ASH 2025 Multiple Myeloma Updates: What the Latest Research Means for Patients and Care Partners

Scope and Methodology   
This week’s blog summarizes key takeaways from the Top Myeloma Research Presented at ASH 2025: Easy-to-Understand Insights for Patients and Care Partners webinar, hosted by the International Myeloma Foundation on Wednesday, January 7. Content was developed by the International Myeloma Foundation medical editorial team using ASH 2025 oral and poster abstracts on the latest treatments in CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. It is intended for patients, care partners, and oncology professionals. This blog article was medically reviewed by Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP, FASCO, on January  21, 2026. The blog reflects medical guidance available at the time of review and is not routinely updated.   
 
 

On Wednesday, January 7, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) hosted a webinar on Top Myeloma Research Presented at ASH 2025: Easy-to-Understand Insights for Patients and Care Partners, with IMF Senior Vice President of Patient Support and 25-year myeloma care partner Robin Tuohy as moderator. 
 

IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael talked about the top ten ASH 2025 myeloma abstracts on CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies and addressed patient-centered questions on these newer immunotherapy treatments.  
 
Myeloma patients and support group leaders, Jill Zitzewitz, PhD (Central MA Multiple Myeloma Support Group); Jim Shoemaker (Mid-South Multiple Support Group), and Rose Simon (Maitland/Central Florida Support Group) shared their patient perspectives. 
 
The recently concluded 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting was held at the Orange County Convention in Orlando, Florida from December 6-9, 2025. Over 9,000 abstracts were submitted, including more than 1,500 myeloma-related abstracts. The annual meeting was attended by 27,500 in-person and 3,500 virtual participants. 
 

Insights on CAR T-cell therapy 
 

What is CAR T-cell therapy?  

In current CAR T-cell therapy: 
    • Doctors remove T-cells from the patient 
    • T-cells are modified in a lab so they can recognize myeloma cells 
    • The T-cells are then returned to the patient so they can seek out and destroy myeloma cells 
 
This treatment has already helped many patients whose myeloma had come back after other therapies. 
 

What are Dr. Joe’s top five myeloma abstracts on CAR T therapy at ASH 2025? 

The top five myeloma abstracts on CAR T-cell therapy at ASH 2025, according to Dr. Mikhael, are the following: 
 
    1. Abstract #LBA-1: Minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative outcomes following a novel, in vivo gene therapy generating anti–B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): Preliminary results from inMMyCAR, the first-in-human phase 1 study of KLN-1010 
 
    2. Abstract #94: Long-term progression-free survival benefit with ciltacabtagene autoleucel in standard-risk relapsed / refractory multiple myeloma 
 
    3. Abstract #1034: Enhancing the safety of ciltacabtagene autoleucel in relapsed multiple myeloma (MM): Identification of potentially modifiable risk-factors associated with delayed neurotoxicity and non-relapse mortality 
 
    4. Abstract #258: A dual targeting BCMA and CD19 fastcar-t (GC012F/AZD0120) as first-line therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma 
 
    5. Abstract #256: Phase 2 registrational study of anitocabtagene autoleucel for the treatment of patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma: Updated results from iMMagine--1 
 

Why is ‘in vivo’ CAR T a major breakthrough in immunotherapy?  

One of the most exciting announcements at ASH was a brand-new approach called “in vivo” CAR T-cell therapy. 
 
Instead of removing and modifying T-cells outside the body: 
    • A drug is given directly to the patient 
    • The drug turns the patient’s own T-cells into CAR T-cells inside the body 
 
Why is this important for patients? 
    • No need to collect T-cells 
    • No long manufacturing wait 
    • No need for certain chemotherapy beforehand 
    • Could make CAR T-cell therapy faster, simpler, and more accessible 
 
What are the early but encouraging results of “in vivo” CAR T therapy?  
    • Only 3 patients have been tested so far 
    • All had high-risk, heavily treated myeloma 
    • All became MRD-negative within a month 
 
This represents a potentially game-changing idea for the future. 
 

