At the end of every month, the International Myeloma Foundation Newsroom will feature a wrap-up of some of the most fascinating studies about multiple myeloma from medical journals. Here is the November 2025 edition.

The IMF team of medical editors has provided overviews of key studies. Yet, we encourage you to visit the actual articles in the journals for full details and to increase your understanding. Check the IMF Newsroom monthly for updates like this one.

In the Journals (Key Myeloma Research in November 2025)

"High Rate of Cytokine Release Syndrome-Related Coagulopathy with Low Incidence of Bleeding and Thrombosis in Patients Treated with B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells (CAR-T)"

Source

Arad, A., Katz, M., Lebel, E., Kalish, Y., Assayag, M., Avni, B., Elias, S., Grisariu, S., Shai, E., Kfir-Erenfeld, S., Asherie, N., Gatt, M. E., Stepensky, P., & Zimran, E. (2025). High Rate of Cytokine Release Syndrome-Related Coagulopathy with Low Incidence of Bleeding and Thrombosis in Patients Treated with B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells (CAR-T). Cancers, 17(21), 3551. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17213551  November 1, 2025.  

Overview

CAR-T therapy targeting BCMA shows strong potential for advanced multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis, but many patients experience cytokine release syndrome and a related clotting issue called coagulopathy. In a clinical trial of 108 patients, coagulopathy was common (73%), yet serious complications like thrombosis or bleeding were rare and did not correlate with CRS severity. Overall, outcomes were reassuring and may reflect the effectiveness of the preventive measures used.
 

"The Impact of Bone Marrow Transplant on Total Joint Arthroplasty Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Randall R. Rainwater, Jacob P. Siebenmorgen, Simon C. Mears, Benjamin M. Stronach, C.Lowry Barnes, Jeffrey B. Stambough, The Impact of Bone Marrow Transplant on Total Joint Arthroplasty Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, The Journal of Arthroplasty, 2025, ISSN 0883-5403, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.10.068. November 1, 2025.   

Overview

As treatments for multiple myeloma improve, more patients are living longer and reaching a point where joint replacement surgery may be needed to maintain their mobility and quality of life. This study looked at how patients with a past bone marrow transplant (BMT) fared after hip or knee replacement surgery, compared with myeloma patients who had never received a transplant. Using a large national insurance database, researchers compared complications, hospital readmissions, and other outcomes within the first 90 days after surgery.

The study found that patients who previously had a BMT tended to have joint replacement surgery at a younger age, but they did not face higher risks of common implant-related problems such as infection, fracture around the joint, or joint instability. However, they were more likely to experience certain issues, including fractures caused by weakened bone and blood clots after surgery. Although overall readmission rates were similar between the groups, these higher risks suggest that patients with a prior BMT may benefit from extra monitoring and preventive care during the recovery period.

 

"Cytomegalovirus reactivation during treatment with bispecific antibodies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma"

Source

Jurgens, E., Shekarkhand, T., Rueda, C. et al. Cytomegalovirus reactivation during treatment with bispecific antibodies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Blood Cancer J. 15, 189 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-025-01393-8  November 1, 2025.   

Overview

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are an important treatment option for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, but infections—especially viral infections—remain a common challenge during therapy. One virus of concern is cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can reactivate in people with weakened immune systems. Because earlier studies did not routinely test for CMV, the true rate of reactivation has been unclear. This real-world study followed CMV-positive patients receiving approved BsAbs at Memorial Sloan Kettering to better understand how often CMV reactivation happens and what factors may increase the risk.

Researchers found that CMV reactivation was fairly common, with about one-third of patients showing evidence of the virus returning within the first six months of treatment. Only a few patients developed symptoms or needed antiviral medication, and most improved once treated. However, patients who experienced CMV reactivation were more likely to die from other serious infections, suggesting that CMV may be a warning sign of a weakened immune system rather than the direct cause of poor outcomes. Steroid treatment for cytokine release syndrome appeared to increase the risk of CMV activity, while low blood counts and other baseline factors did not.

Because of these findings, the authors recommend routine CMV monitoring—especially in patients who need steroids early in treatment—to catch reactivation early and guide care. More research is needed to define when antiviral therapy should begin and how CMV reactivation affects long-term outcomes for people receiving BsAbs.
 

"Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Over 2,200 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: Supporting bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone as a preferred regimen in the absence of anti-CD38 antibodies"

Source

A Jungova, M Stork, I Spicka, J Radocha, J Minarik, P Pavlicek, J Mihalyova, L Pour, J Straub, V. Maisnar, T. Pika, T. Dekojova, J. Soukup, T. Popkova, K. Mensikova, F. Sedlák, J. Pospiskova, I. Boichuk, P. Krhovska, T. Stopka, P. Jindra, T. Jelínek, Z. Knechtová, V. Capounova, V. Latal, L. Muronova, A. Heindorfer, J. Ullrychova, M. Sykora, P. Kessler, R. Hajek, Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Over 2,200 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: Supporting bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone as a preferred regimen in the absence of anti-CD38 antibodies, Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia, 2025, ISSN 2152-2650, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clml.2025.10.022. November 2, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, and bortezomib has become one of the key treatments for this disease. Since its approval, bortezomib—often used in three-drug combinations—has helped many people by triggering the death of myeloma cells and improving outcomes, especially for those who are not able to undergo a stem cell transplant. But clinical trials don’t always reflect the full range of patients seen in everyday practice, since many people don’t meet the strict criteria needed to enroll.

To better understand how well bortezomib-based treatments work in the real world, researchers looked at 17 years of national data from the Czech Republic. Their analysis focused on newly diagnosed patients who were not candidates for transplant and received triplet regimens that included bortezomib. This long-term, real-world look offers important insight into how effective these treatments are outside of clinical trials and helps paint a clearer picture of what patients can expect in routine care.
 

"Redefining central nervous system multiple myeloma: From rare phenomenon to emerging entity"

Source

Ian Landry, Adam F. Binder, Marc Yorker, Sarah Ramirez, Redefining central nervous system multiple myeloma: From rare phenomenon to emerging entity, Blood Reviews,2025,101343, ISSN 0268-960X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.blre.2025.101343. November 2, 2025. 

Overview

Central nervous system involvement in multiple myeloma, known as CNS-MM, is a rare but very serious form of the disease. Even though treatments for myeloma have improved overall survival, these gains have not carried over to patients who develop CNS involvement. This review looked at what we currently know about how often CNS-MM occurs, who is at risk, how it presents, how it is diagnosed, and which treatments may help.

CNS-MM usually appears in patients whose disease has returned or stopped responding to treatment and is linked to high-risk features such as aggressive cell types, high-risk genetics, and other sites of disease outside the bone marrow. Unfortunately, survival remains poor—often less than six months—mainly because many standard myeloma therapies cannot effectively reach the brain and spinal fluid. Early research into CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and chemotherapy delivered directly into the spinal fluid has shown some promise, but data are still limited.

Newer diagnostic tools, such as testing spinal fluid for tumor DNA or soluble BCMA, may help doctors detect CNS involvement earlier and monitor it more closely, especially in high-risk patients. The review suggests that CNS-MM may be a distinct form of myeloma that requires its own approach to screening and treatment. Moving forward, combining better diagnostic testing with therapies that can reach the central nervous system may offer a clearer path to improving outcomes for this vulnerable group.
 

"Prognostic Implications of Thrombocytopenia in Chinese Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma"

Source

X. Li, X. Lai, X. Wang, et al., “Prognostic Implications of Thrombocytopenia in Chinese Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma,” Cancer Medicine 14, no. 21 (2025): e71353, https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.71353.  November 2, 2025. 

Overview

Thrombocytopenia—having a low platelet count—is not very common in people newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma, but when it does occur, it is linked to a higher risk of early death. In today’s treatment era, where most patients receive modern combination therapies, it has been unclear whether these newer regimens can offset the poor outlook associated with low platelets. This study looked at more than 1,300 patients to understand how thrombocytopenia affects treatment response and long-term outcomes.

About 15% of patients had thrombocytopenia at diagnosis, and these individuals tended to have more advanced disease. They also had significantly shorter progression-free survival and overall survival compared with patients who had normal platelet counts. Even among those receiving modern induction therapy, thrombocytopenia remained a strong negative prognostic factor, highlighting the need for careful risk assessment and close monitoring in this group.
 

"Developing antisense therapeutics for multiple myeloma"

Source

Alexander Kapphahn, Nikki Truong, Mahnoor Khan, Annaliza Ashitey, Dominic Alfano, Anisha Gupta, Developing antisense therapeutics for multiple myeloma, Cell Reports Physical Science,2025, 102923, ISSN 2666-3864, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102923. November 3, 2025. 

Overview

MicroRNAs are tiny molecules that help control how genes are turned on and off, but when their levels become unbalanced, they can contribute to cancer growth and spread. In multiple myeloma, these disruptions can influence how plasma cells grow, how the disease affects bones, and how it progresses over time. Researchers are now looking at antisense oligonucleotides—laboratory-made molecules that can block harmful miRNAs—as a new way to slow or stop the signals that drive myeloma.

This review brings together what is known about miRNAs in myeloma and highlights the gene targets that matter most. It also explores early efforts to develop antisense-based therapies, which may eventually help strengthen current treatment regimens and open the door to new options for patients.
 

"Risk Stratification Strategies and Implementation of Exercise Training in Patients with Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Park, SS., Kim, ES., Youn, JC. et al. Risk Stratification Strategies and Implementation of Exercise Training in Patients with Multiple Myeloma. Curr Oncol Rep (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-025-01719-6  November 3, 2025. 

Overview

Exercise can play an important role in helping people with multiple myeloma feel stronger and improve their overall well-being, but creating a safe plan isn’t always simple. Myeloma often causes bone weakness, heart problems, nerve damage, and low blood counts, all of which can affect what types of movement are safe. Recent research shows that both aerobic exercise and strength training can be helpful, but experts still don’t agree on the best approach.

Because every patient’s situation is different, tools like heart-and-lung fitness testing, bone-strength evaluations, and blood tests may help tailor exercise programs to individual needs. This review highlights the growing evidence that exercise is a valuable part of supportive care in myeloma, while emphasizing the need for personalized plans that balance benefits with safety.
 

"LncRNA NEAT1 modulates myeloma cell autophagy and apoptosis by competitively binding miR-195-5p to regulate CEBPA"

Source

Wang, T., Xu, H., Tao, W. et al. LncRNA NEAT1 modulates myeloma cell autophagy and apoptosis by competitively binding miR-195-5p to regulate CEBPA. Discov Onc 16, 2012 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03869-2  November 3, 2025. 

Overview

This study shows that the long non-coding RNA NEAT1 helps multiple myeloma cells survive by blocking the activity of miR-195-5p, which normally suppresses the cancer-promoting gene CEBPA. When NEAT1 is silenced, cancer cells grow more slowly, invade less, and undergo more apoptosis because CEBPA levels fall and autophagy—one of the cells’ survival pathways—is disrupted. Mouse experiments confirmed these findings, showing smaller tumors and reduced autophagy after NEAT1 knockdown or miR-195-5p activation.

Overall, the results suggest that NEAT1 acts as a molecular “decoy” that protects CEBPA and supports tumor growth. Targeting the NEAT1–miR-195-5p–CEBPA axis may offer a new therapeutic strategy to slow multiple myeloma progression.
 

"Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of alternative pomalidomide dosing regimens in the treatment of multiple myeloma"

Source

Seefat, M.R., Cucchi, D.G.J., van Boven, L., Durdu-Rayman, N., Groen, K., Levin, M.-.-D., de Heer, K., de Valk, B., Wester, R., van der Spek, E., Rentenaar, R., Korst, C.L.B.M., Quik, M., O'Neill, C.A., Tzortzi, P., Smits, F., Mathot, R., Heerma van Voss, M.R., van de Donk, N.W.C.J., Mutis, T., Bartelink, I.H. and Zweegman, S. (2025), Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of alternative pomalidomide dosing regimens in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Br J Haematol. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.70239  November 3, 2025. 

Overview

Pomalidomide is an important therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, but the best dosing schedule to balance effectiveness and side effects is not fully established. This study compared three dosing regimens—4 mg daily for 21 of 28 days, 2 mg daily for 28 days, and 4 mg every-other-day (EOD) for 11 doses per 28-day cycle—by measuring both drug levels in the blood and biological effects on immune cells. Researchers found that only daily dosing reliably reached target drug levels and maintained strong engagement of Ikaros and Aiolos, proteins critical for pomalidomide’s anti-myeloma activity, while also stimulating T-cell activation.

The 4 mg daily schedule showed the greatest reductions in Ikaros/Aiolos and the highest immune activation, while 2 mg daily provided moderate effects with potentially lower toxicity. The 4 mg EOD regimen resulted in subtherapeutic drug levels between doses, weaker target engagement, and less T-cell activation, making it less effective despite potential cost savings. These findings suggest that maintaining consistent drug exposure is key to pomalidomide’s activity, supporting 4 mg daily as the preferred regimen, with 2 mg daily as a safer alternative for patients at risk of side effects. The study highlights the value of integrating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic measurements to optimize dosing and guide future development of immune-modulating therapies.
 

"The role of the bone marrow microenvironment in disease progression and drug resistance in multiple myeloma in the era of novel agents"

Source

Guadagno, L., Schütt, J., Brinkert, K., Schenk, T., & Brioli, A. (2025). The role of the bone marrow microenvironment in disease progression and drug resistance in multiple myeloma in the era of novel agents. Leukemia & Lymphoma, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2025.2575438  November 3, 2025. 

Overview

This review explains that multiple myeloma develops not just from genetic mutations—many of which are already present in early, asymptomatic stages—but from critical support provided by the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME). Cells in the BMME help myeloma cells survive, resist treatment, and grow by offering survival signals, promoting drug resistance through cell adhesion, and shaping cytokine networks.

As new T-cell–redirecting therapies like CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies become more widely used, understanding the immune microenvironment has become even more important. The paper outlines how different components of the BMME influence disease and response to modern therapies, and it highlights emerging approaches that may better target these microenvironment-driven mechanisms in the future.
 

"Myeloma bone disease: A constant problem in the changing landscape of myeloma management"

Source

Swan D, Yong A, Vandyke K, Hocking J. Myeloma bone disease: A constant problem in the changing landscape of myeloma management. Br J Haematol. 2025; 00: 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.70240  November 3, 2025. 

Overview

Treatments for multiple myeloma have improved significantly in recent years, helping patients live longer, but bone disease remains a major cause of pain, fractures, and other complications. Anti-resorptive therapies, such as bisphosphonates, are routinely recommended to help protect bones, yet patients still experience skeletal-related events. This review explains how myeloma affects bone, why bone-targeted therapies are important, and the evidence supporting current guideline recommendations.

The review also explores new strategies aimed at boosting bone formation and reducing bone damage, as well as how anti-myeloma treatments themselves can influence bone health. Additionally, biomarkers may help doctors monitor bone disease and adjust therapy intensity and duration to better protect patients’ bones while managing myeloma.
 

"Healthcare resource utilization and costs in patients with multiple myeloma who received 1 to 3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory drug, and were exposed to and discontinued lenalidomide in the United States"

Source

Jagannath, S., Kharat, A., Chinaeke, E., Fu, A. Z., Perciavalle, M., Huo, S., & Qureshi, Z. P. (2025). Healthcare resource utilization and costs in patients with multiple myeloma who received 1 to 3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory drug, and were exposed to and discontinued lenalidomide in the United States. Journal of Medical Economics, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/13696998.2025.2583668 November 3, 2025. 

Overview

Patients with refractory multiple myeloma often go through several lines of therapy, which can create a substantial financial burden. This study analyzed U.S. healthcare claims for patients who had received one to three prior lines of treatment and found that average total healthcare costs exceeded $41,000 per patient per month, with nearly all costs directly related to myeloma care. The majority of these expenses were driven by drug and infusion treatments, highlighting how treatment itself is the main contributor to financial strain.

These findings emphasize the high economic impact of current myeloma therapies and point to the need for more cost-effective treatment options that can manage the disease while reducing the financial burden on patients and the healthcare system.

"Recommendations for the study of monoclonal gammopathies in the clinical laboratory. A consensus of the Spanish society of laboratory medicine and the Spanish society of hematology and hemotherapy. Part III: clinical and analytical recommendations for the study of monoclonal gammopathies by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry"

Source

Agulló, C., Puig, N., Varo, N., Iglesias, M., Mugueta, C., Pello, R., Paiva, B., Martínez-López, J., Castro, S., Cárdenas, M., García-Sanz, R., Pérez-Surribas, D., Flores-Montero, J., Ortiz-Espejo, M., de la Rubia, J., Cruz-Iglesias, E., Fontán, A., Isidoro-García, M., San-Miguel, J. & Mateos, M. (). Recommendations for the study of monoclonal gammopathies in the clinical laboratory. A consensus of the Spanish society of laboratory medicine and the Spanish society of hematology and hemotherapy. Part III: clinical and analytical recommendations for the study of monoclonal gammopathies by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM). https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2025-1056  November 4, 2025. 

Overview

Monoclonal gammopathies are a group of plasma cell disorders that range from harmless precursors to aggressive cancers like multiple myeloma. Mass spectrometry offers a sensitive, non-invasive way to detect and measure M-proteins, improving assessment of treatment response and residual disease, especially in patients with suspected complete response, those who cannot undergo bone marrow procedures, or those receiving therapies that interfere with standard tests.

This guideline, endorsed by the Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine and the Spanish Society of Hematology, provides clear recommendations for using mass spectrometry in clinical practice. It covers best practices at diagnosis and during follow-up, emphasizes standardized reporting, and supports clinical decision-making to improve care for patients with monoclonal gammopathies. 

"USP4, Transcriptionally Activated by MEF2A, Protects Multiple Myeloma Cells From Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis via Repressing NR4A1 Ubiquitination"

Source

J. Lin, F. Zeng, Z. Zhang, L. Liu, and Z. Xu, “USP4, Transcriptionally Activated by MEF2A, Protects Multiple Myeloma Cells From Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis via Repressing NR4A1 Ubiquitination,” The FASEB Journal 39, no. 21 (2025): e71184, https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202502043R.  November 4, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer caused by uncontrolled growth of plasma cells, and understanding the molecular mechanisms driving this disease is critical for developing new therapies. This study found that the enzyme USP4 promotes myeloma cell growth by protecting the protein NR4A1 from degradation, which reduces stress in the cell’s endoplasmic reticulum and prevents apoptosis. The transcription factor MEF2A increases USP4 production, further supporting cancer cell survival.

When USP4 or MEF2A were blocked, myeloma cells experienced increased ER stress and apoptosis, slowing tumor growth in lab and animal models. These findings reveal that the MEF2A-USP4-NR4A1 pathway plays a key role in myeloma progression and suggest that targeting USP4 could be a promising new approach for treatment.

"Proinflammatory bone marrow niches and neutrophil activation are associated with TIGIT expression in multiple myeloma"

Source

Tomarchio, V., Arciprete, F., Di Cecca, M. et al. Proinflammatory bone marrow niches and neutrophil activation are associated with TIGIT expression in multiple myeloma. Ann Hematol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-025-06698-z  November 4, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma is a common blood cancer in adults, and the bone marrow environment plays a key role in supporting cancer cell survival and growth. This study examined the immune checkpoint protein TIGIT in the bone marrow of newly diagnosed myeloma patients and found it was expressed in the majority of samples. Patients with TIGIT-positive samples had more advanced disease, high-risk genetic features, and elevated markers of inflammation, including IL-6 and IL-8.

