International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Publications

IMWG Diagnostic Criteria (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/international-myeloma-working-group-updated-criteria-diagnosis-multiple-myeloma)
The revised diagnostic criteria include requirements for bone marrow plasma cells, serum free light chain ratio, MRI findings, myeloma bone disease, renal failure, monoclonal protein, and symptoms.
 
IMWG Response Criteria (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/international-myeloma-working-group-consensus-criteria-response-minimal-residual)
The updated criteria for the diagnosis of myeloma represent a paradigm shift in the approach to myeloma and have considerable impact on the management of the disease.
 
IMWG Smoldering Myeloma Risk Stratification (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/international-myeloma-working-group-risk-stratification-model-smoldering-multiple)
SMM is a precursor to multiple myeloma, with risk levels determined by protein levels, light-chain ratios, and cell infiltration. Early treatment may reduce progression risk.

IMWG Criteria for Plasma Cell Leukemia (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/primary-plasma-cell-leukemia-consensus-definition-international-myeloma-working)
Primary plasma cell leukemia requires ≥5% circulating plasma cells in MM patients. Early detection via blood tests is crucial. Disease is rare, aggressive, needs more research.

IMWG Relapsed Myeloma Guideline (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/treatment-relapsed-refractory-multiple-myeloma-recommendations-international)
The policy review presents recommendations from the International Myeloma Working Group for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

IMWG CART guideline (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/imwg-consensus-guidelines-recommendations-management-response-assessment-chimeric)
The management of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma presents a significant clinical challenge, despite recent advancements in treatment modalities.

IMWG Bispecific guideline (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/imwg-immunotherapy-committee-consensus-guidelines-recommendations-optimal-use-t)
Bispecific antibody therapy can trigger cytokine release syndrome - an inflammatory reaction varying from mild to severe, typically occurring within 24h of treatment.

IMWG Sequencing Immunotherapy guideline (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/imwg-immunotherapy-committee-recommendation-sequencing-immunotherapy-treatment)
T-cell redirecting therapies (TCRTs), including CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs), are transforming how multiple myeloma (MM) is treated. These innovative therapies target proteins like BCMA and GPRC5D, with several options already approved worldwide and more in development.  

Bone Disease (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/treatment-multiple-myeloma-related-bone-disease-recommendations-bone-working-group)
In this Policy Review, the Bone Working Group of the International Myeloma Working Group updates its clinical practice recommendations for the management of multiple myeloma-related bone disease. 

Infection Prevention (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/consensus-guidelines-recommendations-infection-prevention-multiple-myeloma-report)
A consensus statement from the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) on infection prevention in patients with multiple myeloma. 

Renal Failure (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/management-multiple-myeloma-related-renal-impairment-recommendations-international)
An overview of the management of renal impairment in multiple myeloma patients. 
 
Vertebroplasty/ Kyphoplasty (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/role-cement-augmentation-percutaneous-vertebroplasty-balloon-kyphoplasty-treatment)
Balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty can treat vertebral fractures in multiple myeloma patients, reducing pain and disability when done within 4-8 weeks of injury.

Imaging (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/international-myeloma-working-group-consensus-recommendations-imaging-monoclonal)
The detection of bone and bone marrow lesions is crucial in the investigation of multiple myeloma and often dictates the decision to start treatment.

Mass Spectrometry (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/mass-spectrometry-evaluation-monoclonal-proteins-multiple-myeloma-related)
Plasma cell disorders (PCDs) are identified in the clinical lab by detecting the monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-protein) which they produce. 
 
Whole Body Low Dose CT (https://www.myeloma.org/imwg/recommendations-acquisition-interpretation-reporting-whole-body-low-dose-ct)
Whole-body low-dose computed tomography (WBLDCT) is recommended as a first-line imaging modality for bone disease assessment in multiple myeloma patients. ​

Myeloma Drug Access (https://www.myeloma.org/imwg/analysis-availability-access-anti-myeloma-drugs-impact-management-multiple-myeloma)
The study emphasizes the need for equal access to MM treatments in public settings and highlights barriers such as drug availability and high costs. ​
 
Predictors of Long term survival (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/clinical-predictors-long-term-survival-newly-diagnosed-transplant-eligible)
This study examines the clinical predictors of long-term survival in multiple myeloma patients eligible for high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM-ASCT).

Racial Disparities (https://www.myeloma.org/resource-library/addressing-disparities-approach-african-american-patient-multiple-myeloma)
This document discusses the disparities faced by African American patients with multiple myeloma in terms of incidence, timely diagnosis, access to treatment, clinical trial participation, and healthcare utilization.