How well does CAR T-cell therapy work, long-term? 

Dr. Mikhael reviewed longer-term results from Carvykti® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel or cilta-cel), an approved CAR T-cell therapy. 
 
Doctors looked at how long patients stayed in remission, using progression-free survival (PFS) which measures how long myeloma stays under control before it relapses. 
 
Key findings 
    • In patients with standard-risk myeloma, over 70% were still in remission 2.5 years after CAR T-cell therapy when used earlier 
    • Even in patients with very heavily treated myeloma, about 60% were still in remission at the same time point 
 
This suggests that CAR T-cell therapy can lead to deep, long-lasting responses, even in people who have had many prior treatments. 
 

What does this mean for patients and care partners? 

    • Myeloma research is moving very quickly 
    • Immunotherapy is becoming a cornerstone of treatment 
    • CAR T-cell therapy is being used earlier in treatment, improved to be safer and more effective, and studied in new forms that may be easier for patients to receive 
 
Most importantly, these advances offer real hope, even for patients with difficult-to-treat myeloma. 
    • Patients are living longer and better with myeloma 
    • New treatments are becoming more powerful and more patient-friendly 
    • Understanding these advances helps patients take an active role in their care 
 
 

Why does CAR T-cell therapy work best when used earlier? 

The data presented show that CAR T-cell therapy is more effective when used earlier in the course of myeloma, but it can still work very well even after relapse. 
 
    • For patients with standard-risk myeloma: About 80% were still in remission 2.5 years after CAR T-cell therapy when used earlier 
    • For patients who had received several prior treatments: About 60% were still in remission at the same time point 
 
These are some of the strongest results ever seen in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). 
 
 

Why is it important to understand the rare but serious nerve side effects of CAR T therapy? 

While CAR T-cell therapy is very effective, safety is equally important. Most side effects happen early, are temporary, and are usually well-controlled by experienced care teams. 
 
However, a very small number of patients (less than 2%) receiving Carvykti (cilta-cel) developed delayed neurological side effects, which can resemble serious conditions like Parkinson’s disease. 
 

What increases the risk of delayed neurological side effects? 

Researchers studied over 750 patients to understand why this rare side effect happens and how to reduce the risk. 
 
They identified two important factors: 
1. Bridging therapy: Disease control before CAR T  
    • Patients often receive treatment while waiting for CAR T cells to be manufactured 
    • Better control of myeloma during this time may lower the risk of delayed nerve problems 
2. How fast CAR T cells multiply in the body 
    • After infusion, CAR T cells rapidly increase in number  
    • A very rapid rise in certain immune cells (measured by blood tests) may increase risk 
    • Monitoring and possibly controlling this expansion may help improve safety 
 

These insights may allow doctors to prevent or reduce serious side effects in the future. 
 

Which new CAR T-cell therapies aim to be safer and more precise? 

1. Dual-target CAR T-cell therapy 
Dual-target CAR T-cell therapy targets two markers on myeloma cells instead of one. 
 
Why this matters: 
    • May help CAR T cells find myeloma more precisely 
    • May reduce damage to healthy cells 
    • May improve effectiveness 
 
In a small study using this therapy as first-line treatment: 
    • All 30 patients responded 
    • 97% achieved a very deep remission 
 
This suggests CAR T-cell therapy can work extremely well when used early, though more research is needed. 
 
2. Next-generation CAR T with fewer nerve side effects 
Another new CAR T therapy (still experimental) was tested in patients with heavily treated, relapsed/refractory myeloma. 
 
Key results: 
    • 96% of patients responded 
    • Over 60% remained in remission at 2 years 
    • No cases of delayed neurological side effects were seen 
 
This suggests it may be possible to maintain strong effectiveness while improving safety. 
 

What ‘big picture message’ should patients take away? 