TIGIT-positive bone marrow also contained neutrophils undergoing NETosis, a process that can promote inflammation and support tumor progression. Morphologically, TIGIT-positive plasma cells appeared more polarized and were often near neutrophils, while TIGIT-negative cells were larger and altered. These findings suggest that TIGIT expression is linked to aggressive disease and a proinflammatory microenvironment, highlighting its potential as both a biomarker of severity and a target for therapy in multiple myeloma.

"Human preclinical multiple myeloma in vitro models for disease modeling and therapy screening"

Source

Ybarra, M., Lee, J., Chen, YY. et al. Human preclinical multiple myeloma in vitro models for disease modeling and therapy screening. J Biol Eng 19, 98 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13036-025-00570-4 November 4, 2025

Overview

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer driven by the uncontrolled growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Traditional lab models, including cell line cultures and mouse studies, fail to fully mimic the human bone marrow environment, limiting understanding of drug resistance, immune evasion, and cell interactions that drive disease progression.

Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have improved modeling by adding structural complexity and diverse cell types, but many still lack human stromal cells, immune components, and functional vasculature. Advanced humanized in vitro models using patient-derived cells are needed to better replicate the bone marrow microenvironment, support mechanistic studies, and improve drug testing. This review discusses the evolution of MM models, their applications, current limitations, and future directions for creating fully humanized, immunocompetent platforms that more accurately predict clinical outcomes.

"Therapeutic potential of PRMT1 as a critical survival dependency target in multiple myeloma"

Source

Hussain, T., Awasthi, S., Shahid, F. et al. Therapeutic potential of PRMT1 as a critical survival dependency target in multiple myeloma. BMC Cancer 25, 1704 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-15104-w November 4, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells and ranks as the second most common blood malignancy worldwide. Treatment is often limited by drug resistance and relapse, highlighting the need for new therapeutic targets.

Using a CRISPR/Cas9 screen of 197 DNA damage response genes, PRMT1, an enzyme that modifies proteins through arginine methylation, was identified as essential for MM cell survival. Inhibiting PRMT1 with the small molecule GSK3368715 reduced cell viability, disrupted cell cycle progression, and impaired DNA damage response pathways. These findings reveal PRMT1 as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in MM, with inhibition impairing tumor growth and highlighting a promising new approach for treatment.

"Real-World Outcomes In Myeloma Patients With t (11;14): A Matched Comparison Using the Canadian Myeloma Research Group National Clinical Database"

Source

Julia Varghese, Christopher P Venner, Martha Louzada, Donna Reece, Darrell White, Smriti Sharma, Jiandong Su, Michael P Chu, Victor H Jimenez-Zepeda, Arleigh McCurdy, Kevin Song, Hira Mian, Michael Sebag, Julie Stakiw, Anthony Reiman, Rami Kotb, Muhammad Aslam, Rayan Kaedbey, Debra Bergstrom, Engin Gul, Richard LeBlanc, Real-World Outcomes In Myeloma Patients With t (11;14): A Matched Comparison Using the Canadian Myeloma Research Group National Clinical Database, Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia,2025,ISSN 2152-2650, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clml.2025.10.019. November 4, 2025. 

Overview

In multiple myeloma (MM), the t(11;14) translocation defines a distinct biology, often linked to a lymphoplasmacytic phenotype and plasma cell leukemia. Its dependence on the BCL2 pathway makes it a potential target for therapy.

A real-world, retrospective study compared outcomes of t(11;14) patients with matched non-t(11;14) cases using the Canadian Myeloma Research Group database. Progression-free survival (PFS) during first-line therapy was similar between groups, but t(11;14) patients had shorter PFS in second-line therapy, leading to reduced PFS2. Overall survival was not yet affected, highlighting the need for optimized treatment sequencing at relapse. This study provides a critical benchmark for future trials of BCL2-targeted therapies in t(11;14) MM.

"Teclistamab Dosing Strategies in Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma: A Real-World Comparison of Weekly and Biweekly Versus Fixed Intervals"

Source

Snyder, J., Atrash, S., Paul, B., Khan, A. M., Habib, A., Shaikh, H., Strouse, C., Alkharabsheh, O., Mazloom, A., Ahmed, N., Mahmoudjafari, Z., Mushtaq, M. U., Zayad, A., McGuirk, J., Tiger, Y. K., Shah, M. R., & Abdallah, A.-O. (2025). Teclistamab Dosing Strategies in Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma: A Real-World Comparison of Weekly and Biweekly Versus Fixed Intervals. Cancers, 17(21), 3569. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17213569  November 4, 2025. 

Overview

Teclistamab, a bispecific BCMA-CD3 antibody, is approved for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and usually given continuously until progression or intolerance. Prolonged therapy can increase infection risk and treatment burden.

A multicenter retrospective study compared continuous versus fixed-duration teclistamab in 88 patients. Those achieving deep responses and stopping therapy (fixed-duration) had higher complete response rates and faster time to best response. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were similar between groups, though infections were more frequent in the fixed-duration cohort.

These findings suggest that fixed-duration teclistamab is feasible in selected patients with deep responses, offering comparable early outcomes to continuous therapy and potentially reducing cumulative toxicity. Prospective studies are needed to guide patient selection and optimal discontinuation timing.

"Discovery and characterisation of VPRBP/DCAF1 kinase inhibitor analogues as microtubular destabilising agents with potent anti-myeloma activity"

Source

Olivia Susanto, Emily Gruber, Cheng Mun Wun, Rheana L. Franich, Xiao Ma, Zahra Sabouri-Thompson, Zoe J. Porter, Heather C. Murray, Leonie A. Cluse, Belinda Maher, Daniella Brasacchio, Benjamin P. Martin, Peter J. Fraser, Iva Nikolic, Gisela Mir Arnau, Jarrod J. Sandow, Kaylene J. Simpson, Nicole M. Verrills, Ricky W. Johnstone, Philip E. Thompson, Lev M. Kats, Jake Shortt; Discovery and characterisation of VPRBP/DCAF1 kinase inhibitor analogues as microtubular destabilising agents with potent anti-myeloma activity. Mol Cancer Ther 2025; https://doi.org/10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-25-0306 November 4, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma (MM) is sensitive to therapies targeting protein homeostasis, including thalidomide analogues and proteasome inhibitors. Researchers hypothesized that DDB1/CUL4-associated factors (DCAFs) could reveal new therapeutic targets.

Genetic screening identified DCAF1 (VPRBP) as essential for myeloma cell survival, presenting opportunities for drug development. Using the DCAF1 kinase inhibitor B32B3 as a template, a series of analogues with enhanced anti-myeloma potency was developed. Mechanistic studies showed these compounds act as microtubule-destabilizing agents, independent of DCAF1 kinase activity, and demonstrated efficacy in vivo in multiple myeloma and lymphoma models.

This work highlights DCAF1 as a novel vulnerability in MM and provides a foundation for the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting microtubular dynamics.

"PIKfyve inhibition in myeloma disrupts autophagy and the lysosome, increasing MHC expression and cholesterol metabolism"

Source

Cecilia Bonolo De Campos, Ruijuan He, Tessa Josephine Pelino, Dor David Abelman, Zhihua Li, Daniel K C Lee, Ding Yan Wang, Michael St. Paul, Jeffrey Bruce, Craig D Simpson, Leanne Wybenga-Groot, Michael F. Moran, Rodger E Tiedemann, Trevor Pugh, Tak W. Mak, Olga Issakova, Nikolai Sepetov, Suzanne Trudel, A Keith Stewart; PIKfyve inhibition in myeloma disrupts autophagy and the lysosome, increasing MHC expression and cholesterol metabolism. Blood 2025; blood.2025030061. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2025030061  November 5, 2025. 

Overview

Researchers previously identified PIKfyve—a key regulator of lysosomal function and autophagy—as a therapeutic vulnerability in multiple myeloma (MM). Building on this discovery, they developed PIK001 and related analogues, potent and selective PIKfyve inhibitors with strong anti-myeloma activity. PIK001 was effective in vitro, synergized with venetoclax and selinexor, and maintained activity in lenalidomide-resistant models.

Multi-omic studies revealed mechanisms of resistance, including a catalytic domain mutation (PIKFYVE^N1939K) and altered autophagy capacity. Notably, PIK001 exposure increased cholesterol metabolism and upregulated MHC Class I expression, suggesting potential immune-modulating effects. PIKfyve inhibition also showed selective cytotoxicity in AML, melanoma, and renal cancer.

Overall, these findings validate PIKfyve as a promising therapeutic target in MM and other malignancies and lay the groundwork for future preclinical and clinical development.

"Paradigm Shift in Monoclonal Protein Detection: From Electrophoresis-based to Mass Spectrometry-based Method"

Source

Lee J, Yoo S, Yang S, Song SH. Paradigm Shift in Monoclonal Protein Detection: From Electrophoresis-based to Mass Spectrometry-based Methods. Ann Lab Med. 2025 Nov 5. doi: 10.3343/alm.2025.0133.  

Overview

Monoclonal protein (M-protein) is a key marker doctors use to diagnose and monitor monoclonal gammopathies, including multiple myeloma. For many years, tests based on electrophoresis have been the standard way to find and measure M-protein in the blood. However, these tests can miss very small amounts of M-protein or may not measure it accurately, especially at low levels. To improve this, they are often combined with tests that measure free light chains in the blood.

Newer tests that use mass spectrometry (MS) are changing how M-protein is detected and tracked. Over the past decade, studies have shown that MS-based methods are more sensitive and precise than traditional techniques, which helps doctors better identify small amounts of M-protein and more accurately monitor treatment response. This is especially important now that more patients are reaching deep responses, where minimal residual disease has become an important sign of long-term outcomes.

Most of the research so far has focused on multiple myeloma, but MS is also being studied in related conditions like MGUS and AL amyloidosis. These newer methods can be automated, work quickly, and may be cost-effective over time. Because of their high accuracy and efficiency, mass spectrometry–based tests may eventually replace older electrophoresis-based methods in many clinical laboratories, offering patients more reliable monitoring throughout their disease journey.

"Incidence, Clinical Features, and Prognostic Value of New-Onset Renal Impairment in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

X. Liu, Q. Hu, Y. Zheng, W. Tang, and T. Niu, “Incidence, Clinical Features, and Prognostic Value of New-Onset Renal Impairment in Multiple Myeloma,” Cancer Medicine 14, no. 21 (2025): e71361, https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.71361.  November 5, 2025. 

Overview

A large multicenter study found that about 17% of people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma developed new kidney problems after diagnosis, most often within the first two years. These patients had significantly shorter overall survival, and new-onset kidney impairment remained an independent risk factor for death even after adjusting for other factors. Early kidney recovery was linked to better outcomes, while older age, higher disease stage, and kidney issues at diagnosis increased the risk of developing new impairment. Importantly, first-line treatment with both proteasome inhibitors and IMiDs lowered the likelihood of new kidney problems, underscoring the need for early risk identification and proactive management.
 

"Characterization of cytogenetic abnormalities in Lebanese multiple myeloma patients"

Source

Najem, G., Kharsa, C., Kourie, H.R. et al. Characterization of cytogenetic abnormalities in Lebanese multiple myeloma patients. BMC Cancer 25, 1715 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-15135-3  November 5, 2025.  

Overview

This study provides the first comprehensive look at the cytogenetic features of multiple myeloma patients in Lebanon, addressing a major gap in regional genomic data. Among 258 patients analyzed using karyotyping and FISH, the most frequent abnormalities were del(17p13) and t(4;14), each found in about 11% of cases, while t(14;16) was notably absent. Complex karyotypes and hypodiploidy were also identified. These findings reveal both shared and distinct genetic patterns compared with other populations and highlight the need for broader cytogenomic research to support more precise, locally informed myeloma care.
 

"The Strange Case of Functional High-Risk Multiple Myeloma Patients: Is It Possible to Identify Them in Clinical Practice?"

Source

Morè, S., Offidani, M., Corvatta, L., Za, T., Fazio, F., Gherardini, M., Bongarzoni, V., Anaclerico, B., Franceschini, L., Ferraro, S., Cupelli, L., Liberatore, C., De Padua, L., Rago, A., Gentili, S., Latagliata, R., Garzia, M., Cordone, I., Mezzanotte, V., ... Petrucci, M. T. (2025). The Strange Case of Functional High-Risk Multiple Myeloma Patients: Is It Possible to Identify Them in Clinical Practice? Cancers, 17(21), 3580. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17213580  November 5, 2025. 

Overview

This study found that certain lab values—high LDH and creatinine, and low hemoglobin and platelets—can help predict which newly treated myeloma patients are at high risk of early relapse. A simple scoring system based on these factors, along with ECOG and ISS stage, identified risk groups, and patients treated with anti-CD38 antibodies were less likely to relapse early.
 

"High Implementation Adherence to Lenalidomide in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Amitai, I., Magen, H., Leader, A., Pironet, A., Tousset, E., Rozental, A., De Geest, S., Vaxman, I., Raanani, P., & Nagler, A. (2025). High Implementation Adherence to Lenalidomide in Multiple Myeloma. Cancers, 17(21), 3587. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17213587  November 5, 2025.  

Overview

In this prospective study using electronic monitoring, researchers evaluated real-world adherence to lenalidomide’s 21-day on/7-day off schedule in multiple myeloma patients starting lenalidomide for the first time. Among 85 participants, adherence was remarkably high: 75% followed cycles perfectly, median implementation adherence was 100%, and only 4% took less than 90% of prescribed doses. More than half of patients took every dose, while a small minority missed four or more. Younger age and participation in a support group were the only significant predictors of daily adherence, underscoring overall strong compliance with lenalidomide therapy.
 

"RPL29 as a radiotherapy-sensitive prognostic biomarker in multiple myeloma"

Source

Wang, Y., Jia, Q., Liu, H. et al. RPL29 as a radiotherapy-sensitive prognostic biomarker in multiple myeloma. World J Surg Onc 23, 418 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-025-04038-z  November 6, 2025.  

Overview

This study looked at how radiation affects multiple myeloma at the molecular level, since radiation is often used for symptom relief but its deeper effects are not well understood. Using animal models, lab tests, and samples from patients, the researchers searched for genes that change after radiation and might help predict outcomes or guide treatment.

They found that low-dose radiation (2 Gy) changed the activity of hundreds of genes in myeloma tumors. One important finding was that a gene called RPL29 was consistently reduced after radiation in both lab models and patient samples. Patients with lower levels of RPL29 tended to have better outcomes, suggesting it may be an important marker of how the disease behaves. The study also confirmed changes in other genes, including the tumor-suppressor gene ADIPOQ, and showed that different radiation doses trigger different biological pathways.

Overall, the results suggest that RPL29 could serve as a new biomarker to help predict prognosis in multiple myeloma and may open the door to new treatment strategies that target this pathway.
 

"Outcomes of relapse after teclistamab therapy in multiple myeloma"

Source

Yu, K.L., Ho, M., Paruzzo, L. et al. Outcomes of relapse after teclistamab therapy in multiple myeloma. Blood Cancer J. 15, 193 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-025-01408-4  November 5, 2025.   

Overview

Teclistamab is a bispecific antibody that helps the immune system target myeloma. It was approved in 2022 for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who had already been treated with at least four types of therapy. Although teclistamab can lead to strong early responses, many patients eventually relapse, and there is no clear standard of care for what to do next. This study looked at what happens when patients relapse after receiving teclistamab.

Researchers reviewed the records of 179 patients treated at the University of Pennsylvania. Almost all had received many previous treatments, and most were considered frail. About 65% responded to teclistamab, and about one-third were still in remission at follow-up. However, more than half eventually relapsed. Patients who relapsed had a median overall survival of only about 6.6 months, and many developed more aggressive forms of the disease, including extramedullary disease, which appears outside the bone marrow. Some patients also had “nonsecretory” disease, which is harder to track with standard blood tests, showing the need for careful imaging and monitoring.

Of the patients who relapsed, 67 went on to receive salvage therapy. These treatments included stem cell transplant, other bispecific antibodies, CAR T-cell therapy, and various drug combinations. The overall response rate to salvage treatment was modest at 38%. Patients who received CAR T-cell therapy or another T-cell–engaging treatment tended to have better outcomes, with longer periods before the disease worsened, although the numbers were small. Prior treatment with BCMA-targeted therapies did not appear to affect how well patients responded to teclistamab or to later treatments.

Overall, the study shows that relapse after teclistamab is common and serious, and patients often face limited treatment options. While some immune-based therapies may help certain patients, better and more widely available treatments are urgently needed.
 

"Functional Role of Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in CAR-T Therapy: Insights from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Zhang, C., & An, F. (2025). Functional Role of Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in CAR-T Therapy: Insights from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Multiple Myeloma. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923973.2025.2585083  November 6, 2025.   

Overview

This study explored why some patients with multiple myeloma do not respond as well as hoped to CAR T-cell therapy. The researchers focused on a type of immune-suppressing cell found in the tumor environment called granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, or G-MDSCs. Using single-cell data from seven patients before and after CAR-T treatment, they found early signals that these cells may play a major role in weakening the immune response and affecting patient outcomes.

The analysis showed that G-MDSCs may interfere with treatment in several ways. They appear to influence key immune pathways, help myeloma cells grow, and block T cells from working effectively. The team also created a risk model using gene signatures linked to G-MDSCs in more than 700 patients. This model accurately predicted which patients were more likely to have poorer outcomes. One gene in particular, PTGS1, stood out as a possible marker of high-risk disease and may be a target for future therapies.

Although this research is exploratory and based on a small number of samples, it offers new clues about how the tumor environment may limit the power of CAR-T therapy. It also points to potential strategies—such as targeting G-MDSCs or PTGS1—that could one day improve treatment results for people with multiple myeloma.
 

"Desensitization of Immunomodulating Agent–Related Hypersensitivity Reactions as a Means to Provide Therapeutic Options in the Management of Plasma Cell Disorders (DeHyperPCD)"

Source

Seki, Jack T., Atenafu, Eshetu G., Bhella, Sita, Chen, Christine, Trudel, Suzanne, Yang, Chloe, Reece, Donna, Rodriguez, Jesus Giovanni Piza, Vohra, Harjot, Kushwaha, Ritu, Prica, Anca, Desensitization of Immunomodulating Agent–Related Hypersensitivity Reactions as a Means to Provide Therapeutic Options in the Management of Plasma Cell Disorders (DeHyperPCD), Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 2025, 6275323, 13 pages, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1155/jcpt/6275323  November 6, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at how radiation affects multiple myeloma at the molecular level, since radiation is often used for symptom relief but its deeper effects are not well understood. Using animal models, lab tests, and samples from patients, the researchers searched for genes that change after radiation and might help predict outcomes or guide treatment.

They found that low-dose radiation (2 Gy) changed the activity of hundreds of genes in myeloma tumors. One important finding was that a gene called RPL29 was consistently reduced after radiation in both lab models and patient samples. Patients with lower levels of RPL29 tended to have better outcomes, suggesting it may be an important marker of how the disease behaves. The study also confirmed changes in other genes, including the tumor-suppressor gene ADIPOQ, and showed that different radiation doses trigger different biological pathways.

