Advances in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma in Patients with Renal Insufficiency: Novel Agents, Immunotherapies and Beyond

Simple Summary: The treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma has advanced considerably in recent years, irrespective of whether they are younger or older patients. Treating patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and renal impairment is far more complicated than treating patients with normal renal function due to the frequent dose adjustments that are necessary and the resulting loss in effectiveness. Background: Renal insufficiency is one of the most frequent complications in multiple myeloma. The incidence of renal insufficiency in patients with multiple myeloma ranges from 20% to 50%. Renal impairment in patients with multiple myeloma results primarily from the toxic effects of monoclonal light chains on the kidneys. Dehydration, hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia, the application of nephrotoxic NSARs, antibiotics, contrast agents, etc., all play a major role in the deterioration of renal function in patients with multiple myeloma. The diagnosis and treatment of these patients use an interdisciplinary approach in consultation with hematologist-oncologists, radiologists, nephrologists and intensive care specialists. Using new drugs in the treatment of patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma and renal insufficiency markedly improves progression-free survival and overall survival in these patients. Conclusions: New drugs have helped to widen the treatment options available for patients with renal impairment and refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma, since dose adjustments are unnecessary with carfilzomib as well as with panobinostat, elotuzumab, pomalidomide or daratumumab in patients with renal impairment. Several new substances for the treatment of refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma have been approved in the meantime, including belantamab mafodotin, selinexor, melflufen, venetoclax, CAR T-cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing studies are investigating their administration in patients with renal impairment.

Automated summary

The treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and renal impairment is more complex compared to those with normal renal function, primarily due to the toxic effects of monoclonal light chains on the kidneys necessitating dose adjustments for effectiveness. Renal impairment is a frequent complication in multiple myeloma patients, with interdisciplinary approaches involving hematologist-oncologists, radiologists, nephrologists, and intensive care specialists being crucial for diagnosis and treatment. The use of new drugs, such as carfilzomib, panobinostat, elotuzumab, pomalidomide, or daratumumab, has shown significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival in these patients.