From these studies, several important messages emerge: 
    • CAR T-cell therapy remains the most powerful treatment currently available for myeloma 
    • Long-lasting remissions are possible, even after many prior treatments 
    • Doctors are learning how to reduce side effects and improve safety 
    • CAR T therapy may eventually be used earlier, delivered in new, faster and more precise ways, and made safer for more patients 
 
Research presented at ASH shows that CAR T-cell therapy is becoming safer, more effective, personalized, and accessible in the future. 
 
These advances offer real hope, not just for longer survival, but for better quality of life. 
 

Insights on bispecific antibodies 

What is a bispecific antibody? 

A bispecific antibody is a single drug with two arms. One attaches to the myeloma cell, while another one attaches to a nearby T-cell. 
 
This brings the immune cell directly to the cancer cell so it can destroy it. Unlike CAR T, T-cells do not need to be removed from the body. 
 

What are Dr. Joe’s top five myeloma abstracts on bispecific antibodies at ASH 2025? 

    1. Abstract #LBA-6: Phase 3 randomized study of teclistamab plus daratumumab versus investigator’s choice of daratumumab and dexamethasone with either pomalidomide or Bortezomib (DPd/DVd) in patients (Pts) with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): Results of MajesTEC-3 
 
    2. Abstract #367: A phase 2 Study of teclistamab in combination with daratumumab in elderly patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: The IFM2021-01 TecLille trial, cohort A 
 
    3. Abstract #248: A phase 2 trial of abbreviated fixed-duration (Default 4 Cycles) linvoseltamab immuno-consolidation to deepen responses post newly diagnosed multiple myeloma combination therapy for minimal residual disease positivity (the IMMUNOPLANT Study) 
 
    4. Abstract #699: Phase 2 study of cevostamab consolidation following BCMA CAR T cell therapy:  preliminary safety, efficacy, and correlative data from the “STEM” (Sequential T Cell-Engagement for Myeloma) trial 
 
    5. Abstract #698: Efficacy and safety of talquetamab + teclistamab in patients with Relapsed/Refractory multiple myeloma and extramedullary disease: Updated Phase 2 results from the redirectt-1 study with extended follow-up 
 
 

Why is the combination of teclistamab and daratumumab a major breakthrough vs standard triplet therapy?  

The MajesTEC-3 study compared standard triplet therapies vs. teclistamab (a bispecific antibody) + daratumumab. Results of the study revealed: 
 
    • At 3 years: 83% of patients on teclistamab + daratumumab were still in remission; Only 30% of patients on standard triplets were 
    • Overall survival was also better with the bispecific combination 
 
These are exceptionally strong results for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. 
 

What is the infection risk and how are doctors responding? 

An early concern was that some patients developed serious infections, with a small number dying early during the course of the study. Because of this, the study was temporarily paused.  
 
Doctors also added protective steps: 
    • IVIG (immune replacement therapy) 
    • Closer infection monitoring 
    • Preventive antibiotics 
 
After these changes were made, infection-related deaths dropped dramatically. This shows that powerful treatments require careful safety planning, and doctors are learning how to manage these risks. 
 
 

What were the results of testing teclistamab + daratumumab in NDMM patients who are transplant-ineligible?  

Researchers also tested teclistamab + daratumumab in newly diagnosed myeloma patients who are transplant-ineligible. 
 
Early but encouraging results showed: 
    • 100% of patients responded 
    • At about 10 months, no disease progression 
    • No deaths reported 
 
While still early, this suggests bispecific antibodies may: 
    • Replace some traditional first-line regimens 
    • Reduce the need for intensive chemotherapy in certain patients 
    • Bispecific antibodies may move to first-line treatment 
 
 

Why is fixed-duration bispecific therapy and MRD an important concept? 

Another important concept was introduced, using: 
    • Fixed-duration treatment (not lifelong therapy) 
    • Bispecific antibodies to help patients reach MRD negativity 
 
What is minimal residual disease (MRD)?  
    • Means no detectable myeloma using very sensitive tests 
    • Strongly linked to longer remissions 
    • A major focus of current myeloma research 
 
This approach aims to: 
    • Deepen responses 
    • Allow patients to stop treatment 
    • Improve long-term quality of life 
 
1. Using MRD to guide treatment decisions 
This section focused on how doctors may use MRD to decide who needs more treatment and who doesn’t. 
 
