Along with expert panelists, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael will discuss Top Myeloma Research Presented at the June 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Conference, the IMF International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Summit, and the European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Conference.
Dr. Mikhael will highlight scientific abstracts from the June 2025 ASCO Annual Conference, the IMF IMWG Summit, and the EHA Annual Conference and will explain data in approachable terms that patients can use in their everyday care decision-making.
Key Topics:
1. Smoldering Myeloma
- 20-2-20 Model: Risk categories (low, intermediate, high) with progression rates and time-to-progression (TTP) data.
- AQUILA Trial: Daratumumab reduced progression risk by 51% compared to active monitoring, especially in high-risk smoldering myeloma.
- Future Directions: More trials with intense therapies like CAR T-cell therapy.
2. Frontline Therapy
- Quadruplets as Standard: Incorporating daratumumab, lenalidomide, and other agents for sustained minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity.
- PERSEUS Trial: DVRd (daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) doubled sustained MRD negativity rates compared to VRd.
- MRD will guide therapy, potentially reducing reliance on transplants.
- High-risk MM requires intense approaches with sustained MRD as the goal.
3. Early Relapse
- Isatuximab On-Body Injector (OBI): A novel subcutaneous delivery system offering ease of use and potential at-home administration.
- Belantamab: Effective in triplet combinations for frail patients not eligible for CAR T-cell therapy.
- Emerging Therapies: Linvoseltamab and bispecific antibodies.
4. Late Relapse
- CARTITUDE-1 Trial: Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (CAR T-cell therapy) showed 33% of patients progression-free at 5 years, suggesting curative potential.
- JNJ-5322 Trispecific Antibody: Targets CD3, BCMA, and GPRC5D with strong efficacy and manageable toxicity.
- Talquetamab + Teclistamab: Combination therapy demonstrated higher response rates in extramedullary disease (EMD).
5. New Definition of High-Risk Myeloma
- IMS/IMWG Consensus: Defines high-risk MM based on genetic markers (e.g., del17p, TP53 mutations) and β2M levels.
- Implications: Aims to standardize risk stratification in clinical trials and routine practice.
Final Takeaways:
- Quadruplet therapy and MRD-guided strategies are reshaping frontline treatment.
- CAR T-cell therapy is emerging as the most effective option for relapsed MM.
- Novel therapies like antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies are expanding treatment options.
- High-risk MM remains challenging, but new definitions and therapies offer hope.
