Updates in the Management of Multiple Myeloma from the American Society of Hematology Meeting 2021

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains largely an incurable disease with only a small percentage of patients achieving long-term remission. Here, we highlight some of the major studies on MM presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting in December 2021. Early results of the first ever population-based screening studies for precursor states of MM, iStopMM and PROMISE, were reported. These studies will inform on the risks and benefits of screening in MM and could lead to a paradigm shift towards screening and early therapy. In newly diagnosed MM, there were promising data on quadruple therapy with addition of a monoclonal antibody against the CD38 antigen to the existing backbone of lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone. T-cell–directed therapy including bispecific antibody and chimeric antigen receptor therapy demonstrated high clinical response, especially in triple-class refractory myeloma. We acknowledge that this review focuses on some exciting studies in both precursor and active MM and is not comprehensive by any means.