In one study: 
    • Patients with newly diagnosed myeloma received standard treatment 
    • Those who did not reach MRD negativity were given a short, fixed course of a bispecific antibody called linvoseltamab 
    • Linvoseltamab targets B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a marker not usually targeted in early treatment 
 
Why this matters: 
    • Myeloma is not always one single disease; it can have different “clones” 
    • One treatment may eliminate most myeloma cells but leave a small resistant group behind 
    • Using a different type of therapy can help eliminate those remaining cells 
 
The goal is to: 
    • Deepen response 
    • Achieve MRD negativity 
    • Stop treatment instead of continuing indefinitely 
 
2. A major goal: stopping treatment when possible 
Dr. Mikhael emphasized an important patient-centered goal: “My favorite drug is nothing.” 
 
Why this is important: 
    • Long-term treatment causes fatigue, infections, and reduced quality of life 
    • Patients value time off therapy 
    • Fixed-duration treatment may allow patients to live longer periods without medication 
 
This approach could eventually reduce or eliminate the need for long-term maintenance therapy for some patients. 
 
3. Using bispecific antibodies after CAR T to extend remission 
Another study explored whether remission after CAR T-cell therapy could be extended. 
 
What they did: 
    • Patients who had received CAR T therapy (Abecma or Carvykti) 
    • Received a short course (about 6 months) of a bispecific antibody called cevostamab 
    • Cevostamab targets FCRH5, a different target than BCMA 
 
The idea:
    • CAR T may eliminate most disease 
    • A short additional treatment may remove any remaining myeloma cells 
    • Treatment can then be stopped if MRD negativity is achieved 
 
This strategy aims to: 
    • Make CAR T therapy even more effective 
    • Extend remission without long-term treatment 
 
4. Combining two bispecific antibodies for aggressive myeloma 
Researchers also tested two bispecific antibodies together, each targeting a different myeloma marker: 
    • One targeting BCMA 
    • One targeting GPRC5D 
 
This study focused on patients with extramedullary disease (EMD): 
    • Myeloma growing outside the bone marrow 
    • Typically, more aggressive and harder to treat 
 
Results: 
    • Nearly 80% of patients responded 
    • Over 50% remained in remission at one year 
 
Why this is significant: 
    • Historically, patients with EMD often relapse within 3–4 months 
    • These results represent a major improvement 
 
This combination is now being reviewed for potential FDA approval. 
 
5. New combinations: bispecific antibodies plus oral drugs 
A “bonus” study explored combining: 
    • A bispecific antibody (linvoseltamab) 
    • With a newer oral drug (iberdomide), part of a class called CELMoDs 
 
Key points: 
    • CELMoDs are pills, similar to Revlimid-like drugs but more powerful 
    • The combination showed 96–100% response rates 
    • Suggests bispecific antibodies can be safely and effectively combined with other treatments 
 
This opens the door to: 
    • More flexible treatment combinations 
    • Personalized therapy choices 
 

What are the key takeaways from bispecific antibodies?  

This part of the webinar highlights several important trends in myeloma care: 
    • Treatment is becoming smarter and more targeted 
    • MRD is increasingly used to guide decisions 
    • Fixed-duration therapy may replace lifelong treatment for some patients 
    • Bispecific antibodies can be used earlier, used after CAR T, and combined with other bispecifics or oral drugs 
    • Even aggressive myeloma types are becoming more treatable 
 

What is the bottom line for patients and caregivers?  

The future of myeloma treatment is moving toward: 
    • Deeper remissions 
    • Shorter treatment courses 
    • More time off therapy 
    • Better quality of life 
 
Instead of treating everyone the same, doctors are learning how to match the right treatment to the right patient at the right time — and stop treatment when it’s safe to do so. 
 

