Insights From Latest Research and Trials Advancing Myeloma Care

Anita D'Souza, MD, professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, discusses some of the potentially practice-changing data that were presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting.

According to D'Souza, these abstracts and more underscore the breadth of ongoing research in multiple myeloma, ranging from clinical trials to innovative combinations.

Transcription:

0:10 | I was happy to see that the 24-hour urine test may no longer be necessary for response criteria in clinical trials.1 This requirement often leads to deviations and adds significant burden on patients, especially those who work, as collecting a 24-hour urine specimen is not very practical. A well-presented abstract showed that the 24-hour urine test adds little value beyond free light chain and immunofixation electrophoresis labs. I believe this will lead to practice changes when the next iteration of the IMWG response criteria is released, benefiting both patients and clinical trial teams who deal with these challenges.

1:03 | There were also interesting findings on frailty, which is an important area of study in multiple myeloma. I was particularly impressed with the results of the teclistamab[-cqyv (Tecvayli)], daratumumab [Darzalex], and lenalidomide [Revlimid] combination in newly diagnosed patients. These showed very high response rates, high [MRD (minimal residual disease)] negativity, and manageable safety, supported by regular immunoglobulin and infection control strategies.

1:35 | Overall, these abstracts highlight the wealth of ongoing research in multiple myeloma, spanning from clinical trials and new drug combinations to health services research. It’s encouraging to see such advancements, as they all contribute to improving patient care.

This transcription was edited for clarity with AI.

REFERENCE:

1. Banerjee R, Fritz AR, Akhtar OS, et al. 24-hour urine testing does not add value to multiple myeloma response assessments: A secondary analysis of BMT CTN 0702. Blood. 2024;144(suppl 1):81. doi:10.1182/blood-2024-202713