Overall, the results suggest that RPL29 could serve as a new biomarker to help predict prognosis in multiple myeloma and may open the door to new treatment strategies that target this pathway.
 

"A BCMA-mRNA vaccine is a promising therapeutic for multiple myeloma"

Source

Debasmita Dutta, Jiye Liu, Kenneth Wen, Arghya Ray, Alessandro Salatino, Xiangdong Liu, Annamaria Gulla, Teru Hideshima, Yan Song, Kenneth C. Anderson; A BCMA-mRNA vaccine is a promising therapeutic for multiple myeloma. Blood 2025; 146 (19): 2322–2335. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2025028597  November 6, 2025. 

Overview

This study tested a new type of cancer vaccine designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack multiple myeloma cells. The vaccine uses mRNA that encodes BCMA, a protein found on myeloma cells, packaged inside tiny fat-based particles similar to those used in COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The researchers also added an immune-stimulating ingredient called poly(I:C) to strengthen the response.

In lab and animal studies, the vaccine worked as intended. It was taken up by dendritic cells—key immune cells that “teach” the body what to attack—which then activated BCMA-specific T cells. These T cells selectively killed myeloma cells that expressed BCMA, including cells from patients, while sparing healthy cells that did not carry BCMA. In mouse models of myeloma, vaccination slowed tumor growth and triggered strong BCMA-targeted immune responses. Adding poly(I:C) made the immune reaction even stronger.

Overall, the results show that a BCMA mRNA vaccine can safely activate a targeted immune attack against myeloma in early laboratory and animal testing. These findings support future clinical trials to see whether this type of vaccine can help improve outcomes for people with multiple myeloma.

"Mezigdomide Combined with Bortezomib Disrupts Cell Cycle and Elicits Superior Anti-Tumor Effects in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Chad C. Bjorklund, Marta Larrayoz, Jian Kang, Hsiling Chiu, Natasha Shtraizent, Lei Wu, Shirong Li, Chih-Chao Hsu, Junfei Zhao, Michael Amatangelo, Tracy Chow, Krista Wollerman, Ram Kumar Singh, Sneha Sridhara, Shailesh Dudhgaonkar, Prakash Subramanyam, Kaushik Ghosh, Paul G. Richardson, Nizar J. Bahlis, Anjan Thakurta, Jose A. Martinez-Climent, Anita K. Gandhi, Patrick R. Hagner; Mezigdomide Combined with Bortezomib Disrupts Cell Cycle and Elicits Superior Anti-Tumor Effects in Multiple Myeloma. Blood Neoplasia 2025; 100179. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bneo.2025.100179  November 7, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at how a three-drug combination—mezigdomide, bortezomib, and low-dose dexamethasone—works against relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Mezigdomide is a newer drug in the CELMoD family that breaks down key myeloma-driving proteins called Ikaros and Aiolos, which slows tumor growth and boosts immune activity. While this mechanism is understood for mezigdomide alone, the way it works when paired with bortezomib and dexamethasone has been less clear.

Using lab and animal models, the researchers tested each drug alone and in different combinations. They found that the mezigdomide triplet was more powerful than any single drug and worked better than the commonly used combination that includes pomalidomide. The three-drug regimen caused deeper and faster breakdown of key proteins, blocked the cell cycle at multiple points, and increased cancer cell death. In animal studies, it also showed stronger overall anti-myeloma activity.

Overall, the findings suggest that adding mezigdomide to bortezomib and dexamethasone creates a more effective treatment by attacking myeloma cells through several pathways at once.

"The impact of STAiR18 on multiple myeloma survival rates"

Source

Wu, Y., Wang, H., Luo, J. et al. The impact of STAiR18 on multiple myeloma survival rates. J Transl Med 23, 1243 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-07210-x November 7, 2025. 

Overview

This study investigated a molecule called STAiR18, which is found at high levels in multiple myeloma cells and appears to be linked to more advanced disease and poorer outcomes. The researchers wanted to understand what controls STAiR18 and how it contributes to myeloma growth.

They found that STAiR18 is switched on by STAT3, a signaling protein often active in myeloma. When STAiR18 was reduced in lab and animal models, myeloma cell growth slowed and tumors shrank. The study also discovered that STAiR18 works in the cytoplasm by blocking a microRNA called miR-451a, which normally helps keep the IL-6R/STAT3/JAK2 growth pathway in check. By “sponging” miR-451a, STAiR18 allows this pathway to stay active, creating a feedback loop that drives cell proliferation.

Overall, the findings suggest that STAiR18 is an important promoter of myeloma growth and could be a promising new therapeutic target.

"Time to Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Real-World Single Centre Experience from India"

Source

Menon, A., Nair, C.K., N, S.N.P. et al. Time to Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Real-World Single Centre Experience from India. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12288-025-02221-6  November 7, 2025. 

Overview

This study examined how closely a cancer center in Kerala, India was able to follow recommended timelines for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in multiple myeloma. Guidelines suggest 3–4 cycles of induction therapy before transplant, but many centers in resource-limited settings face delays due to capacity and financial barriers.

Reviewing 10 years of records from 86 patients, the researchers found that the median time from diagnosis to transplant was just over 12 months—about twice as long as what’s typically reported in Western countries. Most patients received more than the recommended number of induction cycles, with a median of five, and only about 13% underwent transplant within guideline timelines. Institutional waiting lists and financial challenges were the most common reasons for delay.

The findings highlight a major gap between guidelines and real-world practice in low-resource settings. Increasing treatment capacity, improving referral systems, and offering financial support could help more patients receive timely transplants and potentially improve outcomes.

"Saga of MCL1 inhibitors in multiple myeloma"

Source

Emily Nelson, Sandesh P. Telang, Tulin Budak-Alpdogan, Subash C. Jonnalagadda, Sandeep K. Srivastava, Manoj K. Pandey,Saga of MCL1 inhibitors in multiple myeloma, Biochemical Pharmacology, 2025, 117532, ISSN 0006-2952, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2025.117532. November 7, 2025. 

Overview

Researchers are studying a protein called MCL1, which helps multiple myeloma cells survive and resist treatment. Over the past decade, several companies have developed drugs that block MCL1, including the first small-molecule inhibitor to reach clinical trials in 2016. So far, six MCL1-targeting drugs have been tested in early trials for relapsed or refractory myeloma, but side effects—especially heart-related issues—remain a major challenge. This review summarizes the progress made in developing MCL1 inhibitors and what researchers have learned from both laboratory studies and clinical trials.

"WTAP promotes the proliferation of multiple myeloma by regulating the hippo pathway through m6A modification of MAP6D1"

Source

Xu, H., Xu, M., Ding, J., & Bao, J. (2025). WTAP promotes the proliferation of multiple myeloma by regulating the hippo pathway through m6A modification of MAP6D1. Leukemia & Lymphoma, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2025.2576561   November 7, 2025. 

Overview

This study explored the role of a protein called WTAP in multiple myeloma. Researchers found that WTAP is overproduced in myeloma cells and linked to worse survival outcomes. In lab experiments, reducing WTAP slowed cancer cell growth and decreased inflammation. Further analysis showed that WTAP interacts with another protein, MAP6D1, and influences the Hippo signaling pathway, which is important for controlling cell proliferation. These findings suggest that targeting WTAP could be a promising new approach for treating multiple myeloma.

"Real-World Data Analysis on Early Mortality in Chinese Multiple Myeloma Patients: Analysis of 1093 Patients During a 15-Year Period"

Source

Yang, Xue, Pu Wang, Tianhong Xu, Chenqi Yu, Yang Yang, and Peng Liu. 2025. “Real-World Data Analysis on Early Mortality in Chinese Multiple Myeloma Patients: Analysis of 1093 Patients During a 15-Year Period,” Hematological Oncology: e70156. https://doi.org/10.1002/hon.70156.  November 7, 2025. 

Overview

This study examined why some patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma die shortly after diagnosis, known as early mortality. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 patients in China and found that early death occurred in about 6% within two months, 9% within six months, and 13% within a year. Infections and heart problems were the most common causes of early death. Risk factors included heart-related conditions like amyloidosis, history of stroke, a specific genetic abnormality (del 17p), and poor overall health. Other factors, such as disease stage, platelet count, treatment type, and existing heart disease, mainly affected longer-term survival rather than early death.

Using these findings, the team created prediction models to estimate the risk of early mortality and overall survival for individual patients. Identifying patients at higher risk early on could help doctors tailor care and take steps to prevent complications, potentially improving outcomes for those most vulnerable.

"Mileage matters: long-distance performance of CARs in multiple myeloma"

Source

Jurgens EM, Usmani SZ, Merz M. Mileage matters: long-distance performance of CARs in multiple myeloma. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. 2025;13:e012730. https://doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2025-012730  November 7, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at long-term outcomes of CAR T-cell therapy targeting BCMA in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In a group of 141 patients followed for about 20 months, 90% responded to treatment, and nearly half achieved a complete response. The median time before the disease worsened was just over 15 months, and the four-year overall survival rate was 63%. These results highlight that BCMA-directed CAR T-cells can produce deep and lasting responses in many patients with advanced myeloma, and ongoing research is helping to understand long-term benefits and outcomes.

"Talquetamab in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma: multi-institutional real-world study"

Source

Al Hadidi, S., Szabo, A., Mohan Lal, B. et al. Talquetamab in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma: multi-institutional real-world study. Blood Cancer J. 15, 196 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-025-01386-7  November 7, 2025. 

Overview

Talquetamab is a new type of bispecific antibody used for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have already been treated with many other therapies. In this real-world study of 114 heavily pretreated patients, about 73% responded to treatment, and the median time before the disease worsened was 10 months. Side effects were common and included cytokine release syndrome, infections, neurotoxicity, and significant weight loss, underscoring the need for close monitoring and strong supportive care during treatment.

"Talquetamab in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma: multi-institutional real-world study"

Source

Al Hadidi, S., Szabo, A., Mohan Lal, B. et al. Talquetamab in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma: multi-institutional real-world study. Blood Cancer J. 15, 196 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-025-01386-7  November 7, 2025. 

Overview

Talquetamab is a new type of bispecific antibody used for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have already been treated with many other therapies. In this real-world study of 114 heavily pretreated patients, about 73% responded to treatment, and the median time before the disease worsened was 10 months. Side effects were common and included cytokine release syndrome, infections, neurotoxicity, and significant weight loss, underscoring the need for close monitoring and strong supportive care during treatment.

"mRNA cancer vaccine: A novel and potential immunotherapy for multiple myeloma"

Source

Yiming Feng, Yufeng Du, Chengtao Zhang, Fang Xie, Jinsong Yan, mRNA cancer vaccine: A novel and potential immunotherapy for multiple myeloma, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Reviews on Cancer, 2025, 189493, ISSN 0304-419X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189493. November 8, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma remains difficult to cure because treatments can eventually stop working. mRNA cancer vaccines—similar to the technology used in COVID-19 vaccines—are emerging as a promising way to train the immune system to recognize and attack each person’s unique myeloma cells. These vaccines offer advantages such as strong immune activation, personalized targeting, and faster, safer development compared with older vaccine approaches. Researchers believe mRNA vaccines could eventually reshape myeloma care, especially for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant disease.

"Lactylation-related multigene signature in multiple myeloma: integrated prognostic stratification, immune landscape profiling, and therapeutic guidance"

Source

Zhang, W., Ming, S., Cheng, P. et al. Lactylation-related multigene signature in multiple myeloma: integrated prognostic stratification, immune landscape profiling, and therapeutic guidance. Immunol Res 73, 159 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12026-025-09718-2  November 8, 2025.  

Overview

Researchers are studying a new biological process called lactylation, which may play a role in how multiple myeloma grows and affects the immune system. In this large study, scientists analyzed genetic data from more than 1,400 patients and identified four lactylation-related genes that can help predict a patient’s risk and likely outcomes. Using these genes, they created a scoring system that separates patients into high- and low-risk groups with clear differences in survival. The findings may help doctors better understand a patient’s immune landscape and guide more personalized treatment choices in the future.

"Prognostic value of fatty acid metabolism-related signature and integrated analysis of the immune microenvironment in multiple myeloma"

Source

Yu, Y., Che, F. Prognostic value of fatty acid metabolism-related signature and integrated analysis of the immune microenvironment in multiple myeloma. BMC Cancer 25, 1732 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14886-3  November 8, 2025.   

Overview

Researchers studied how fatty acid metabolism may influence multiple myeloma and identified 37 genes linked to patient survival. Using 16 of these genes, they created a risk score that helps separate patients into groups with better or worse outcomes. High-risk patients showed signs of a weaker immune response and more aggressive tumor behavior. Three genes—CCNA2, KIF11, and NUSAP1—were especially important, and blocking them in lab studies slowed myeloma cell growth, suggesting they may serve as future biomarkers or treatment targets.

"Favorable response to daratumumab combination therapy in patients with multiple myeloma with an immature phenotype: a report from the J-CHARGE study group"

Source

Iriyama, N., Nakayama, H., Nakagawa, M. et al. Favorable response to daratumumab combination therapy in patients with multiple myeloma with an immature phenotype: a report from the J-CHARGE study group. Int J Hematol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-025-04100-2  November 9, 2025.  

Overview

Researchers studied how fatty acid metabolism may influence multiple myeloma and identified 37 genes linked to patient survival. Using 16 of these genes, they created a risk score that helps separate patients into groups with better or worse outcomes. High-risk patients showed signs of a weaker immune response and more aggressive tumor behavior. Three genes—CCNA2, KIF11, and NUSAP1—were especially important, and blocking them in lab studies slowed myeloma cell growth, suggesting they may serve as future biomarkers or treatment targets.

"Optimizing oncology drug development: systematic review of 22 years of myeloma randomized controlled trials"

Source

Maria Mainou, Muatassem Alsadhan, Kalliopi Tsapa, Alissa Visram, Hira Mian, Rakesh Popat, Elias K Mai, Rajshekhar Chakraborty, Samer Al Hadidi, Meera Mohan, Aniko Szabo, Oliver Van Oekelen, Edward R Scheffer Cliff, Ghulam Rehman Mohyuddin, Optimizing oncology drug development: systematic review of 22 years of myeloma randomized controlled trials, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2025;, djaf326, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djaf326  November 9, 2025.  

Overview

Researchers reviewed 123 randomized clinical trials in myeloma to understand what makes a study more likely to meet its main goals. They found that trials enrolling younger patients and those using progression-free survival—not overall survival—as the primary endpoint were more likely to be successful. Only a small number of trials that used overall survival as the main measure achieved their targets. Interestingly, head-to-head trials were no less successful than studies that added a new drug to standard treatment, offering guidance for how future myeloma trials may be designed.

"Shared Decision-Making in Treatment Selection in Multiple Myeloma in Spain: The PRISMMA Study"

Source

V. Cabañas, M. Casanova, B. Barragán, I. López, A. Raya, and B. Santiago-Josefat, “Shared Decision-Making in Treatment Selection in Multiple Myeloma in Spain: The PRISMMA Study,” European Journal of Haematology (2025): 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1111/ejh.70062.  November 9, 2025.   

Overview

A survey of patients with multiple myeloma and their hematologists in Spain explored how both groups view treatment goals and shared decision-making. Both patients and doctors agreed that the top priority is extending life while maintaining good quality of life, and becoming symptom-free was the next most important goal. However, only a small fraction of patients recalled discussing treatment goals, despite most doctors reporting that these conversations occurred. The study highlights a need for clearer communication and better alignment on treatment priorities to support truly shared decision-making in myeloma care.

"Dermatologic Adverse Effects With Elranatamab Mimicking Talquetamab,” American Journal of Hematology"

Source

M. B. Hammami, S. P. Haney, D. DeAvila, et al., “Dermatologic Adverse Effects With Elranatamab Mimicking Talquetamab,” American Journal of Hematology (2025): 1–4, https://doi.org/10.1002/ajh.70130.  November 10, 2025.   

Overview

This letter to the editor describes a series of unexpected skin-related side effects in patients receiving the BCMA-targeted bispecific antibody elranatamab for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In a review of 64 treated patients, about 11% developed rashes, skin peeling, or nail changes—symptoms that more closely resemble those typically seen with the GPRC5D-targeting bispecific talquetamab. Most reactions improved with topical treatments, steroids, or temporary treatment holds, though a few patients needed dose changes or discontinuation. These findings suggest that skin toxicities from elranatamab may be more common than previously recognized and highlight the importance of monitoring, early management, and further research to understand why they occur.

"Integrated clinical and single-cell profiling of BCMA CAR-T therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma"

Source

Fang, C., Wang, L., Zhao, W. et al. Integrated clinical and single-cell profiling of BCMA CAR-T therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. J Transl Med 23, 1251 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-07106-w  November 10, 2025. 

Overview

This small clinical trial tested BCMA-targeted CAR-T cells made locally for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The treatment was generally safe, with only mild cytokine release syndrome and no neurotoxicity, and most patients responded—including many with deep, long-lasting remissions. Researchers also used advanced single-cell sequencing to study how the CAR-T cells behaved over time and found that certain CD8⁺ T-cell subsets and persistent clones were linked to better outcomes. Early CAR-T cell exhaustion and higher levels of regulatory T cells were associated with relapse, suggesting that these biological features may help predict who benefits most from therapy.

"Evaluating the real-world value of daratumumab addition to multiple myeloma induction therapy by real-world minimal residual disease assessment and extended genetic profiling"

Source

Giuseppe Bertuglia, Elisa Seneca, Timothy Corbett, James Croft, Pawel Kaczmarek, Lauren Ellis, Chin Neoh, Edward Renaudon-Smith, Lewis Vanhinsbergh, Jindriska Lindsay, Stefania Bonetto, Sigurdur Y Kristinsson, Dingle Spence, Guy Pratt, Graham Jackson, Mark Ethell, Emma Nicholson, Christina Messiou, Tommy Brown, Leonora Conneely, Tracy Thornton, Lynnsay Fuller, Mikel Valganon Petrizan, Alan Dunlop, Katy Smith, Francesca Gay, Charlotte Pawlyn, Kevin D Boyd, Martin F Kaiser, Evaluating the real-world value of daratumumab addition to multiple myeloma induction therapy by real-world minimal residual disease assessment and extended genetic profiling, Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia, 2025, ISSN 2152-2650, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clml.2025.11.003. November 10, 2025. 

Overview

This real-world study compared two transplant-eligible myeloma treatments—VTd alone versus VTd with daratumumab (Dara-VTd). Patients who received Dara-VTd had higher response rates after transplant and were more likely to reach minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, a marker of deeper remission. The added benefit of daratumumab was smaller in patients with multiple high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, who still had poorer outcomes overall. These findings support using risk-adapted treatment strategies and highlight the value of MRD testing in guiding care.

"Optimizing the use of melflufen (melphalan flufenamide) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: recommendations for clinical practice"

Source

Ludwig, H., Mai, E.K., Högner, M. et al. Optimizing the use of melflufen (melphalan flufenamide) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: recommendations for clinical practice. Ann Hematol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-025-06659-6  November 10, 2025. 