Insights and Q&A with guest patients & audience 
 

Jill Zitzewitz, PhD (Central MA Multiple Myeloma Support Group) 

A scientist and myeloma patient, Jill shared how powerful it is to watch research turn into real treatment options. 
 
Key points from her experience: 
    • Myeloma research used to move slowly — now progress is happening very fast 
    • CAR T-cell therapy moved from being experimental (clinical trials only), to being FDA-approved, to being used earlier in treatment 
    • For Jill, CAR T offered something very meaningful: 
    1. A break from ongoing treatment 
    2. Relief from daily fatigue, brain fog, and constant medication 
    3. Time to focus on life, not just myeloma 
 
She described how seeing the science behind her own blood tests gave her confidence and reassurance during treatment. 
 
Jill also spoke about an important reality of immune-based treatments like CAR T and bispecific antibodies: infection risk. 
 
    • Immune therapies can significantly weaken the immune system 
    • Many patients temporarily lose their own antibodies and immune cells 
    • IVIG is now more routinely used to protect patients 
    • Patients may need to: 
    1. Avoid crowds 
    2. Wear masks 
    3. Be cautious during flu season 
    
These risks reinforce the importance of not overtreating, and using the minimum effective duration of therapy 
 
Dr. Mikhael added: 
    • Almost all patients receiving CAR T or bispecific antibodies need IVIG for a period of time 
    • IVIG is usually temporary 
    • Over time, most patients’ immune systems recover 
 
 

Rose Simon (Maitland/Central Florida Support Group) 

Rose, a younger myeloma patient, shared concerns that are especially important for people diagnosed earlier in life. 
 
Key issues she raised: 
    • Maintenance therapy can be effective but comes with long-term consequences 
    • Fertility concerns are especially important for younger patients 
    • Treatments like high-dose chemotherapy (melphalan) and Revlimid can affect the body long-term 
    • The hope is that future patients may need less prolonged therapy 
    • Excitement about CAR T therapy, wishing it had been available earlier 
 
Her message highlights: 
    • Age and life stage matter when making treatment decisions 
    • Reducing long-term treatment burden is a major patient priority 
 
Rose raised an important patient question: Do these new therapies mean patients might avoid harsh chemotherapy drugs like melphalan or even stem cell transplant? 
 
    • Large studies are now directly comparing CAR T-cell therapy vs. transplant 
    • These studies are still ongoing 
    • Results may take a few years, but this is a very real and active area of research 
 
While CAR T cannot yet replace transplant in standard practice, that question is now being seriously studied. 
 
 

Jim Shoemaker (Mid-South Multiple Support Group) 

A long-term myeloma patient, Jim shared his personal experience with a bispecific antibody clinical trial. 
 
Key points: 
    • He received talquetamab combined with daratumumab in a clinical trial 
    • His care team monitored him very closely, especially for infections 
    • He received IVIG to help protect against infections 
    • He achieved MRD negativity  
    • After about 18 months, he was able to stop treatment completely 
    • He is on no maintenance therapy 
    • His quality of life is “a 10 out of 10” 
 
Jim’s experience shows that: 
    • Bispecific antibodies can be very effective 
    • Some patients may be able to stop treatment and enjoy long periods off therapy 
    • Close monitoring and supportive care make these treatments safer 
 
Living with myeloma for many years, Jim asked the question many patients are thinking: “Are we approaching a cure?” 
 
Dr. Mikhael gave the following answers: 
    • Doctors are beginning to see a growing group of patients who remain in remission for many years after treatment 
    • In the past, only about 2–3% of patients might have been considered cured 
    • With modern therapies, that number may now be closer to 20–30% 
    • A true “cure” (never needing to think about myeloma again) is not guaranteed yet 
    • But for some patients, long-term remission may function like a cure 
 
 

Other patient questions and concerns addressed by Dr. Mikhael 
 

1. What are the practical benefits of ‘In vivo’ CAR T? 

Key takeaways: 
    • It is expected to become a real treatment option, not just an idea 
    • It may: 
      - Be easier to deliver 
      - Be more accessible worldwide 
      - Reduce health-care disparities 
    • Early data suggest: 
      - Fewer side effects than traditional CAR T 
      - Less cytokine release syndrome 
      - Fewer nerve side effects 
      - Less need for chemotherapy beforehand 
 
This approach could make CAR T therapy simpler and safer for more patients. 
 
