Hope—Phoenix) will discuss multiple myeloma basics, its common symptoms and side effects, advances in how myeloma is initially diagnosed, the stages of myeloma treatment, induction therapy, transplant, and more. IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Kimberly Noonan, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCN, (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—Boston) will discuss how patients can manage myeloma-related symptoms and side effects as well as the side effects brought on by treatment. David Vesole, MD, PhD, FACP, (John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center—Hackensack, NJ) will cover the types of relapsed disease, what doctors consider when selecting a treatment regimen, relapsed/refractory treatment options, how doctors treat triple and penta-class refractory myeloma, updates on clinical trials, and more. After each presentation with the experts, attendees will have ample time to ask questions. You don’t want to miss this informative session. REGISTER NOW.

The Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE) is a fundraising bike tour taking place in beautiful Iceland with a team of twelve cyclists. From August 29, 2024, to September 3, 2024, 12 intrepid individuals will embark on an adventure across Iceland to support the Black Swan Research Initiative, including the iStopMM Research Project in Iceland. While spots for participating in this year’s expedition are full, you can still seize this opportunity to be a part of something greater. Support the thrill of adventure while being a change agent. Donate to this initiative today! DONATE NOW.

The spring edition of Myeloma Today is filled with promising developments in the field of myeloma. Here are some highlights: Two New FDA Approvals: Abecma® and Carvykti® CAR T-cell therapies have been approved for earlier use in the myeloma journey, expanding treatment options and improving patient outcomes. Read about interim analyses from clinical trials of combination therapies with Blenrep® demonstrating positive results in progression-free survival. Learn about the newly granted accelerated approval by the FDA for Elrexfio, a BCMA-directed CD3 T-cell engager, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory myeloma.

Also, this edition spotlights IMF's global campaign, Myeloma ACTION Month, which was a huge success as it reached over 52 million people in 36 countries. Finally, find out how you can get involved in advocating for increased cancer research funding and making a difference in the lives of myeloma patients. Download a pdf of this edition now! DOWNLOAD NOW.