Updates in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

For patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), treatment with 4-drug regimens produce deep responses and should be considered for those with high-risk features. Daratumumab + lenalidomide and dexamethasone is standard treatment for newly diagnosed patients not eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Although lenalidomide remains standard maintenance therapy, in some instances more intensive regimens can be considered. ASCT ismore effective when given up-front rather than delayed, but delaying transplantation until disease progression is acceptable. CAR T-cell therapy can provide durable responses, and 2 agents are now FDA-approved for use in multiple myeloma. Bispecific T-cell engagers are also effective for relapsed myeloma, as is the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax, especially for patients with t(11;14) disease. An emerging novel class of drugs, the CELMoDs (cereblon E3 ligasemodulator), target cereblon.

Automated summary

Treatment with 4-drug regimens is recommended for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and daratumumab + lenalidomide and dexamethasone is the standard treatment. Lenalidomide is the standard maintenance therapy, but more intensive regimens can be considered in some cases. Up-front autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is more effective, but delaying transplantation until disease progression is acceptable. CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific T-cell engagers have shown durable responses in MM patients.