2. Is CAR T appropriate for older adult patients?  
    • Age alone does not disqualify someone 
    • Doctors look at: 
            - Overall health 
            - Other medical conditions 
            - Physical strength (“frailty”) 
    • Patients in their 80s have successfully received CAR T therapy 
 
3. Is multiple myeloma always terminal? 
    • For some patients, it can still be life-limiting 
    • For others, it is now a long-term, manageable disease 
    • Outcomes vary widely 
    • Many patients are living 10, 20, or more years 
 
4. What is considered as long remission? 
    • In the past: 6 months 
    • Today: 5 years or more is increasingly expected 
 
5. Can maintenance therapy ever be stopped? 
    • In some standard-risk patients with deep, sustained remission (especially MRD-negative) stopping maintenance after ~3 years may be considered 
    • Decisions must always be individualized 
    • Maintenance is still recommended for many patients, especially after transplant 
 
6. What is limited-duration treatment? 
Dr. Mikhael highlighted a recurring theme throughout the webinar: 
    • Powerful treatments do not always need to be given forever 
    • In some cases, treatment can be stopped once a deep response is achieved 
 
This approach aims to: 
    • Maintain disease control 
    • Reduce side effects 
    • Improve quality of life 
    • Allow patients time without ongoing therapy 
 
7. How far has myeloma treatment evolved in the past 25 years? 
Dr. Mikhael reflected on how dramatically myeloma treatment has changed: 
    • 25 years ago, there were very few treatment options 
    • Today, there are many approved therapies and many more in development 
    • This rapid progress is a major reason for improved survival and quality of life 
 
8. What are some of the newer treatment guidelines? 
Dr. Mikhael shared news about newly published ASCO treatment guidelines for multiple myeloma, developed with: 
    • International experts 
    • Canadian colleagues 
    • Patient representatives 
 
The guidelines are dedicated to the late Jack Aiello, a beloved patient advocate and IMF Board Member who: 
    • Lived with myeloma 
    • Led support groups 
    • Educated patients 
    • Advocated for patient involvement in research 
    • Inspired many in the myeloma community 
 
A patient-friendly version of the guidelines will be available so patients can better understand and discuss their care. 

The IMF’s role: Empowering patients through education and support 

The IMF continues to empower patients through education and support, through these resources for patients and care partners: 
    • IMF videos and webinar replays 
    • Clinical trial matching tools (SparkCures) 
    • Support groups across the U.S. and special-interest groups 
    • A new group launching for younger and mid-life patients 
    • The IMF InfoLine for personalized support 
    • Resources for Canadian patients through Myeloma Canada 
 
 

Key takeaways for patients 

    • Ask questions and be involved in your care decisions. 
    • Know your risk level and discuss it with your doctor. 
    • Stay informed about new treatments and clinical trials. 
    • Monitor your health carefully, especially infection risks. 
    • Use support groups and resources to stay connected and empowered. 
    • Balance treatment goals: living longer and living better. 
    • Remember, treatment-free remission is possible for some patients. 
 

Final thoughts and hopeful messages 

    • Patients’ real experiences are shaping the future of myeloma care. 
    • Deep remissions and treatment-free time are becoming realistic goals. 
    • Quality of life matters just as much as length of life. 
    • Infection risks are real but increasingly well-managed. 
    • Education, advocacy, and community support are powerful tools. 
    • Ongoing research and patient advocacy are vital to improving care. 
    • Hope is real, and so is the power of community and education. 
    • You are not alone on this journey — there is a vibrant network of support.