Expert Perspectives on Current Challenges and Emerging Approaches for Multiple Myeloma: Narrative Review of an Inaugural Bridging the Gaps in Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma.

Abstract

Purpose: The management of multiple myeloma (MM) is becoming increasingly more complex. The approval of novel treatment approaches provides much-needed opportunities but also raises questions and controversies about how to optimally sequence therapies and select treatments for individual patients.

Methods and results: A panel of experts assembled to discuss current controversies in the care of patients with MM across the disease continuum. Workshop topics included: management of smoldering MM; treatment selection for transplant-eligible and transplant-ineligible patients; risk assessment and the possibility of risk-adapted treatment; use of measurable residual disease (MRD) as a clinical trial end point and to guide treatment decisions; management of early relapse; management of triple class-refractory MM; treatment sequencing; and novel therapies.

Conclusion: Many controversies remain regarding the management of patients with MM related to risk assessment, treatment selection and sequencing, and the optimal use of current therapies while balancing efficacy, toxicity, patient considerations, and treatment logistics. Ongoing research efforts are needed to further define the optimal use of current therapies and to develop more efficacious therapies for all patients and for particular subset populations with unmet need.