Overview

Melflufen is a newer type of chemotherapy designed for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have already been treated with several standard therapies. Experts report that it can provide meaningful and lasting responses, especially for patients who have not recently had high-dose melphalan. It is given as a 40 mg IV infusion every 28 days with dexamethasone, and its main side effects are low blood counts and infections, which can be managed with standard care. Melflufen may also be an option for certain high-risk patients, including those with del(17p) or TP53 mutations.

"Integrating MBMA and QSP to Identify Key Covariates and Predict Treatment Outcomes in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Z. Shah, C. M. Anderson, K. D. McCormick, et al., “Integrating MBMA and QSP to Identify Key Covariates and Predict Treatment Outcomes in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma,” CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology (2025): 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1002/psp4.70145.  November 11, 2025. 

Overview

This study used advanced modeling tools to compare the effectiveness and safety of many treatments for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. By analyzing data from published clinical trials, researchers found that alkylating agents were more likely to cause severe neutropenia, while treatments that included steroids or were used earlier in a patient’s treatment journey had higher response rates. The models helped predict how different drug combinations—including newer options like T-cell engagers—might work for patients with various treatment histories. Overall, this approach allows scientists to better assess benefits and risks when direct head-to-head trials are not available.

"Prognostic Impact of the Hevylite Assay in Patients With IgG or IgA Multiple Myeloma Treated Within the GMMG-MM5 Trial"

Source

Richardson, T., Mai, E., Menis, E., Benner, A., Tichy, D., Miah, K., Hänel, M., Besemer, B., Boquoi, A., Blau, I.W., Michel, C.S., Lindemann, H.W., Janjetovic, S., Brossart, P., Bernhard, H., Reimer, P., Salwender, H., Hose, D., Seckinger, A., Raab, M., Goldschmidt, H., Scheid, C. and For the German-Speaking Myeloma Multicenter Group (GMMG) HD5 Investigators (2025), Prognostic Impact of the Hevylite Assay in Patients With IgG or IgA Multiple Myeloma Treated Within the GMMG-MM5 Trial. Eur J Haematol. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejh.70061  November 11, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at whether the Hevylite Assay—a test that measures specific parts of IgG and IgA proteins—can help predict treatment outcomes in multiple myeloma. Among 360 patients in the GMMG-MM5 trial, more people achieved a normal heavy/light chain ratio as treatment progressed, and this was linked with a small trend toward longer progression-free survival. However, the test did not reliably predict overall survival, and its value depended on how maintenance therapy was used. Overall, the researchers concluded that Hevylite normalization should not be used broadly as a marker of response but may still be useful in future studies exploring response-adapted treatment approaches.

"HLA-E[pHLA-G] complex–specific monoclonal antibody enhancing NK activity in multiple myeloma"

Source

Muhammad Abu Ahmad, Olga Radinsky, Bar Kaufman, Kamran Waidha, Eman Gharra, Sharon Dim, Dinesh Babu Manikandan, Noa Ofir, Dirk Jäger, Marten Meyer, Moshe Elkabets, Kerry S. Campbell, Miri Zektser, Roi Gazit, Ory Rouvio, Frank Momburg, Angel Porgador; HLA-E[pHLA-G] complex–specific monoclonal antibody enhancing NK activity in multiple myeloma. Blood Adv 2025; 9 (21): 5436–5448. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2025016276  November 11, 2025

Overview

This study introduces a new type of immune therapy designed to enhance the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to attack multiple myeloma cells while limiting side effects. Researchers developed an antibody, called 4D7, that blocks a specific interaction (HLA-E:NKG2A) only when it appears on tumor cells—avoiding healthy cells. In lab tests and mouse models, 4D7 boosted NK-cell activity and slowed tumor growth without interfering with other important immune pathways. This targeted approach may offer a safer, more precise way to strengthen the immune system against myeloma and potentially other cancers.

"Evaluating pre-transplant nutritional indices as predictors of pneumonia and mortality in multiple myeloma patients post-autologous stem cell transplantation"

Source

Duvenci Birben, O., Yenibertiz, D., Akkurt, E.S. et al. Evaluating pre-transplant nutritional indices as predictors of pneumonia and mortality in multiple myeloma patients post-autologous stem cell transplantation. BMC Pulm Med 25, 517 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-025-03991-5  November 11, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at whether a patient’s nutritional status before autologous stem cell transplant affects their risk of pneumonia or death within the first year after transplant. Researchers reviewed data from 286 people with multiple myeloma and evaluated three standard nutrition scores (GNRI, PNI, and CONUT). None of the scores were linked to a higher or lower chance of developing pneumonia or surviving the first year. The findings suggest that the intense immune suppression caused by transplant may play a much larger role than baseline nutrition in these early post-transplant outcomes.

"Targeting the Liquid–Liquid Separation Region of c-Maf for Treating Chromosomal Translocations in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Z. Wang, M. Guo, X. Yu, et al. “Targeting the Liquid–Liquid Separation Region of c-Maf for Treating Chromosomal Translocations in Multiple Myeloma.” MedComm 6, no. 11 (2025): e70464. https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70464  November 11, 2025. 

Overview

New research shows that a protein called c-Maf, which plays a role in multiple myeloma (MM) progression, forms clusters in cells through a process called phase separation. These clusters help turn on cancer-promoting genes. Scientists discovered a compound, benzoyl benzoic acid (BBA), that can block c-Maf from forming these clusters, stopping the activation of harmful genes and slowing MM growth in lab and animal studies. This approach highlights a promising new way to target MM, especially in patients with specific genetic translocations.

"Treatment response assessment using whole body diffusion weighted-magnetic resonance imaging in myeloma: a retrospective cohort study"

Source

Chakraborty, R., Shalaby, K., Parker, S., Lala, S., Beylergil, V., Alberico, R., … Lentzsch, S. (2025). Treatment response assessment using whole body diffusion weighted-magnetic resonance imaging in myeloma: a retrospective cohort study. Leukemia & Lymphoma, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2025.2582723  November 11, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at using whole-body MRI (WB DW-MRI) to monitor treatment response in multiple myeloma (MM) and compared it with bone marrow minimal residual disease (MRD) testing. Among 53 patients, about half had no active disease visible on MRI after treatment, and these patients experienced longer progression-free survival than those with remaining lesions. However, MRI and bone marrow MRD results did not always match, and some patients with negative MRD but persistent MRI abnormalities still experienced disease progression. These findings suggest that WB DW-MRI is a useful tool to track treatment response and may provide important prognostic information beyond standard bone marrow testing.

"CAR-NK cell therapy in multiple myeloma: from preclinical and clinical landscape to joining the force for treatment strategies optimization"

Source

Yazdanparast, S., Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi, M., Davoodi-Moghaddam, Z. et al. CAR-NK cell therapy in multiple myeloma: from preclinical and clinical landscape to joining the force for treatment strategies optimization. Cell Commun Signal 23, 485 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-025-02443-1  November 11, 2025.  

Overview

Natural killer (NK) cells are key immune cells that help control multiple myeloma (MM), but patients often have fewer NK cells, and these cells may not work properly, especially in relapsed or refractory disease. Scientists are now engineering NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to better target myeloma cells while reducing side effects. Early studies in the lab and in animal models show that CAR-NK cells can effectively attack myeloma, and new dual-CAR NK strategies may help prevent the cancer from escaping immune detection. Multiple clinical trials are underway to test the safety and effectiveness of CAR-NK therapies for people with MM.

"Linvoseltamab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma in the LINKER-MM1 Study: Longer Follow-Up and Subgroup Analyses"

Source

Hans C. Lee, Jeffrey A. Zonder, Madhav V. Dhodapkar, Sundar Jagannath, James E. Hoffman, Attaya Suvannasankha, Mansi R. Shah, Suzanne Lentzsch, Rachid Baz, Joseph J. Maly, Swathi Namburi, Matthew J. Pianko, Jing Christine Ye, Ka Lung Wu, Rebecca Silbermann, Chang-Ki Min, Marie-Christiane Vekemans, Markus Munder, Ja Min Byun, Joaquín Martínez-Lopez, Michelle DeVeaux, Tito Roccia, Dhruti Chokshi, Megan Seraphin, Kate Knorr, Anita Boyapati, Anasuya Hazra, Karen Rodriguez Lorenc, Glenn S. Kroog, Naresh Bumma, Joshua Richter, Linvoseltamab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma in the LINKER-MM1 Study: Longer Follow-Up and Subgroup Analyses, Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia, 2025, ISSN 2152-2650, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clml.2025.11.004.  November 12, 2025. 

Overview

Linvoseltamab is an experimental bispecific antibody that targets BCMA on myeloma cells and CD3 on T cells, helping the immune system attack the cancer. In patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), an updated analysis with 21 months of follow-up showed a 71% overall response rate, with more than half achieving a complete response. Responses were strong even in patients with high-risk or hard-to-treat disease, and the majority of patients who responded achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Common side effects included cytokine release syndrome and low white blood cell counts, which were generally manageable. These results suggest linvoseltamab is a promising long-term treatment option for patients with RRMM.

"Extracellular Ubiquitin Drives M2 Macrophage Polarization in Multiple Myeloma Through JAK1/STAT3-mediated Transcriptional Activation of CXCR4"

Source

Chen, X., Hou, N., Luo, T., Zhou, X., Chen, D., Qiang, W., Liu, J., Guo, P., Lu, J., Du, J. and He, H. (2025), Extracellular Ubiquitin Drives M2 Macrophage Polarization in Multiple Myeloma Through JAK1/STAT3-mediated Transcriptional Activation of CXCR4. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 126: e70073. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.70073  November 12, 2025. 

Overview

This study explored how a protein called extracellular ubiquitin (eUb) affects multiple myeloma (MM). Researchers found that patients with MM had higher levels of eUb in their blood, which was linked to worse outcomes. eUb appears to encourage certain immune cells, called macrophages, to become M2-type cells that create an environment supporting myeloma growth and changes in cancer cells that make them more aggressive. This process involves a signaling pathway called CXCR4/JAK1/STAT3, which acts in a feedback loop to further promote cancer cell survival and spread. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments that target eUb or this pathway to slow MM progression.

"SECURE study: Incidentally detected MGUS patients have comparable depression and anxiety rates to UK general population"

Source

Knight, E.S., Varghese, S., Koshiaris, C., Byun, S., Brouwer, R., Rögnvaldsson, S., Pratt, G., Bowcock, S., Sadler, R., Maloney, A., Gamble, V.M., Oakes, R., Killingsworth, G., Nicholls, P., Basu, S., Stones, J., Heartin, E., Garvey, V., Essex, S.J., Hufton, S. and Ramasamy, K. (2025), SECURE study: Incidentally detected MGUS patients have comparable depression and anxiety rates to UK general population. Br J Haematol. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.70245  November 12, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at the mental health of people diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a common premalignant blood condition often found incidentally during routine blood tests. Researchers enrolled 847 UK patients and used validated questionnaires to measure depression, anxiety, health-related anxiety, and intolerance of uncertainty. Overall, the results showed that MGUS patients had similar rates of depression and anxiety compared with the general UK population, suggesting that an incidental MGUS diagnosis does not generally increase psychological distress.

However, the study found that people who struggle with uncertainty were more likely to experience anxiety or depression, highlighting the importance of recognizing individual differences. Most patients reported low health-related anxiety, though a small number experienced moderate or high levels. These findings suggest that while MGUS itself may not be highly distressing, patients with pre-existing mental health concerns or high sensitivity to uncertainty might benefit from additional support.

The SECURE study is ongoing, and future analyses will track patients over time to understand how mental health evolves with MGUS monitoring, risk level, and potential disease progression. This research helps reassure patients and clinicians that most people adjust well psychologically after an MGUS diagnosis, while identifying those who may need extra support.

"Symptom distress and fear of progression associated with quality of life in multiple myeloma patients receiving treatment"

Source

Kuo, YL., Hung, YS., Peng, HL. et al. Symptom distress and fear of progression associated with quality of life in multiple myeloma patients receiving treatment. Support Care Cancer 33, 1050 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-10100-z  November 12, 2025. 

Overview

This study explored the experiences of 100 patients being treated for multiple myeloma (MM), focusing on symptom distress, daily functioning, fear of cancer progression, and overall quality of life (QOL). Patients reported fatigue, difficulty moving, constipation, pain, numbness, and insomnia as the most distressing symptoms, with mobility being the area most affected in daily functioning. About one-third of patients experienced high fear of cancer progression.

Analysis showed that patients with better physical performance, fewer distressing symptoms, and lower fear of progression tended to have higher overall quality of life. These three factors explained most of the differences in QOL among patients. The findings suggest that patient-centered care—addressing symptom management, physical activity, diet, and supportive care—can improve daily functioning, reduce fear, and enhance overall quality of life for people undergoing treatment for MM.

"Deciphering neutrophil dynamics in the focal lesion tumor microenvironment to overcome immunosuppression in multiple myeloma"

Source

Joshua Rivera, Qi Yan, Saeed Daneshmandi, Romain Lannes, Eriko Katsuta, JeeEun Choi, Prashant Singh, Ahmed Belal, Ronald Alberico, Ian Lund, Megan Schaefer, Hamza Hassan, Sarah Parker, Kenneth C. Anderson, Nikhil C. Munshi, Mehmet Samur, Philip L. McCarthy, Jens Hillengass, Hemn Mohammadpour; Deciphering neutrophil dynamics in the focal lesion tumor microenvironment to overcome immunosuppression in multiple myeloma. Blood 2025; 146 (20): 2392–2405. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2025028963  November 13, 2025. 

Overview

This study explored how certain immune cells, called neutrophils, may help multiple myeloma (MM) tumors evade the immune system. Researchers analyzed neutrophils from bone marrow and tumor lesions and identified three distinct types, with one type—TREM1+CD10+ neutrophils—being especially common in tumor sites and strongly suppressing T cell activity. This neutrophil type was linked to shorter overall survival in patients.

In preclinical models, blocking neutrophil activity using a targeted therapy reduced tumor burden and improved survival. These findings suggest that neutrophils play a key role in protecting MM tumors from the immune system and point to new treatment strategies that could make existing therapies more effective.

"The diagnostic utility and frequency of CD56 expression in plasma cell myeloma"

Source

Midori Imai, Asami Nishikori, Tomoka Haratake, Midori Filiz Nishimura, Rio Yamada, Syoma Kato, Mizuha Tabe, Hiroyuki Yanai, Hidetaka Yamamoto, Yasuharu Sato, The diagnostic utility and frequency of CD56 expression in plasma cell myeloma, Annals of Diagnostic Pathology, 2025, 152587, ISSN 1092-9134, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2025.152587.  November 13, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at ways to improve the diagnosis of plasma cell myeloma (PCM), a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. Current tests using markers like CD79a, cyclin D1, and light chains (Igκ/Igλ) can sometimes be unreliable. Researchers examined whether CD56, another marker, could help identify PCM more accurately.

In 116 patient samples, CD56 was present in 73% of cases, which was higher than other commonly used markers. Combining CD56 with CD79a detected 91% of PCM cases, making this combination the most effective. CD56 also helped confirm PCM in cases where other tests were inconclusive. These findings suggest that CD56 is a valuable tool to improve PCM diagnosis and could help doctors make more accurate assessments in clinical practice.

"Quality of Life Among Polish Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Cross-Sectional Study"

Source

Kurek M, Tatara T, Świtalski J, Augustynowicz A, Łopyta B, Gujski M, Fronczak A. Quality of Life Among Polish Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Cross-Sectional Study. Med Sci Monit. 2025 Nov 13;31:e948998. doi: 10.12659/MSM.948998.  November 13, 2025.  

Overview

This study looked at the quality of life of Polish patients living with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Researchers surveyed patients who were receiving different types of care: chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT), or supportive therapy to maintain remission.

Overall, patients reported the best outcomes in social and emotional functioning, while fatigue was the symptom that caused the most difficulty. Older patients tended to experience lower quality of life and more severe symptoms. Among treatment groups, patients on supportive therapy reported the highest quality of life and the fewest symptoms. The study shows that both age and type of treatment can affect quality of life in multiple myeloma patients, highlighting the need for tailored care approaches.

"B7-H3 nanobody-based CAR T cells control multiple myeloma growth, while dual BCMA/B7-H3 CAR T cells overcome antigen escape"

Source

Van der Vreken, A., Meeus, F., Tu, C. et al. B7-H3 nanobody-based CAR T cells control multiple myeloma growth, while dual BCMA/B7-H3 CAR T cells overcome antigen escape. J Hematol Oncol 18, 103 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-025-01756-5  November 14, 2025.  

Overview

This study explored a new approach to CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Current CAR T-cell treatments target BCMA, but some patients relapse when cancer cells stop expressing BCMA or when T cells become exhausted.

Researchers focused on a protein called B7-H3, found on cancer cells in about 60% of patients. They developed nanobody-based CAR T cells (nanoCARs) that target B7-H3 and tested them in the lab and in mouse models. These cells were effective at killing myeloma cells and reducing tumor growth. Combining BCMA-targeting and B7-H3-targeting CAR T cells further improved results, helping eliminate cancer cells that might escape a single-target therapy.

The study suggests that targeting B7-H3, alone or together with BCMA, could be a promising way to make CAR T-cell therapy more durable and prevent relapses in multiple myeloma patients.

"Implementation of a one-tube flow cytometry panel for measurable residual disease detection in multiple myeloma patients in clinical routine"

Source

Deutsch-Biedermann, K., Hefler Frischmuth, K., Gruber, J., Kimbacher, C., Herbring, I., Machherndl-Spandl, S., Strassl, I., Bettelheim, P., & Dieplinger, B. (2025). Implementation of a one-tube flow cytometry panel for measurable residual disease detection in multiple myeloma patients in clinical routine. Cytometry Part B: Clinical Cytometry, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/cyto.b.22264  November 14, 2025.  

Overview

This study looked at a new, highly sensitive test that helps doctors check for measurable residual disease, or MRD, in people with multiple myeloma. MRD testing looks for very small numbers of cancer cells that may remain after treatment, which can help predict how well treatment is working. Researchers tested a new “one-tube” flow cytometry panel that includes all of the recommended markers used to identify abnormal plasma cells, plus one additional marker to improve accuracy.

The team analyzed bone marrow samples from patients who were receiving treatment or had recently finished treatment. They compared the results from this new test with those from the hospital’s standard plasma cell test and, in a few cases, with an advanced test used in another laboratory. The new panel was able to detect extremely low levels of myeloma cells—down to fewer than 2 cells per million. It found abnormal cells in some samples where the routine test did not, showing that it is more sensitive.

When the new panel was compared with the specialized EuroFlow MRD test, the results matched, confirming that it performs reliably. Overall, the study found that this one-tube MRD test meets international quality standards and is highly effective for identifying even very small amounts of remaining myeloma. This may help doctors better track treatment response and guide future care.

"Identification of cuproptosis-related subtypes, construction of a prognosis model, and tumor microenvironment landscape in multiple myeloma"

Source

Xu L, Zhang H, Wang K, Gao X, Bu W, Yu D, Hu K, Zhang Q, Wang G, Wu X, Jia X, Peng Y, Song D, Yi H, Cai H, Shi J, Feng Q. Identification of cuproptosis-related subtypes, construction of a prognosis model, and tumor microenvironment landscape in multiple myeloma. Transl Oncol. 2025 Nov 14;63:102601. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2025.102601. Epub ahead of print. 

