Clinical evidence for immune-based strategies in early-line multiple myeloma: current challenges in decision-making

Noopur Raje1, María-Victoria Mateos2, Shinsuke Iida3

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. nraje@partners.org.

Blood Cancer Journal
|March 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) need new treatment strategies after initial therapies fail. This review offers guidance on sequencing treatments for RRMM, addressing a critical gap in clinical decision-making.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

  • Multiple myeloma (MM) frequently relapses or becomes refractory to treatment.
  • Current treatment guidelines lack specific sequencing data for regimens after initial therapies like lenalidomide, bortezomib, and daratumumab fail.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current and emerging therapies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).
  • To provide a framework for clinicians to select optimal next-line treatments for RRMM patients post-initial therapy failure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical trial data and drug approvals.
  • Analysis of treatment sequencing challenges in RRMM.

Main Results:

  • The treatment landscape for RRMM is rapidly evolving with new drugs and combinations.
  • Patient-specific factors (prior treatments, refractoriness, transplant history) complicate treatment selection.

Conclusions:

  • Effective sequencing of therapies is crucial for managing RRMM.
  • A structured approach is needed to guide treatment choices in this complex patient population.

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