Myeloma research at the 64th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition

Myeloma research at the 64^th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition

Myeloma Canada, along with thousands from the global hematology community, had the privilege of attending the 64 ^th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition (December 10-13, 2022) to hear from leading myeloma experts about the latest progress in myeloma research.

The main focus of the myeloma research presented was on bispecific antibody treatments (e.g., teclistamab, elranatamab, talquetamab, Abbv-383, REGN5458, RG6234, cevostamab, alnuctamab), as well as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies (e.g., Abecma, BMS-986393, GC012F, BMS-986354).

These immunotherapies show high disease responses in heavily pretreated patients, however side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and low blood counts were consistent. Thus, researchers are also looking at how to prevent or limit such side effects. One study (abstract 567) showed that pre-treatment with a drug called tocilizumab can reduce the severity of CRS in patients who receive cevostamab. The results suggest that cevostamab may potentially be administered as an outpatient (patient not admitted to the hospital) or at community hospitals. Furthermore, the results may also be applicable to other immunotherapies.

Other research themes included:

minimal residual disease (MRD) testing approaches to eliminate or reduce the need for bone marrow biopsy
updates for patients evaluated to be frail (dexamethasone sparing approach) or have high-risk disease
identifying and addressing racial disparities in the incidence of myeloma, survival from myeloma, and access to treatment and clinical trials
other emerging treatments for relapsed/refractory myeloma (e.g., mezigdomide, modakafusp alfa).

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Julie Côté, MD, on Multiple Myeloma: Real-World Results of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Newly Diagnosed Patients

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Dr. Julie Cote, MD, of CHU de Québec–Université Laval, discusses findings from the Canadian Myeloma Research Group database which showed that integrating bortezomib and lenalidomide into the autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) sequence produces a median overall survival rate ≥ 10 years in most patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

These observations highlight the contribution of post-ASCT maintenance, particularly lenalidomide given until disease progression, when used in multiple patient groups including those with and without high risk, as well as those requiring a second induction regimen (Abstract 117). – Ascopost

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Myeloma Canada's mission: To improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma through awareness-building, educational efforts, advocacy, fostering an empowered myeloma community and support of clinical research so that a cure may be found.