Overview

This study explored a newly recognized form of cell death called cuproptosis, which depends on copper and affects how cells use energy. Researchers wanted to understand whether this process plays a role in multiple myeloma. Using large genetic datasets, they found that several genes linked to cuproptosis behaved differently in people with myeloma and were tied to how long patients lived. By grouping patients based on the activity of these genes, they identified two distinct subtypes of myeloma that differed in their prognosis, immune activity, and other clinical features.

The researchers also identified five key genes that could help predict whether a patient is likely to have a higher- or lower-risk form of the disease. These risk groups showed clear differences in immune system patterns and in markers linked to disease severity. In laboratory studies, the team tested a drug that increases copper inside cells, combined with bortezomib, a standard myeloma treatment. The two drugs together killed myeloma cells more effectively than either drug alone.

Overall, the study suggests that copper-related cell death may influence how myeloma develops and behaves. These findings could eventually help doctors better assess risk and guide more personalized treatment approaches.

"A Novel Strategy for Assessing Bone Marrow Plasma Cell Percentage: Development and Internal Validation of a Surrogate Calculation Approach"

Source

Gantana, Ethan James, Chapanduka, Zivanai Cuthbert, A Novel Strategy for Assessing Bone Marrow Plasma Cell Percentage: Development and Internal Validation of a Surrogate Calculation Approach, Advances in Hematology, 2025, 1191575, 8 pages, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1155/ah/1191575  November 14, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at whether simple, routine blood tests could help estimate how many cancerous plasma cells are in the bone marrow, which is an important part of diagnosing and monitoring multiple myeloma. Bone marrow biopsies are the current standard, but they are invasive and can be uncomfortable. Researchers analyzed data from more than 100 newly diagnosed patients to see if common markers—such as light-chain ratios, paraprotein levels, hemoglobin, and albumin—could predict bone marrow involvement.

They found that several of these markers were linked to the percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow, and a statistical model combining them showed a moderate ability to predict this number. The study also confirmed that the percentage of plasma cells seen in a bone marrow aspirate was a stronger predictor than flow cytometry results. While the model is not yet accurate enough to replace a biopsy, the findings show that blood-based markers may help estimate disease burden in a less invasive way.

The authors note that more standardized testing and larger studies are needed, but this approach may eventually support easier monitoring for people living with myeloma.

"B-cell maturation antigen targeted PET/CT imaging in multiple myeloma: a first-in-human study"

Source

Gu, T., Chen, Z., Wang, T. et al. B-cell maturation antigen targeted PET/CT imaging in multiple myeloma: a first-in-human study. J Hematol Oncol 18, 101 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-025-01758-3  November 14, 2025. 

Overview

This study explored a new type of imaging scan that targets BCMA, a protein found on myeloma cells. Unlike standard PET/CT scans, which sometimes have trouble distinguishing active myeloma from other causes of inflammation, this BCMA-targeted scan uses a special tracer that binds directly to myeloma cells. In this early study, the tracer was better at finding myeloma in the bone marrow, around the bones, and in soft tissues, and it could even detect very small amounts of disease.

The scan also showed changes in BCMA levels as patients responded to treatment, suggesting it may help doctors monitor how well therapies—especially BCMA-targeted treatments like CAR T-cell therapy—are working. Because it is noninvasive and captures the whole body at once, this approach may help overcome the limitations of traditional bone marrow biopsies. While these findings are promising, larger studies are needed to confirm how well this new imaging method works in routine care.

"Radiolabeling of protoporphyrin-daratumumab conjugate with 161Tb as a CD38 immunotherapeutic agent for multiple myeloma"

Source

Gizawy, M.A., El-Shershaby, H.M., Borai, E.H. et al. Radiolabeling of protoporphyrin-daratumumab conjugate with 161Tb as a CD38 immunotherapeutic agent for multiple myeloma. J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-025-10499-z November 15, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at a new way to deliver targeted treatment for multiple myeloma by attaching a radioactive compound to daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody that already targets myeloma cells through CD38. Researchers linked daratumumab to a molecule called protoporphyrin IX and then added a radioactive element, terbium-161, which can damage cancer cells through highly focused radiation.

In lab tests, this radiolabeled antibody slowed the growth of myeloma cells and caused them to die at higher rates than with the antibody alone. These early findings suggest that combining daratumumab with a radioactive payload could become a new type of targeted therapy for myeloma, though more research is needed before it can be tested in patients.

"Unravelling cell heterogeneity and gene regulation mechanisms in multiple myeloma through single-cell RNA-seq"

Source

Jing Jiang, Junlin Xu, Peng Wang, Yuansheng Liu, Yiping Liu, Unravelling cell heterogeneity and gene regulation mechanisms in multiple myeloma through single-cell RNA-seq, Methods, 2025,ISSN 1046-2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2025.11.006.  November 16, 2025. 

Overview

This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to better understand how myeloma cells differ from one another at the genetic level. Researchers combined four publicly available datasets, which together included tens of thousands of individual myeloma cells, and identified 24 distinct cell clusters by comparing them with normal bone marrow cells.

They then mapped more than 600 regulons, which are groups of genes controlled by the same regulatory factors. These regulons help explain why different myeloma cell populations behave differently and may respond differently to treatment. The results offer a deeper look at the genetic complexity of myeloma and could eventually support more precise diagnosis and personalized care.

"Sarcopenia in older patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma"

Source

Rexach, Alfonso J. Cruz-Jentoft; Sarcopenia in older patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Gerontology 2025; https://doi.org/10.1159/000549514  November 17, 2025. 

Overview

This study looked at how common sarcopenia—loss of muscle strength and muscle mass—is in older adults who are newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and how it relates to their health and survival. Researchers assessed 52 patients age 65 and older using a full geriatric evaluation that measured grip strength, walking speed, and muscle mass on PET-CT scans. They found that more than half of the patients had low muscle strength, and a smaller number had both low strength and low muscle mass.

Patients with sarcopenia lived for a shorter time overall than those without it, and having low muscle mass was strongly linked to worse survival and a higher risk of disease progression. While this study was small, it shows that muscle health may be an important factor in understanding outcomes for older adults with myeloma. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore whether improving muscle strength and mass could support better treatment results.

"Catalytic Inhibition of p300 Preferentially Targets IRF4 Oncogenic Activity and Tumor Growth in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

W Frank Lenoir, Michael R. McKeown, Giulia Giorgetti, Marek J. Kobylarz, Tamara D. Hopkins, Wayne L. Glore, Michelle G. Shum, Yaretzi Calderón, Jessica Encinas Mayoral, Luis A. Carvajal, Kameron R. Mori, Jun Li, Hua Gao, Yupeng Zheng, Zhihua Ma, Nikolaus D. Obholzer, Minyun Zhou, Benjamin W. Trotter, Christopher J. Dinsmore, Nikhil C. Munshi, Charles Y. Lin, Mariateresa Fulciniti, Peter B. Rahl; Catalytic Inhibition of p300 Preferentially Targets IRF4 Oncogenic Activity and Tumor Growth in Multiple Myeloma. Cancer Res 2025; https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-25-3440  November 17, 2025

Overview

This study explored a new way to target a key driver of multiple myeloma called IRF4, a transcription factor that myeloma cells depend on to survive. Because IRF4 itself is difficult to block with drugs, researchers looked for other proteins it relies on. Using large-scale molecular analysis, they found that IRF4 works closely with a partner protein called p300, which helps control how genes are switched on.

The team developed new drugs that inhibit the enzyme activity of p300 and showed that these drugs could reduce IRF4 activity and slow or stop myeloma cell growth in lab studies and animal models. These inhibitors were more effective and more selective than earlier drugs targeting the same pathway, affecting myeloma cells while sparing healthy cells. When combined with other treatments that also disrupt gene regulation in different ways, the p300 inhibitors produced even stronger anti-myeloma effects. These findings support further clinical development of p300-targeted therapies as a new strategy for treating multiple myeloma.

"Gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptor axis promotes proliferation and survival of multiple myeloma cells via enhancing ERK1/2 activity"

Source

Wei Hu, Chang Zhang, Fen He, Hongyan Zhao, Lijun Peng, Ruixin Gao, Maoyou Lu, Yuzhi Cheng, Le Yu, Jia Tian, Yi Zhou, Feng Wen, Yixiong Cao, Junwei Huang, Xi Zeng, Jiliang Xia, Gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptor axis promotes proliferation and survival of multiple myeloma cells via enhancing ERK1/2 activity, Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2025;, qiaf166, https://doi.org/10.1093/jleuko/qiaf166  November 17, 2025

Overview

This study found that levels of GABA, a chemical normally known for its role in the nervous system, are much higher in the bone marrow of people with multiple myeloma than in healthy donors. Higher GABA levels were linked with indicators of more advanced disease, suggesting that GABA may play an active role in helping myeloma grow. The researchers discovered that myeloma cells produce GABA through an enzyme called GAD1, and this GABA then activates a receptor on the cells called the GABA-B receptor. This signaling pathway helped myeloma cells survive and multiply in lab experiments and animal models.

They also showed that the GABA-B receptor drives tumor growth by activating the ERK1/2 pathway, a known survival signal for cancer cells. Overall, the study identifies the GABA-B–ERK1/2 pathway as a key driver of myeloma progression and suggests that targeting this pathway could offer a new treatment approach.

"CBX7 regulates chemotherapy-induced senescence-like growth arrest in multiple myeloma via the ERK/STAT3/PIM1 axis"

Source

Ding, Y., Liu, Z., Liao, Y. et al. CBX7 regulates chemotherapy-induced senescence-like growth arrest in multiple myeloma via the ERK/STAT3/PIM1 axis. J Transl Med 23, 1292 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-07306-4  November 17, 2025. 

Overview

Bortezomib can trigger cellular senescence in myeloma cells, and this study found that a protein called CBX7 plays a key role in controlling that process. High CBX7 levels were linked with newly diagnosed and relapsed disease, while lowering CBX7 made myeloma cells more sensitive to bortezomib and slowed their growth. The researchers showed that CBX7 regulates senescence through the ERK/STAT3/PIM1 pathway and that blocking this pathway strengthened bortezomib’s anti-myeloma effects. These results suggest that targeting CBX7 could help improve responses to standard chemotherapy.

"EP4 influences bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma by modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway"

Source

Shi, Tengfei; Chen, Yao; Liu, Zhiqiang; Liu, Aichun. EP4 influences bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma by modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. Anti-Cancer Drugs ():10.1097/CAD.0000000000001792, November 17, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000001792  November 17, 2025. 

Overview

In multiple myeloma, resistance to bortezomib is a major challenge, and this study found that a protein called EP4 plays an important role in this resistance. EP4 levels were lower in myeloma tissues, and increasing EP4 in bortezomib-resistant cells made them more sensitive to the drug, slowed their growth, and triggered cell death. These effects were linked to changes in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and increased stress in the cell’s endoplasmic reticulum. The results suggest that targeting EP4 could help overcome drug resistance and make bortezomib more effective for treating multiple myeloma.

"Minimal clonal plasma cell contamination of peripheral stem cell grafts have an adverse prognostic impact in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous transplantation"

Source

Yang Liu, Danyang Shao, Yingjun Chang, Yazhe Wang, Xuelin Dou, Nan Peng, Lei Wen, Fengrong Wang, Xiaojun Huang, Xiaodong Mo, Jin Lu; Minimal clonal plasma cell contamination of peripheral stem cell grafts have an adverse prognostic impact in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous transplantation. Acta Haematol 2025; https://doi.org/10.1159/000548496  November 18, 2025.  

Overview

In patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who undergo autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the presence of clonal plasma cells in the transplanted graft, called graft minimal residual disease (gMRD), may affect outcomes. In this study of 250 patients, 12.4% had detectable gMRD before transplantation. Those with gMRD were less likely to achieve a deep response after ASCT and had a higher risk of disease progression. Over a median follow-up of nearly three years, patients without gMRD had significantly longer progression-free survival compared with those who were gMRD positive. The impact of gMRD was especially pronounced in high-risk patients and those who had only partial or less than partial response to initial therapy, suggesting that gMRD is an important factor in predicting treatment outcomes.

"Clinical outcomes and healthcare resource use in triple-class-exposed patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma"

Source

Jimenez-Zepeda, V. H., Cheung, W. Y., Stephen, M. M., & Chan, H. (2025). Clinical outcomes and healthcare resource use in triple-class-exposed patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Future Oncology, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2025.2589058  November 18, 2025. 

Overview

In patients with multiple myeloma who have already been treated with immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies, treatment options become more limited, and outcomes are often poor. This study of 221 triple-class exposed patients in Alberta found that median age was 70 years, and many received additional lines of therapy using monoclonal antibodies or immunomodulatory drugs. Despite treatment, disease progression remained common, with a median time to next treatment or death of just over 10 months and overall survival under 19 months. Patients also faced a substantial healthcare burden, including frequent clinic visits, hospitalizations, and lab tests. These findings highlight the ongoing need for new therapies with different mechanisms to improve outcomes and reduce the strain on patients and the healthcare system.

"Advances in immune microenvironment profiling during multiple myeloma progression and therapy"

Source

Bai, J., Nishimura, N. & Kawano, Y. Advances in immune microenvironment profiling during multiple myeloma progression and therapy. Int J Hematol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-025-04110-0  November 18, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma (MM) treatments have advanced significantly with drugs like immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T therapies. These treatments do more than kill cancer cells—they also change the bone marrow immune environment, which is crucial for disease growth and response to therapy. MM cells manipulate this environment by recruiting and reprogramming immune cells such as regulatory T cells, suppressive myeloid cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, which weakens the body’s natural defenses and exhausts killer T cells and natural killer cells. These immune changes can start early, even in precursor conditions, and become more pronounced as the disease progresses. Understanding how therapies interact with these immune networks is essential, as some treatments both activate the immune system and, at times, sustain immunosuppressive signals. Studying these immune dynamics can help improve current treatments, overcome resistance, and guide the development of new immunotherapies for MM.

"CD38-specific nanobody-based bispecific antibody recruiters (BARs) redirect complement-dependent cytotoxicity toward multiple myeloma cells"

Source

Pape, L.J., Gebhardt, A.J., Dannenberg, M. et al. CD38-specific nanobody-based bispecific antibody recruiters (BARs) redirect complement-dependent cytotoxicity toward multiple myeloma cells. Sci Rep 15, 40376 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-25194-y November 18, 2025. 

Overview

Bispecific antibody recruiters (BARs) are a new type of therapy that help the body’s own antibodies target cancer cells. They have two parts: one that binds to the tumor and another that binds to antibodies, which then trigger immune responses to kill the tumor cells. CD38 is a proven target in multiple myeloma, as seen with existing therapies like daratumumab and isatuximab. This study developed BARs using nanobodies—small antibody fragments derived from camelid antibodies—that specifically recognize CD38. Three BARs were created, each targeting a different part of CD38, and all were able to bind both CD38 and patient antibodies. In lab tests, these BARs effectively killed myeloma cells, with one reducing cell survival to less than a third of original levels. Additionally, BARs stayed active longer in the body when bound to antibodies. These findings suggest that CD38-targeted nanobody BARs could be a promising new treatment approach for multiple myeloma.

"Putative multiple myeloma susceptibility genes identified by exome sequencing of 347 familial and early-onset cases"

Source

Pertesi, M., Demangel, D., Niroula, A. et al. Putative multiple myeloma susceptibility genes identified by exome sequencing of 347 familial and early-onset cases. Leukemia (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41375-025-02802-4  November 18, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common blood cancer, and research suggests that genetics can play a role in who develops the disease. In this study, researchers analyzed the DNA of 177 people from 128 families with MM and 170 patients diagnosed before age 55 from France, Sweden, and Greece. They looked for rare genetic changes that could cause disease, focusing on variants that appeared in multiple families or early-onset cases. The study identified likely harmful variants in several genes, including ATM, ANGPTL6, and FBXW9, as well as changes in previously known MM-related genes such as DIS3, EP300, and KDM1A. These findings provide new insights into the inherited genetic factors that may increase the risk of developing MM.

"Targeting the origins of multiple myeloma along hematopoietic stem cell lymphoid lineage differentiation"

Source

Jiaojiao Guo et al., Targeting the origins of multiple myeloma along hematopoietic stem cell lymphoid lineage differentiation. Sci. Transl. Med.17,eadu0114(2025).DOI:10.1126/scitranslmed.adu0114  November 19, 2025. 

Overview

Multiple myeloma (MM) develops through complex changes in certain blood cells, but the early events that trigger malignant transformation are not fully understood. This study used single-cell sequencing to track the development of cells from stem cells through B cell and plasma cell stages in patients with MM. Researchers found that chromosome 1q amplification (1qAmp) begins in a specific subgroup of B cells, while chromosome 17p deletion occurs later at the plasma cell stage. The 1qAmp changes in CD24−FCRL5+ B cells promote their transformation into malignant plasma cells by increasing B cell proliferation and encouraging plasma cell differentiation. FCRL5 plays a key role in this process through its interaction with the IRF4/SPI1 complex. Targeting FCRL5 with CAR T-cell therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory MM showed encouraging safety and effectiveness. These findings reveal the genetic events that drive MM initiation and provide potential targets for new therapies.

"Analysis of discordant results in multi-technique platform-based MRD detection in multiple myeloma and the clinical decision-making dilemma"

Source

Chen, X., Zheng, H., Cong, X., Wang, N., Zhang, L., & Li, L. (2025). Analysis of discordant results in multi-technique platform-based MRD detection in multiple myeloma and the clinical decision-making dilemma. Leukemia & Lymphoma, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2025.2582730  November 19, 2025. 

Overview

Measurable residual disease (MRD) testing is a key tool in managing multiple myeloma, but different testing methods can give conflicting results. Techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS), next-generation flow cytometry (NGF), PET/CT, and mass spectrometry each have different sensitivity levels, with NGS able to detect very low disease levels that NGF might miss. These differences can create a so-called “MRD paradox,” where one test shows no disease while another detects it, or bone marrow tests conflict with imaging results. Because of this, doctors can’t rely on a single test and need to interpret MRD results carefully, considering multiple methods together. This approach helps guide more personalized treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

"Association of personal credit data with financial hardship and treatment outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma"

Source

Christopher T. Su, Rahul Banerjee, Li Li, Catherine Fedorenko, Andrew Cowan, Scott D. Ramsey, Veena Shankaran, Association of personal credit data with financial hardship and treatment outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma, Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia, 2025, ISSN 2152-2650, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clml.2025.11.006. November 19, 2025. 

Overview

Financial challenges can affect treatment and outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma, but they are often hard to measure reliably. In this study, researchers used credit reports to assess financial difficulty at diagnosis and over a two-year period. Among 396 patients, about one-third had no financial fragility, while roughly one-fifth faced severe financial fragility at diagnosis. Patients with moderate or severe financial difficulty were more likely to experience delayed or interrupted treatment. Over two years, most patients’ financial situations stayed the same, but those with higher financial fragility at diagnosis were much more likely to face future financial hardship. Interestingly, patients who received an autologous transplant in the first year had lower odds of experiencing financial difficulties later, suggesting that early access to intensive treatment may help reduce long-term financial strain.

