Beyond the Data: A Patient & Care Partner Conversation on Myeloma Research from ASCO (https://www.myeloma.org/videos/beyond-data-patient-care-partner-conversation-myeloma-research-asco)
Moderated by IMF Medical Advisor Dr. Joseph Mikhael (TGen at the City of Hope), with panelists Terry Glassman (myeloma patient, high-risk shared experience group co-leader, Long Island NY), Todd and Diane Kennedy (myeloma patient and care partner, City of Hope support group leaders, Southern California). Hosted by Becky Bosley (IMF Senior Director of Support Groups).
The webinar covered five chapters of recent myeloma research from ASCO and EHA, plus a "This Just In" segment on three developments from the past month, followed by audience Q&A. The overarching theme: myeloma outcomes are improving dramatically across all risk groups, and innovation is reaching beyond new drug mechanisms to include delivery, access, and treatment duration.
Workshop chapters Topics Covered in This Workshop
Three landmark Phase III trials were reviewed, all in patients with 1-3 prior lines of therapy (early relapse).
Dr. Mikhael presented a subgroup analysis of MajesTEC-3 led by Rahul Banerjee (Seattle) examining outcomes in cytogenetically high-risk patients (classical high-risk features such as TP53 deletion) and functionally high-risk patients (relapse within 18 months of initial therapy or transplant). At 3 years, standard-risk patients on teclistamab-daratumumab achieved 90% progression-free survival; high-risk patients achieved 80% — a 10-point gap that is far narrower than historically seen, and an absolute number that is itself very impressive. MRD negativity subgroups: 0 high-risk features (90%), 1 feature (82%), 2 features (76%), showing that the high-risk classification remains meaningful but outcomes are improving.
With 75% of myeloma patients treated in community settings, moving bispecifics from inpatient to outpatient management is critical.
Three emerging CAR T strategies were reviewed, all with early but striking data.
Isatuximab On-Body Injector (OBI): A new delivery device — approximately the size of a hockey puck — that administers isatuximab (Sarclisa, CD38 antibody) subcutaneously in 12-13 minutes through a 30-gauge needle.
Iberdomide (Zenbexus): First drug of the CELMoD class to receive FDA accelerated approval, granted on August 13, 2026 — less than a week before the webinar. Approved in combination with daratumumab-hyaluronidase-fihj (generic name of Darzalex Faspro) and dexamethasone for early relapse. Oral pill.
ENDURANCE Trial: Started 13 years ago. In non-high-risk (standard-risk?), non-transplant patients on maintenance lenalidomide after induction, 2 years of maintenance was equivalent to continuing until progression in overall survival — but those on continuous therapy had more side effects. Conclusion: 2 years is likely enough for non-high-risk (standard-risk?) patients.