"Minimal residual disease measurement in blood by mass spectrometry identifies long-term responders in multiple myeloma"

Source

Tadeusz Kubicki, Benjamin A. Derman, Jennifer H. Cooperrider, Anna Puła, David Barnidge, Dominik Dytfeld, Ken Jiang, Andrzej J. Jakubowiak; Minimal residual disease measurement in blood by mass spectrometry identifies long-term responders in multiple myeloma. Blood Neoplasia 2025; 2 (4): 100124. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bneo.2025.100124  November 19, 2025. 

Overview

Modern multiple myeloma treatments can achieve very deep and lasting responses, making it important to measure minimal residual disease (MRD) to better understand how well patients are responding. This study looked at 97 patients across three clinical trials, assessing MRD in the bone marrow using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and in the blood using two mass spectrometry (MS) methods: EXENT and the more sensitive liquid chromatography–MS (LC-MS). Patients who were negative by EXENT had better progression-free and overall survival, while LC-MS negativity identified those with long-term responses. Combining MS with NGS improved prediction, as patients negative by both methods had the longest progression-free survival, with a five-year rate of 89% for those negative at 10−6 sensitivity. These results suggest that MS, especially LC-MS, can be a valuable tool for monitoring MRD, guiding prognosis, and supporting future studies aimed at achieving functional cure in multiple myeloma.

"Functional and molecular analyses reveal impaired HSPCs in Multiple Myeloma patients post-induction"

Source

Thanh Mai Baumhardt, Amanda Amoah, Markus Hoenicka, Andreas Liebold, Vadim Sakk, Karin Soller, Angelika Vollmer, Miriam Kull, Jan Kronke, Jan-Philipp Mallm, Hartmut Geiger, Medhanie Mulaw, Functional and molecular analyses reveal impaired HSPCs in Multiple Myeloma patients post-induction, Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Volume 14, Issue 11, November 2025, szaf061, https://doi.org/10.1093/stcltm/szaf061   November 19, 2025. 

Overview

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard treatment for transplant-eligible multiple myeloma patients, but relapse and treatment complications remain common. This study examined hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from both newly diagnosed and treated MM patients using functional assays and single-cell sequencing in a xenotransplant model. The results showed that HSPCs from treated patients had reduced reconstitution potential and produced fewer B cells compared with cells from healthy donors or newly diagnosed patients. Treated patients’ CD34+ HSPCs also acquired a high-risk MM expression profile, mainly in granulocyte/macrophage progenitors, megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors, and monocytes, while true hematopoietic stem cells were largely unaffected. These findings suggest that removing more mature myeloid progenitors from HSPC harvests before ASCT could improve transplant outcomes by preventing reinfusion of cells with disease-associated gene changes.

"A First-in-Class Off-the-Shelf T-Cell Redirector for Refractory Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Ur Rehman, R. (2025), Lynozyfic (Linvoseltamab): A First-in-Class Off-the-Shelf T-Cell Redirector for Refractory Multiple Myeloma. eJHaem, 6: e70182. https://doi.org/10.1002/jha2.70182  November 20, 2025

Overview

The FDA recently approved Lynozyfic (linvoseltamab-gcpt) for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior therapies, including a proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug, and anti-CD38 antibody. Lynozyfic is the first bispecific antibody targeting both BCMA and CD3 approved in this setting, offering an off-the-shelf treatment that engages the patient’s own T cells without the need for lymphodepletion or individualized manufacturing. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that causes bone damage, kidney problems, anemia, and immune suppression, typically arising from precursor conditions like MGUS or smoldering myeloma. Standard frontline therapy for transplant-eligible patients includes triplet or quadruplet regimens with anti-CD38 antibodies, while transplant-ineligible patients receive combinations such as daratumumab with lenalidomide or bortezomib-based therapies. In the relapsed or refractory setting, BCMA-targeted cellular and immune therapies, including CAR-T and bispecific antibodies, are increasingly used, though CAR-T can be limited by manufacturing delays and lymphodepletion requirements.

Linvoseltamab redirects T cells to target BCMA on myeloma cells, activating immune synapses and inducing plasma cell death. Unlike CAR-T therapy, it requires no ex vivo cell manipulation and can produce rapid and deep responses in heavily pretreated patients. In a pivotal phase I/II trial, linvoseltamab achieved an overall response rate of 64.5%, with nearly half of patients reaching very good partial response or better, and a median response duration of 29.4 months. Responses were rapid, occurring in a median of 1.2 months. Its safety profile is manageable, with cytokine release syndrome largely limited to early cycles and predominantly low grade. Comparative analyses suggest linvoseltamab has lower neurotoxicity and fewer serious infections compared with other BCMA × CD3 bispecific antibodies.

Overall, linvoseltamab represents a highly effective, off-the-shelf immunotherapy for patients with triple-class refractory multiple myeloma, combining potent T-cell–mediated cytotoxicity with a favorable and manageable safety profile.

"Moderate-Severe Thrombocytopenia Portends Poor Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

G. M. Ferri, C. Yildirim, N. V. Do, et al. “Moderate-Severe Thrombocytopenia Portends Poor Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma.” eJHaem 6, no. 6 (2025): e70153. https://doi.org/10.1002/jha2.70153  November 20, 2025. 

Overview

Low platelet counts may signal a higher risk in multiple myeloma. In a study of over 14,000 patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2019, about 25% had thrombocytopenia at diagnosis. Patients with moderate to severe thrombocytopenia had worse overall survival, and this remained true even after standard therapies or stem cell transplantation. Persistent or new thrombocytopenia during follow-up was also linked to poorer outcomes. These findings suggest that a simple blood test measuring platelets can serve as an important prognostic marker in multiple myeloma, helping clinicians identify patients at higher risk and potentially guiding treatment decisions.

"Characteristics and Outcomes of Second Primary Multiple Myeloma in Adult Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Cohort Study"

Source

N. Li, J. Zeng, Z. Jia, et al., “Characteristics and Outcomes of Second Primary Multiple Myeloma in Adult Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Cohort Study,” Cancer Medicine 14, no. 22 (2025): e71393, https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.71393.  November 20, 2025. 

Overview

Second primary multiple myeloma (2-MM), which occurs at least six months after a previous cancer, shows distinct patterns compared with first primary multiple myeloma (1-MM). In an analysis of U.S. patients from 2000 to 2021, 2-MM patients were generally older, more often male, and more frequently White. Interestingly, 2-MM patients had a lower risk of dying specifically from multiple myeloma than 1-MM patients, particularly when the prior cancer was soft tissue, skin melanoma, uterus, prostate, kidney, or lymphoma. However, overall survival was influenced by both the type of prior cancer and its treatment: chemotherapy for prior lymphoma increased the risk of death, while radiotherapy for breast cancer or surgery for prostate cancer lowered it. These findings highlight how previous cancers and their treatments affect prognosis in multiple myeloma and can help guide risk assessment and long-term care for survivors.

"Clinic-biological features and prognostic significance of MGUS-like myeloma who underwent to autologous stem cell transplantation"

Source

Borja Puertas, Elena Alejo, José J. Pérez-Morán, Fe Serra-Toral, Irene Padilla, Julio Dávila-Valls, Aránzazu García-Mateo, José María Alonso-Alonso, Roberto Hernández, Carlos Aguilar-Franco, Rosa López-López, Alfonso García-Coca, Alberto Cantalapiedra-Diez, Abelardo Bárez, Beatriz Rey-Búa, Lucía López-Corral, Juan Flores-Montero, M. Belén Vidriales-Vicente, Norma C. Gutiérrez, Verónica González-Calle, Fernando Escalante, Noemi Puig, Maria-Victoria Mateos, Clinic-biological features and prognostic significance of MGUS-like myeloma who underwent to autologous stem cell transplantation, Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia, 2025, ISSN 2152-2650, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clml.2025.11.007. November 20, 2025. 

Overview

A model that classifies multiple myeloma (MM) patients based on plasma cell characteristics in the bone marrow—called the MGUS-like model—can help predict outcomes after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In a study of 415 MM patients who underwent ASCT, those in the MGUS-like group had milder disease features, including lower bone marrow infiltration, less severe organ damage, and more bone-related plasmacytomas. This group also achieved deeper responses after ASCT, with 70% reaching complete response and minimal residual disease negativity, compared with 47% of intermediate and 41% of MM-like patients. Importantly, the MGUS-like profile independently predicted better progression-free survival, lowering the risk of progression or death by 40–60% relative to the other groups. These findings suggest that identifying the MGUS-like profile before treatment may help select patients who will benefit most from high-dose therapy and achieve longer survival.

"Hematology Nurses’ Perceptions of Implementing Primary Palliative Care for Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Qualitative Study"

Source

Shulamit Ohana, Adir Shaulov, Freda DeKeyser Ganz, Hematology Nurses’ Perceptions of Implementing Primary Palliative Care for Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Qualitative Study, European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 2025, 103050, ISSN 1462-3889, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103050. November 20, 2025. 

Overview

A study exploring integrative palliative care (PC) delivered by hematology nurses in multiple myeloma (MM) highlights the benefits and challenges of this model. Interviews with ten nurses revealed three key roles: serving as a therapeutic anchor, shifting from technical care to holistic caregiving, and bridging systemic gaps as care coordinators. Nurses reported stronger patient relationships, earlier symptom recognition, culturally sensitive care, and greater involvement in emotional support and care coordination. However, they also experienced significant emotional demands, underscoring the need for institutional support. These findings suggest that training hematology nurses in integrative PC can enhance holistic care and symptom management for MM patients, provided adequate support structures are in place.

"Frail subgroups determine heterogeneous outcomes in older patients with NDMM: long-term follow-up of the HOVON 143 trial"

Source

Febe Smits, Kaz Groen, Mark-David Levin, Claudia A. M. Stege, Roel van Kampen, Ellen van der Spek, Inger Nijhof, Yavuz M. Bilgin, Noortje Thielen, Inge Ludwig, Esther G. M. de Waal, Yorick Sandberg, Alain Kentos, Gert-Jan Timmers, Josien C. Regelink, Matthijs Westerman, Koen de Heer, Marie-Christiane Vekemans, Nazik Durdu-Rayman, Nicole C. H. P. de Graauw, Maarten R. Seefat, Niels W. C. J. van de Donk, Paula F. Ypma, Kazem Nasserinejad, Sonja Zweegman; for the HOVON 143 Study Group , Frail subgroups determine heterogeneous outcomes in older patients with NDMM: long-term follow-up of the HOVON 143 trial. Blood Adv 2025; 9 (22): 5828–5836. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2025017394  November 25, 2025. 

Overview

The HOVON 143 trial, the first designed specifically for frail patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), evaluated long-term outcomes of ixazomib, daratumumab, and low-dose dexamethasone followed by maintenance therapy. After a median follow-up of over five years, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 13.8 months and overall survival (OS) was 34.0 months. Analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity among frail patients, with higher early relapse and non-relapse mortality in ultrafrail patients or those frail due to geriatric impairments and comorbidities compared with age-related frailty alone. These results underscore the need for more precise frailty assessments to identify patients at highest risk and optimize treatment strategies.

"Modification of belantamab mafodotin dosing to balance efficacy and tolerability in the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 trials"

Source

María-Victoria Mateos, Suzanne Trudel, Hang Quach, Paweł Robak, Meral Beksac, Ludek Pour, Marek Hus, Kihyun Kim, Vera Zherebtsova, Sosana Delimpasi, Tomas Jelínek, Christopher Ward, P. Joy Ho, Vladimir Vorobyev, Marcelo Pitombeira de Lacerda, Gracia Aparecida-Martinez, Ivan Spicka, Jakub Radocha, Michele Cavo, Claudio Cerchione, Chengcheng Fu, Kazuhito Suzuki, Rachel Rogers, Amy Phillips-Jones, Zhaohui Wang, Hena Baig, Jodie Wilkes, Xiaoou L. Zhou, Eric Lewis, Lydia Eccersley, Neal Sule, Prani Paka, Joanna B. Opalinska, Pralay Mukhopadhyay, Vania Hungria, Meletios Athanasios Dimopoulos; Modification of belantamab mafodotin dosing to balance efficacy and tolerability in the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 trials. Blood Adv 2025; 9 (22): 5708–5719. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2025016949  November 25, 2025

Overview

In the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 trials, belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) combined with standard therapies showed substantial progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival benefits in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Ocular adverse events were common but effectively managed with protocol-guided dose modifications, including delays and reductions, allowing patients to remain on therapy. Most patients achieved or deepened their response despite extended dosing intervals, and discontinuation due to ocular events was low. These findings demonstrate that belamaf can provide robust efficacy while maintaining tolerability through careful ocular monitoring and dose adjustment.

"A T-cell–based metric of immune age predicts outcomes in older patients with myeloma receiving daratumumab-based therapy"

Source

Wassilis S. C. Bruins, Febe Smits, Carolien Duetz, Kaz Groen, Charlotte L. B. M. Korst, A. Vera de Jonge, Christie P. M. Verkleij, Rosa Rentenaar, Meliha Cosovic, Merve Eken, Inoka Twickler, Paola M. Homan-Weert, Pieter Sonneveld, Philippe Moreau, Jürgen Claesen, Niels W. C. J. van de Donk, Sonja Zweegman, Tuna Mutis; A T-cell–based metric of immune age predicts outcomes in older patients with myeloma receiving daratumumab-based therapy. Blood 2025; 146 (21): 2517–2530. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2025028587  November 20, 2025. 

Overview

In patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, immune aging—measured by a high-dimensional T-cell “immune age”—varies substantially among individuals of the same calendar age and more accurately predicts clinical outcomes than chronological age. Older patients exhibited more activated, differentiated, and senescent T-cell profiles, but immune age, rather than calendar age, better stratified responses to daratumumab-ixazomib-dexamethasone, highlighting its potential as a clinically relevant biomarker to guide immunotherapy in older, nonfit patients.

"iMMune profiling comes of age"

Source

Bruno Paiva, Aintzane Zabaleta; iMMune profiling comes of age. Blood 2025; 146 (21): 2496–2498. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2025030836  November 20, 2025. 

Overview

Bruins et al. provide compelling evidence that immune age, derived from high-dimensional T-cell profiling, is a clinically relevant metric that better reflects the immune status of multiple myeloma (MM) patients than chronological age and predicts survival outcomes in older, frail patients. In their study, substantial discordance was observed between calendar and immune age, with about one-third of patients showing ≥±10 years difference, and immune age correlated more strongly with CD8+ T-cell function and progression-free and overall survival than calendar age. These findings highlight the potential of immune-age metrics to guide clinical decision-making, optimize immunotherapy strategies, and serve as a surrogate for overall biological health in MM, emphasizing the need for further validation and integration of immune profiling into routine patient care.

"Targeting B-cell Maturation Antigen in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: On the Verge of its Prime Time"

Source

Jun Ho Yi, Dok Hyun Yoon, Kihyun Kim, Targeting B-cell Maturation Antigen in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: On the Verge of its Prime Time, Seminars in Hematology, 2025, ISSN 0037-1963, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.seminhematol.2025.11.003. November 20, 2025. 

Overview

BCMA-targeting immunotherapies—including antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cell therapies—have transformed multiple myeloma treatment by providing durable responses across disease stages. This review summarizes BCMA biology, mechanisms of action, structural features, and early-phase clinical data for these therapies, highlighting class-specific adverse events, mechanisms of resistance, and strategies to overcome them, while emphasizing their potential application in earlier lines of therapy.

"Characterization of the bone marrow architecture of multiple myeloma using spatial transcriptomics"

Source

Muiños-Lopez, E., Lopez-Perez, A.R., Sudupe, L. et al. Characterization of the bone marrow architecture of multiple myeloma using spatial transcriptomics. Commun Biol 8, 1620 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08975-z  November 20, 2025. 

Overview

This study uses spatial transcriptomics on bone marrow samples from healthy controls, mouse models, and multiple myeloma (MM) patients to map the cellular composition and interactions of malignant plasma cells in situ. The analysis reveals spatially distinct gene programs, including NETosis and IL-17 signaling, and identifies gradients from effector to exhausted T cells linked to MM progression, demonstrating the potential of spatial transcriptomics to uncover microenvironmental mechanisms driving disease.

"Defining the proteome of bone marrow plasma in multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance"

Source

Hsu, JS., Yadav, U., Garapati, K. et al. Defining the proteome of bone marrow plasma in multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Blood Cancer J. 15, 202 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-025-01417-3  November 21, 2025. 

Overview

This study used Olink proteomics to profile bone marrow (BM) plasma from patients with MGUS, multiple myeloma (MM), and healthy controls, identifying proteins that reflect the BM microenvironment and plasma cell burden. The analysis confirmed known MM biomarkers (BCMA, SDC1, SLAMF7, B2M), highlighted immune and metabolic proteins associated with disease progression, and revealed potential novel therapeutic targets such as CD79B and LY9, suggesting BM plasma proteomics can inform disease monitoring and therapeutic development in plasma cell disorders.

"Outcomes of CAR T-Cell therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma by race: a multicenter real-world study"

Source

Bhutani, M., Habib, A., Vegel, A. et al. Outcomes of CAR T-Cell therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma by race: a multicenter real-world study. Blood Cancer J. 15, 200 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-025-01419-1 November 21, 2025. 

Overview

This multi-center real-world study evaluated racial differences in outcomes among 223 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma receiving BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy (cilta-cel or ide-cel). Despite higher rates of baseline comorbidities and trial ineligibility among minority patients, response rates, progression-free survival, overall survival, and key toxicities were comparable to White patients, supporting the safety and efficacy of CAR T therapy across racial groups and highlighting the need for more inclusive trial designs and equitable access to treatment.

"MiR-503-5p as a potential biomarker for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in multiple myeloma (MM) and its role in disease development"

Source

Guo, Y., Yan, L., Yang, X. et al. MiR-503-5p as a potential biomarker for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in multiple myeloma (MM) and its role in disease development. Ann Hematol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-025-06720-4  November 22, 2025. 

Overview

This study found that miR-503-5p is upregulated in multiple myeloma (MM) patients who develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and has high predictive value for DVT risk. Mechanistically, miR-503-5p promotes endothelial cell dysfunction and thrombosis by targeting WNT3A, suggesting it may serve as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target to prevent DVT in MM.

"Assessing the correlation between patient and family reported outcome measures and multiple myeloma clinical parameters"

Source

Ballan-Haj, M., Midlej, K., Silverman, B. et al. Assessing the correlation between patient and family reported outcome measures and multiple myeloma clinical parameters. Sci Rep (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-28967-7  November 23, 2025. 

Overview

This study shows that patient-reported (PROMs) and family-reported (FROM-16) outcome measures effectively capture the impact of multiple myeloma (MM) on patients and caregivers. Improvements in clinical parameters, including CRAB features, corresponded with better PROMs and reduced caregiver burden, highlighting these tools’ value in guiding patient-centered care and supporting tailored treatment strategies.

"TSCM-predominant allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: preclinical characterization and interim results from a phase 1 trial"

Source

Tseng, H., Dholaria, B., Cranert, S.A. et al. TSCM-predominant allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: preclinical characterization and interim results from a phase 1 trial. Nat Commun 16, 10050 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65267-0  November 24, 2025. 

Overview

This study reports early-phase data on P-BCMA-ALLO1, an allogeneic BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapy enriched for TSCM cells in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Among evaluable patients receiving enhanced lymphodepletion, responses were high (82% overall, 64% VGPR or better), with low-grade CRS, rapid CAR-T expansion, and evidence of bone marrow trafficking, suggesting that the TSCM phenotype may enhance efficacy, persistence, and safety in allogeneic CAR-T therapy.

"Comprehensive review on outcomes from Phase 3 clinical trials of drugs in multiple myeloma"

Source

Singh S, Uttam V, Haque S, Tuli HS, Mishra P, Jain A. Comprehensive review on outcomes from Phase 3 clinical trials of drugs in multiple myeloma. Cancer Treat Res Commun. 2025 Nov 24;45:101041. doi: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2025.101041. Epub ahead of print. 

Overview

This comprehensive review summarizes advances in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, highlighting the integration of CD38-targeting monoclonal antibodies (daratumumab, isatuximab), proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and BCMA-targeted therapies including CAR-T and bispecific antibodies. These approaches have improved response depth, progression-free survival, and overall survival across newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory populations, while maintenance strategies, MRD-guided treatment, and emerging therapies aim to further personalize care, optimize sequencing, and expand access to durable, well-tolerated treatment options.

"Active Epstein–Barr virus infection and its association with multiple myeloma: evidence from a meta-analytical perspective"

Source

Wu, Z., Yang, H., & Lai, Y. (2025). Active Epstein–Barr virus infection and its association with multiple myeloma: evidence from a meta-analytical perspective. Hematology, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/16078454.2025.2591486  November 24, 2025.

Overview

This meta-analysis of eight case–control studies shows that active Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is significantly associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma (MM), with particularly strong links in East Asian populations and when EBV is detected using sensitive histopathologic methods. While causality cannot be confirmed, these findings suggest EBV reactivation may contribute to MM pathogenesis and underscore the potential value of monitoring EBV activity and exploring EBV-targeted preventive or therapeutic strategies in plasma cell malignancies.

"HNRNPA2B1 Promotes the Progression of Multiple Myeloma via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy Mediated by CK2 Kinase"

Source

Guo Y, Jia C, Wang X, Luo K, Chi L, Xu Q, Gong T, Quan L. HNRNPA2B1 Promotes the Progression of Multiple Myeloma via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy Mediated by CK2 Kinase. J Proteome Res. 2025 Nov 24. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c01136. Epub ahead of print.  November 24, 2025. 

Overview

This study demonstrates that HNRNPA2B1 regulates multiple protein phosphorylation cascades in multiple myeloma (MM), with CK2 identified as a key kinase driving MM cell proliferation and survival. Inhibiting CK2 reduces proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and induces ER stress and autophagy, highlighting CK2 as a potential therapeutic target and providing new mechanistic insights into MM pathogenesis.

"Prognostic value assessment and in vitro validation of mitochondria-ferroptosis-related genes in multiple myeloma"

Source

Wu, J., Li, C., Zhang, J. et al. Prognostic value assessment and in vitro validation of mitochondria-ferroptosis-related genes in multiple myeloma. Sci Rep 15, 41548 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-25476-5  November 24, 2025. 

Overview

This study identified five mitochondria–ferroptosis-related genes (GPR15, NLRP7, ZNF208, PRDM13, and CRIM1) as prognostic biomarkers in multiple myeloma (MM). These genes were used to construct a robust predictive model, revealed associations with specific immune cell populations, and highlighted potential therapeutic targets, offering new insights for prognosis and treatment strategies in MM.

"Exosome-mediated modulation of bortezomib cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma cells: involvement of redox balance and cell cycle arrest through ketotifen treatment"

Source

Nourafshan, N., Sarab, G.A., Mesbahzadeh, B. et al. Exosome-mediated modulation of bortezomib cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma cells: involvement of redox balance and cell cycle arrest through ketotifen treatment. Med Oncol 43, 17 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-025-03147-9 November 24, 2025. 

Overview

This study found that Ketotifen suppresses exosome production and modulates oxidative stress and cell cycle responses in multiple myeloma (MM) cells, reducing Bortezomib-induced toxicity. These results suggest that combining Ketotifen with Bortezomib may enhance treatment efficacy by targeting exosome-mediated drug resistance.

"Microbiome modulation uncouples efficacy and toxicity induced by immune checkpoint blockade in mouse multiple myeloma"

Source

Cogrossi, L.L., Policastro, A., Zordan, P. et al. Microbiome modulation uncouples efficacy and toxicity induced by immune checkpoint blockade in mouse multiple myeloma. Nat Commun 16, 10384 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65312-y  November 24, 2025. 

Overview

This study found that the gut bacterium Prevotella melaninogenica delays the progression of smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) to full-blown MM by boosting short-chain fatty acid production, which limits pro-inflammatory Th17 cells in the bone marrow. These effects also enhance responses to immune checkpoint therapies and reduce related side effects, highlighting gut microbiota modulation or SCFA administration as potential therapeutic strategies for plasma cell disorders.

"EPAS1 increases SDHA to inhibit proliferation of multiple myeloma cells by restoring TCA Cycle."

Source

Sun, Y., Maihemaiti, A., Xu, Z. et al. EPAS1 increases SDHA to inhibit proliferation of multiple myeloma cells by restoring TCA Cycle. npj Precis. Onc. (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41698-025-01194-z  November 25, 2025. 

Overview

This study shows that activating the EPAS1-HDAC2-SDHA pathway suppresses multiple myeloma (MM) cell proliferation by promoting the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and inhibiting glycolysis. Both SDHA and EPAS1 were found to improve patient prognosis by restraining MM growth and invasion, suggesting that targeting this metabolic axis could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

"Sequencing BCMA- and GPRC5D-targeting immunotherapies in multiple myeloma: Practical guidance from the European Myeloma Network"

Source

van de Donk, N.W.C.J., Moreau, P., San-Miguel, J.F., Mateos, M.-V., Dimopoulos, M.A., Zweegman, S., Gay, F., Engelhardt, M., Mina, R., Zamagni, E., Delforge, M., Beksac, M., Spencer, A., Schjesvold, F., Driessen, C., Kaiser, M., Perrot, A., Wäsch, R., Korst, C.L.B.M., Broijl, A., Touzeau, C., Manier, S., Hajek, R., Bila, J., Seval, G.C., O'Dwyer, M., Ludwig, H., Fernandez de Larrea, C., Popat, R., Musto, P., Rodriguez-Otero, P., Yong, K., Kortüm, M., Rasche, L., Terpos, E., Raab, M.S., Boccadoro, M., Sonneveld, P., Einsele, H. and the EMN Guidelines Committee (2025), Sequencing BCMA- and GPRC5D-targeting immunotherapies in multiple myeloma: Practical guidance from the European Myeloma Network. HemaSphere, 9: e70260. https://doi.org/10.1002/hem3.70260  November 25, 2025 

Overview

This review outlines strategies for sequencing novel immunotherapies in heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), including CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting BCMA or GPRC5D. Recommendations emphasize using CAR T-cell therapy first when available, avoiding prior BCMA-targeted BsAbs or ADCs, and considering antigen switching or BsAb-free intervals to optimize efficacy in sequential treatment.

"A multicenter observational retrospective study of second-line treatment with daratumumab–bortezomib–dexamethasone (DaraVd) in multiple myeloma patients refractory to lenalidomide"

Source

Rizzello, I., Sacchetti, I., Barbato, S. et al. A multicenter observational retrospective study of second-line treatment with daratumumab–bortezomib–dexamethasone (DaraVd) in multiple myeloma patients refractory to lenalidomide. Clin Exp Med 26, 43 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-025-01956-w  November 25, 2025.  

Overview

This retrospective study evaluated 85 lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma patients treated at first relapse with daratumumab–bortezomib–dexamethasone (DaraVd), showing an overall response rate of 86% (61% ≥VGPR) and median PFS and OS of 15 and 47 months, respectively. Treatment was generally tolerable, with hematologic toxicities and infections being most common, supporting DaraVd as a viable second-line option, particularly for patients ineligible for other therapies.

"Diagnostic Potential of the Risk Factors Associated With Peripheral Neuropathy in Multiple Myeloma: Evidence From Logistic Regression Analysis"

Source

Huang J, Xie Y. Diagnostic Potential of the Risk Factors Associated With Peripheral Neuropathy in Multiple Myeloma: Evidence From Logistic Regression Analysis. Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2025 Nov 25;86(11):1-14. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2025.0795. Epub 2025 Nov 21. 

Overview

This retrospective study of 161 multiple myeloma patients found that 27.95% developed peripheral neuropathy (PN), with older age, higher BMI, low vitamin D, elevated IgG, and increased IL-6 identified as independent risk predictors. Early assessment of these factors can help identify high-risk patients and guide targeted preventive strategies to reduce PN and improve clinical outcomes.

"The histone modifier KANSL2 is an actionable biomarker in multiple myeloma"

Source

Kaiting Jiang, Marieluise Kirchner, Frederik Herzberg, Yan Zhao, Amelie Gasper, Francis Baumgartner, Paul Jung, Jan Braune, Veronika Schulze, Konstandina Isaakidis, Philipp Mertins, Jan Krönke, Matthias Wirth, Ulrich Keller, Stefan Habringer; The histone modifier KANSL2 is an actionable biomarker in multiple myeloma. Mol Cancer Ther 2025; https://doi.org/10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-25-0379  November 26, 2025. 

Overview

This study identified KANSL2 as an epigenetic regulator and potential oncogene in multiple myeloma, with high expression linked to poor prognosis and protection against genotoxic stress. KANSL2 overexpression sensitized MM cells to HDAC and BET inhibitors, suggesting it could serve as both a mediator of drug resistance and a biomarker to guide epigenetic-targeted therapies.

"Determinants of Ultra-Long-Term Survival in Multiple Myeloma: A Critical Appraisal of Foundational Assumptions and a Call for Biologically Driven Inquiry"

Source

D. Yang, J. Yang, S. Wang, and G. Wang, “Determinants of Ultra-Long-Term Survival in Multiple Myeloma: A Critical Appraisal of Foundational Assumptions and a Call for Biologically Driven Inquiry,” American Journal of Hematology (2025): 1–2, https://doi.org/10.1002/ajh.70153.  November 26, 2025. 

Overview

This letter to the editor critically evaluates Dimopoulos et al.’s study on 15-year progression-free survival (PFS) in multiple myeloma, highlighting key limitations. The authors note that reliance on historical definitions of complete response (CR) without minimal residual disease (MRD) data may limit contemporary relevance, the association with female sex requires cautious interpretation due to potential confounders, and the single-center design restricts generalizability. They emphasize that modern multi-omics approaches and external validation are needed to identify true mechanistic drivers of long-term remission

"Correlation between duration of first-line treatment with daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone and overall survival in patients with transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma in Japan"

Source

Suzuki, K., Ito, M., Sakai, C., Tsuchiya, H., Wu, D. B. C., & Koroki, Y. (2025). Correlation between duration of first-line treatment with daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone and overall survival in patients with transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma in Japan. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2025.2590840  November 26, 2025. 

Overview

This real-world study in Japanese patients with transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (TIE NDMM) found that the duration of first-line daratumumab–lenalidomide–dexamethasone (DRd) treatment strongly correlated with overall survival. The correlation held across age and comorbidity subgroups, suggesting that longer DRd treatment may serve as a predictor of improved survival in routine clinical practice.

"Determinants of Ultra-Long-Term Survival in Multiple Myeloma: A Critical Appraisal of Foundational Assumptions and a Call for Biologically Driven Inquiry"

Source

D. Yang, J. Yang, S. Wang, and G. Wang, “Determinants of Ultra-Long-Term Survival in Multiple Myeloma: A Critical Appraisal of Foundational Assumptions and a Call for Biologically Driven Inquiry,” American Journal of Hematology (2025): 1–2, https://doi.org/10.1002/ajh.70153.  November 26, 2025. 

Overview

This letter to the editor critically evaluates Dimopoulos et al.’s study on 15-year progression-free survival (PFS) in multiple myeloma, highlighting key limitations. The authors note that reliance on historical definitions of complete response (CR) without minimal residual disease (MRD) data may limit contemporary relevance, the association with female sex requires cautious interpretation due to potential confounders, and the single-center design restricts generalizability. They emphasize that modern multi-omics approaches and external validation are needed to identify true mechanistic drivers of long-term remission

"Burden of Treatment, Treatment Sequencing and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Multiple Myeloma in Latin America: A Targeted Literature Review"

Source

Seehaus, C.M., Remaggi, G., Filho, J.S. et al. Burden of Treatment, Treatment Sequencing and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Multiple Myeloma in Latin America: A Targeted Literature Review. Oncol Ther (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40487-025-00400-z  November 26, 2025. 

Overview

This targeted literature review examined multiple myeloma (MM) treatment and outcomes in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, highlighting wide variability in therapy access, especially between private and public healthcare settings. Newer agents like lenalidomide, daratumumab, and bortezomib were more available in private systems, and survival outcomes were generally better in these settings. The review identified significant gaps in reporting on adverse events and healthcare resource utilization, underscoring the need for improved access to standard-of-care therapies and more comprehensive data to optimize MM management across Latin America.

"Health system costs and autologous stem cell transplant receipt for participants with multiple myeloma in the Australian 45 and Up Study"

Source

Sarsha Yap, Anna Kelly, David Goldsbury, Marianne F. Weber, Xue Qin Yu, Qingwei Luo, Karen Canfell, Eleonora Feletto, Health system costs and autologous stem cell transplant receipt for participants with multiple myeloma in the Australian 45 and Up Study, Leukemia Research, Volume 158, 2025, 108100, ISSN 0145-2126, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leukres.2025.108100. November 2025. 

Overview

This study analyzed health system costs and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) receipt among Australians with multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosed between 2006 and 2019. Mean excess costs per patient peaked at $66,249 in the year after diagnosis and remained substantially elevated ($36,453–$43,059) for 2–5 years post-diagnosis. Only 24% of patients received ASCT, with older age strongly associated with both lower costs and reduced likelihood of transplant. These findings highlight the long-term economic burden of MM and provide guidance for planning future healthcare resources.

"Extracellular vesicles in multiple myeloma-bone marrow niche crosstalk: from cellular dialogue to clinical perspectives"

Source

Forestiero, M., Zimbo, A.M., Gentile, G. et al. Extracellular vesicles in multiple myeloma-bone marrow niche crosstalk: from cellular dialogue to clinical perspectives. J Transl Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-07445-8 November 27, 2025.  

Overview

This review summarizes the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in multiple myeloma (MM), highlighting how EVs from tumor and non-malignant bone marrow cells mediate communication that promotes tumor growth, immune evasion, and drug resistance. It emphasizes the potential of EVs as non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic agents, while noting that further mechanistic studies, optimized isolation methods, and rigorous clinical trials are needed to translate EV-based strategies into effective MM treatments.

"Utilization of real-world evidence in regulatory approvals for multiple myeloma therapies"

Source

Taylor, L., Chen, A. & Pierre, A. Utilization of real-world evidence in regulatory approvals for multiple myeloma therapies. Blood Cancer J. 15, 210 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-025-01420-8  November 27, 2025

Overview

This review highlights the growing role of real-world data and evidence (RWD/E) in supporting regulatory applications for multiple myeloma (MM), particularly in relapsed/refractory or later-line settings where traditional randomized trials may be challenging. It emphasizes that high-quality, fit-for-purpose RWD—capturing relevant patient populations, treatment variables, and outcomes—is essential for regulatory decision-making, while noting that RWE has been increasingly used by FDA and EMA to support label expansions, external comparator arms, and natural history studies, ultimately helping to inform therapy development and address unmet needs in MM.

"Secondary Neoplasms Following Treatment for Multiple Myeloma, Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology"

Source

Dr. Sharon Koorse Germans, Dr. Bo Zhang, Dr. Olga Weinberg, Secondary Neoplasms Following Treatment for Multiple Myeloma, Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology, 2025, 150976, ISSN 0740-2570, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semdp.2025.150976. November 27, 2025. 

Overview

This review summarizes the occurrence and characteristics of therapy-related secondary malignancies (SM) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, focusing on myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms that arise after prolonged treatment with modern therapies such as IMiDs, proteasome inhibitors, ASCT, and CAR-T. It highlights the incidence, risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of these secondary cancers, emphasizing the need for awareness and monitoring as survival in MM continues to improve.

"Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis: A Literature Review, Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology"

Source

Nourhan Ibrahim, Daniel Rivera, Janhavi Govande, Brenda Mai, Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis: A Literature Review, Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology, 2025, 150975, ISSN 0740-2570, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semdp.2025.150975. November 27, 2025. 

Overview

This review summarizes current and emerging diagnostic approaches in multiple myeloma, emphasizing the integration of imaging, laboratory testing, and bone marrow evaluation for accurate disease characterization. Advances such as serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, free light chain assays, next-generation sequencing, and AI-assisted imaging are improving early detection, risk stratification, and overall diagnostic precision.
 

"The impact of CD81 on immune cells and clinical prognosis in multiple myeloma"

Source

Zhao, Q., LV, M., Yan, Q. et al. The impact of CD81 on immune cells and clinical prognosis in multiple myeloma. Ann Hematol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277-025-06712-4 November 27, 2025.  

Overview

This study identifies CD81 as a prognostic marker in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, with high CD81 expression linked to reduced overall survival and altered immune cell profiles. Specifically, elevated CD81 correlates with lower peripheral CD8⁺ T cell counts and increased M2 macrophage infiltration, highlighting its influence on the tumor immune microenvironment and suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

"Challenging the concept of functional high-risk myeloma through transcriptional and genetic profiling"

Source

Sina A. Beer, David A. Cairns, Charlotte Pawlyn, Amy Holroyd, Elsa Ferris, Gordon Cook, Mark Drayson, Kevin Boyd, Paula Proszek, Faith E. Davies, Ruth de Tute, Matthew Jenner, Gareth J. Morgan, Roger Owen, Michael Hubank, Richard Houlston, Graham Jackson, Martin F. Kaiser; Challenging the concept of functional high-risk myeloma through transcriptional and genetic profiling. Blood 2025; 146 (22): 2670–2680. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2025029987  November 27, 2025. 

Overview

This study examines functional high-risk (FHR) multiple myeloma, defined as early relapse without baseline high-risk features, in transplant-eligible patients from the Myeloma-XI trial. Combined profiling using IMS/IMWG high-risk cytogenetics and the SKY92 gene expression signature identified 84% of early relapses and better stratified long-term outcomes, highlighting the value of comprehensive baseline molecular assessment to predict unexpected early relapse.

"Patients and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the implementation of shared decision making in multiple myeloma: a multinational qualitative study"

Source

Schoefs, E., Verbeke, C., Broekmans, J. et al. Patients and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the implementation of shared decision making in multiple myeloma: a multinational qualitative study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 25, 432 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-025-03229-8  November 27, 2025. 

Overview

This qualitative study found that shared decision making (SDM) in multiple myeloma care is inconsistently applied, with patients often reporting that their preferences, information needs, and desired level of involvement are not explicitly addressed. Strengthening the roles of haematology nurses, multidisciplinary teams, patient organisations, and decision aids could help overcome barriers and improve meaningful patient participation in treatment decisions.

"Advances and future perspectives in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell and bispecific antibody therapies for multiple myeloma"

Source

Suzuki T, Iida S. Advances and future perspectives in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell and bispecific antibody therapies for multiple myeloma. J Clin Exp Hematop. 2025 Nov 28. doi: 10.3960/jslrt.25038. Epub ahead of print. 

Overview

This review summarizes how T-cell–redirecting therapies, including CAR T-cell therapies and bispecific antibodies, have transformed treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, each offering distinct benefits and limitations. Treatment choice should be individualized based on patient fitness, disease features, and access, with ongoing research focused on earlier use, new targets, and strategies to improve durability and safety.

"Anti-CD38 VLRB-Fc antibodies from transgenic tobacco exhibit potent anti-myeloma activity in vitro and in vivo"

Source

Caiquan Jin, Jun Li, Yerin Kim, Kibum Kim, Peter Hinterdorfer, Seonyoung Kang, Jae-Min Lim, Chang Ki Min, Mineui Hong, Kisung Ko, Anti-CD38 VLRB-Fc antibodies from transgenic tobacco exhibit potent anti-myeloma activity in vitro and in vivo, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025, 149229, ISSN 0141-8130, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149229. November 28, 2025. 

Overview

This study describes a novel, plant-derived lamprey VLRB antibody targeting CD38 that showed strong anti-myeloma activity in vitro and in mouse models. The lead construct demonstrated tumor control comparable to daratumumab, supporting its potential as a lower-cost alternative anti-CD38 therapy for multiple myeloma.

"The impact of extramedullary and paraskeletal plasmacytomas on treatment outcomes in multiple myeloma treated with teclistamab: U.S. Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium real-world experience"

Source

Afrough, A., Dima, D., Razzo, B. et al. The impact of extramedullary and paraskeletal plasmacytomas on treatment outcomes in multiple myeloma treated with teclistamab: U.S. Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium real-world experience. Blood Cancer J. (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-025-01414-6  November 28, 2025.

Overview

In a real-world study of RRMM patients treated with teclistamab, those with true extramedullary disease had significantly lower response rates and markedly shorter progression-free and overall survival compared with patients without soft tissue plasmacytomas. These results underscore true extramedullary disease as a high-risk feature and highlight the need for tailored treatment strategies in this population.

"Targeting RNA polymerase I to boost natural killer cell anticancer activity in multiple myeloma"

Source

Sproviero, E., Gnocchini, E., Cipollone, T. et al. Targeting RNA polymerase I to boost natural killer cell anticancer activity in multiple myeloma. Cell Death Dis 16, 865 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-025-08196-6 November 28, 2025.  

Overview

This study shows that targeting RNA Polymerase I in multiple myeloma has distinct immunologic effects: BMH-21 enhances NK cell activation, cytokine release, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, while CX-5461 induces DNA damage–driven senescence that suppresses NK cell function via HLA-E upregulation. These findings identify ribosome biogenesis inhibition as a novel immunomodulatory strategy in MM and highlight the importance of drug-specific effects when combining with NK cell–based or antibody therapies.

"Development and validation of a novel frailty model for the patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma."

Source

Tian, B., Xu, L., Jia, S. et al. Development and validation of a novel frailty model for the patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Eur J Med Res (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-025-03417-2 November 28, 2025. 

Overview

This study developed and validated a novel frailty model incorporating age, comorbidities, performance status, disease stage, and nutritional status that more accurately predicts survival, early mortality, and treatment-related toxicity in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma than existing frailty tools. The model effectively identifies frail patients at higher risk of adverse events, supporting its use to guide risk-adapted treatment decisions.

"Comparative Efficacy of Talquetamab vs. Real-World Physician’s Choice of Treatment in Triple-Class-Exposed Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Updated Analyses of MonumenTAL-1 vs. LocoMMotion/MoMMent"

Source

Einsele, H., Moreau, P., Bahlis, N. et al. Comparative Efficacy of Talquetamab vs. Real-World Physician’s Choice of Treatment in Triple-Class-Exposed Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Updated Analyses of MonumenTAL-1 vs. LocoMMotion/MoMMent. Adv Ther (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-025-03409-y  November 28, 2025. 

Overview

Updated indirect comparisons show that talquetamab provides significantly higher response rates and longer duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival than real-world physician’s choice of therapy in patients with triple-class–exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. These benefits were observed regardless of prior T-cell–redirecting therapy, supporting talquetamab’s clinical value across heavily pretreated populations.

“Daratumumab-Based Combinational Therapy as Second-Line Treatment of Relapsed-Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Center Experience"

Source

O. C. Y. Yang, Y.-H. Chiang, C. G. Chen, et al., “Daratumumab-Based Combinational Therapy as Second-Line Treatment of Relapsed-Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Center Experience,” Cancer Reports 8, no. 12 (2025): e70367, https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.70367.  November 29, 2025. 

Overview

In this single-center real-world analysis, daratumumab-based combination therapy used as second-line treatment in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma achieved a high overall response rate and a median progression-free survival of 20 months. Toxicities were manageable and consistent with prior reports, supporting the effectiveness and tolerability of daratumumab in routine clinical practice.

“Harnessing Targeted Photodynamic Therapy to Synergistically Activate T Cell and NK Cell Responses in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

Z. Liu, X. Liu, J. Ma, et al. “Harnessing Targeted Photodynamic Therapy to Synergistically Activate T Cell and NK Cell Responses in Multiple Myeloma.” Adv. Mater. (2025): e18663. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202518663  November 29, 2025. 

Overview

This study describes a new photodynamic therapy approach that targets multiple myeloma cells while activating both T cells and natural killer cells to overcome immune suppression in the bone marrow. In preclinical models, this dual immune activation produced strong anti-myeloma effects, suggesting a promising strategy to enhance immunotherapy by engaging both adaptive and innate immunity.

“Multi-hit TP53 confers the poorest survival in multiple myeloma in the era of novel therapies"

Source

Nesnadna, R., Petrackova, A., Minarik, J. et al. Multi-hit TP53 confers the poorest survival in multiple myeloma in the era of novel therapies. Mol Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10020-025-01392-2  November 29, 2025. 

Overview

This study shows that multiple myeloma patients with multi-hit TP53 alterations—combining del(17p) and TP53 mutations—have the worst outcomes, including shorter progression-free and overall survival, even with novel therapies. The findings highlight the importance of routinely testing for TP53 alterations and prioritizing these high-risk patients for clinical trials of new treatment strategies.

“Serum Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) Dynamics as a Complementary Marker of Treatment Response in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Prospective Analysis"

Source

Erol V, Avci E, Kabukcu Hacioglu S, et al. (November 30, 2025) Serum Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) Dynamics as a Complementary Marker of Treatment Response in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Prospective Analysis. Cureus 17(11): e98204. doi:10.7759/cureus.98204 

Overview

This study suggests that changes in serum MOTS-c levels may reflect treatment response in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, with responders showing a notable post-therapy increase while refractory patients exhibited minimal change. Although limited as a standalone predictor, MOTS-c dynamics could serve as a complementary biomarker linked to metabolic and microenvironmental adaptation, warranting validation in larger patient cohorts.

“Type I Interferon Pathway Activation Disrupts Monocyte Maturation and Enhances Immune Evasion in Multiple Myeloma"

Source

J. Cui, J. Wang, X. Li, et al. “Type I Interferon Pathway Activation Disrupts Monocyte Maturation and Enhances Immune Evasion in Multiple Myeloma.” Adv. Sci. (2025): e10816. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202510816   November 30, 2025. 

Overview

This study reveals that monocytes in multiple myeloma exhibit profound transcriptional alterations, particularly hyperactivation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway, which disrupts their differentiation and promotes tumor proliferation. Longitudinal analyses showed that anti-myeloma therapy partially normalizes this IFN-driven dysfunction, highlighting monocyte reprogramming as a key mechanism of immune evasion and suggesting the IFN pathway as a potential therapeutic target to restore anti-tumor immunity.

“Modeling of glucocorticoid resistance in multiple myeloma reveals mechanisms and markers of glucocorticoid resistance"

Source

Bert Luyckx, Mélanie Derollez, Eleni Staessens, Annick Verhee, Daria Fijalkowska, Pieter Van Vlierberghe, Steven Goossens, Dorien Clarisse, Karolien De Bosscher, Modeling of glucocorticoid resistance in multiple myeloma reveals mechanisms and markers of glucocorticoid resistance, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 192, 2025, 118656, ISSN 0753-3322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118656.  November 2025. 

Overview

This study investigates mechanisms of glucocorticoid (GC) resistance in multiple myeloma (MM), revealing that baseline GC responsiveness influences both the timing and degree of resistance. Analyses identified CCR1 as a shared biomarker of emerging resistance and highlighted alterations in metabolism and plasma cell signatures, with fatty acid synthase (FASN) validated as a key determinant of GC sensitivity, offering potential targets to restore or enhance therapeutic response.

"Characteristics of long-term survivors of multiple myeloma after autologous stem cell transplantation: a retrospective analysis from a tertiary care centre in India"

Source

Lalit Kumar, Rajegowda Chethan, Prabhat Singh Malik, Raja Pramanik, Ranjit Sahoo, Ahitagni Biswas, Omdutt Sharma, Ritu Gupta, Atul Sharma, Saumya Ranjan Mallick, Characteristics of long term survivors of multiple myeloma after autologous stem cell transplantation: a retrospective analysis from a tertiary care centre in India, The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, Volume 42, 2025, 100680, ISSN 2772-3682, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2025.100680. November 2025.

Overview

This study analyzed long-term outcomes in transplant-eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients, identifying 22% as long-term survivors (≥10 years). These patients had favorable baseline characteristics, underwent early autologous stem cell transplantation, and achieved deep post-transplant responses, resulting in a median progression-free survival of 158 months and overall survival of 264 months.

"Compound Kushen Injection suppresses multiple myeloma progression via TOP1-targeted coordination of DNA damage and endoplasmic reticulum stress"

Source

Liu L, Sun H, Feng F, Sun X, Ma J, Lv R, Yu T, Ye L, Li X, Yu Z, Zhang X, Jing H, Yao Y, Ma F, Qiu L, Hao M. Improving predictive accuracy in multiple myeloma using a plasma cell profile derived from single-cell RNA sequencing. Haematologica 2025;110(11):2726-2739; https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2025.287586.  November 2025. 

Overview

This study demonstrates that Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) exerts anti-multiple myeloma (MM) effects by targeting topoisomerase I to induce DNA damage response and ER stress, triggering apoptosis and cell cycle arrest even in TP53-mutant cells. CKI also synergizes with proteasome inhibitors, enhancing tumor suppression in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential as a chemosensitizing adjuvant in MM therapy.

"Improving predictive accuracy in multiple myeloma using a plasma cell profile derived from single-cell RNA sequencing"

Source

Liu L, Sun H, Feng F, Sun X, Ma J, Lv R, Yu T, Ye L, Li X, Yu Z, Zhang X, Jing H, Yao Y, Ma F, Qiu L, Hao M. Improving predictive accuracy in multiple myeloma using a plasma cell profile derived from single-cell RNA sequencing. Haematologica 2025;110(11):2726-2739; https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2025.287586.  November 2025. 

Overview

This study identifies an aggressive subset of multiple myeloma (MM) cells through single-cell RNA sequencing, characterized by chromosomal instability, drug resistance, and high-risk gene expression. A seven-gene signature derived from this subset predicts poor patient outcomes, and an integrated risk-stratification model incorporating this signature improves identification of ultra-high-risk MM patients, offering a practical tool for guiding personalized, risk-adapted treatment strategies.

"Altered mesenchymal and endothelial subsets in interstitial bone marrow and focal lesions in myeloma patients and SCID-hu mice"

Source

Ling W, Zangari M, van Rhee F, Barlogie B, Yaccoby S. Altered mesenchymal and endothelial subsets in interstitial bone marrow and focal lesions in myeloma patients and SCID-hu mice. Haematologica 2025;110(11):2740-2751; https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2025.287717. November 2025. 

Overview

This study provides a detailed single-cell and gene expression analysis of the bone marrow stroma in multiple myeloma (MM), revealing altered mesenchymal and endothelial cell subsets in interstitial bone marrow and focal lesions. It identifies inflammatory mesenchymal stem cell subsets and CYR61/CCN1+ myeloid cells, highlighting previously unappreciated microenvironmental populations that may support tumor growth and contribute to disease heterogeneity, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

"LDHAL6B is a novel prognostic marker and promotes disease progression in multiple myeloma"

Source

Zuo L, Li Z, Cai L, Li Q, Fan F, Zhang B, Zhao F, Luo S, Zheng Y, Hu Y, Sun C. LDHAL6B is a novel prognostic marker and promotes disease progression in multiple myeloma. Haematologica 2025;110(11):2779-2785; https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2024.286835.  November 2025. 

Overview

This study identifies LDHAL6B as a novel biomarker in multiple myeloma (MM), showing that high LDHAL6B expression is associated with advanced disease, adverse prognostic factors, extramedullary involvement, lower treatment response rates, and significantly worse progression-free and overall survival. Functional studies indicate that LDHAL6B promotes MM cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metabolic reprogramming, while integrating LDHAL6B into a prognostic model alongside established high-risk factors improves patient stratification beyond the Revised International Staging System, offering a potential tool for personalized risk assessment and therapy guidance.

"Patient-reported outcomes with belantamab mafodotin, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone versus bortezomib, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (DREAMM-8): a phase 3, open-label, randomised controlled trial"

Source

Meletios A Dimopoulos, Meral Beksac, Ludek Pour, Sosana Delimpasi, Vladimir Vorobyev, Hang Quach, Ivan Spicka, Jakub Radocha, Paweł Robak, Kihyun Kim, Michele Cavo, Kazuhito Suzuki, Jodie Wilkes, Simon McNamara, Amy Phillips-Jones, Kristin Morris, Farrah Pompilus, Molly Purser, Neal Sule, Brandon Kremer, Angely Loubert, Laurine Bunod, Manal M’Hari, Xiaoou L Zhou, Giulia Fulci, María-Victoria Mateos, Suzanne Trudel, Aaron Ronson, Adrian Alegre Amor, Alberto Eterio Velasco Valdazo, Amos Cohen, Andrew Lim, Anna Sureda Balari, Antonia Sampol Mayol, Aristeidis Chaidos, Artur Jurczyszyn, Aurore Perrot, Bradley Augustson, Britta Besemer, Cecily Forsyth, Celia Suriu, Chang-Ki Min, Cindy Lee, Clifton Mo, Dmitriy Kirtbaya, Edwin Lee, Eleftheria Hatzimichael, Esin Oguz Kozan, Esther Gonzalez Garcia, Estrella Carrillo Cruz, Felipe De Arriba De La Fuente, Guldane Cengiz Seval, Guner Ozsan, Guray Saydam, Hang Quach, Hanlon Sia, Hannah Hunter, Hiroshi Handa, Hyeon-Seok Eom, Ian Irving, Igor Davydkin, Inna Tsoran-Rosenthal, Irit Avivi, Iurii Osipov, Ivan Spicka, Ja Min Byun, Jaehoon Lee, Jakub Radocha, Jaroslaw Czyz, Javier De La Rubia Comos, Je Jung Lee, Jean-Marc Schiano De Colella, Jesus Berdeja, Jin Seok Kim, Jock Simpson, Johnny Francisco Cordeiro Camargo, Kaichi Nishiwaki, Kamaraj Karunanithi, Kathryn Forwood, Kazutaka Sunami, Keith Fay, Kevin Boyd, Kihyun Kim, Koji Kawamura, Konstantinos Anargyrou, Kosei Matsue, Laura Maria Fogliatto, Laura Rosiñol Dachs, Ludek Pour, Magdalena Dutka, Manuel Modiano, Marcelo Pitombeira De Lacerda, Maria Del Carmen Martinez Chamorro, Maria Victoria Mateos Manteca, Marie Hughes, Markus Munder, Martin Kortuem, Matteo Claudio Da Via, Matthew Jenner, Maurizio Martelli, Mehmet Sinan Dal, Mehmet Turgut, Meletios Athanasios Dimopoulos, Melita Kenealy, Mercedes Gironella Mesa, Merit Hanna, Michail Iskas, Michele Cavo, Nicole Chien, Olga Uspenskaya, Osnat Jarchowsky, Paula Rodriguez Otero, Pierre Feugier, Sergey Voloshin, Sergey Semochkin, Sharon Jackson, Shigeki Ito, Shinsuke Iida, Silvia Mangiacavalli, Sosana Delimpasi, Suman Kambhampati, Syed Zafar, Tadeusz Robak, Takayuki Ikezoe, Tomasz Wrobel, Vânia Tietsche De Moraes Hungria, Vera Zherebtsova, Vidya Mathavan, Wei Yang, Xin Du, Yulya Dyachkova, Zafer Gulbas, Zubeyde Ozkurt, Patient-reported outcomes with belantamab mafodotin, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone versus bortezomib, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (DREAMM-8): a phase 3, open-label, randomised controlled trial, The Lancet Haematology, Volume 12, Issue 11,2025, Pages e876-e886,ISSN 2352-3026, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3026(25)00256-X. November 2025. 

Overview

In the DREAMM-8 trial, patient-reported outcomes from relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients demonstrated that treatment with belantamab mafodotin combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone maintained stable health-related quality of life, with side effects generally manageable and minimally bothersome, particularly ocular events. These findings support the regimen’s tolerability and patient-centered feasibility, reinforcing its use as an effective therapy for lenalidomide-exposed patients while preserving quality of life.

"Age-related disparities in treatment and outcomes for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a population-based study"

Source

Shan X, Kuiper R, Ding C, Munshi PN, Stadtmauer EA, Susanibar-Adaniya SP. Age-related disparities in treatment and outcomes for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a population-based study. Haematologica 2025;110(11):2839-2843; https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2025.287506.  November 2025. 

Overview

In this analysis of 146 multiple myeloma patients aged ≥75 from the MMRF CoMMpass Study, frontline combination therapy with proteasome inhibitors (PI) and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiD) was associated with significantly longer overall survival (70.2 vs. 36.7 months) and progression-free survival (23.7 vs. 19.8 months) compared with single-agent PI or IMiD, despite similar baseline disease risk and high frailty prevalence. These findings indicate that undertreatment, rather than intrinsic disease biology, largely drives poorer outcomes in older patients, emphasizing the critical importance of optimized combination therapy in this population.

"Outcomes for unselected, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients"

Source

Moore JT, Mettias SM, Cheung J, Swift R, Eades B, Eshaghian S, Schwartz G, Berenson JR. Outcomes for unselected, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Haematologica 2025;110(11):2823-2826; https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2025.287458.  November 2025. 

Overview

In this retrospective study of 175 unselected newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated at a single specialized clinic, the median progression-free survival was 22 months, and the median overall survival was 152 months—the longest reported to date. While R2-ISS stage and cytogenetic risk predicted longer PFS, age at diagnosis was the sole significant predictor of OS, highlighting that extended survival can be achieved through sequential exposure to multiple therapies even without routine autologous stem cell transplantation or advanced cellular therapies.