After ODAC Review: FDA Approves Abecma and Carvykti in Earlier Lines of Therapy for Relapsed or Refractory Myeloma Patients

In this week’s blog, IMF Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M Durie discusses some very important and exciting news for the myeloma community: the recent FDA approvals of Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) and Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) in earlier lines of therapy for relapsed or refractory myeloma patients. Abecma has been approved by the FDA “for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy including an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), a proteasome inhibitor (PI), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, based on results from the KarMMa-3 trial.” Carvykti has been approved by the FDA “for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent, and are refractory to lenalidomide.” Dr. Durie discusses both CAR T-cell therapies in detail, including their safety profile and information. He also looks forward to the next Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) meeting on Friday, April 12th, where “the use of minimal residual disease (MRD) as an endpoint in multiple myeloma clinical trials, including considerations regarding timing of assessment, patient populations, and trial design for future studies that intend to use MRD to support accelerated approval of a new product or a new indication” will be the agenda of discussion. Dr. Durie assures that the IMF will make its presence felt and that the myeloma community will have a voice during the upcoming advisory meeting.

The International Myeloma Foundation and Black Swan Research Initiative® Announce the Release of New iStopMM Cohort Study: A Multivariable Prediction Model for Bone Marrow Sampling on Individuals with MGUS

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI) announced the recently published cohort study by the iStopMM (Iceland Screens, Treats, or Prevents Multiple Myeloma) team on the “Development of a Multivariable Model to Predict the Need for Bone Marrow Sampling in Persons with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): A Cohort Study Nested in a Clinical Trial.” The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on April 2. Read the full press release to learn more.

Case Studies for Nurses: New Therapies and Regimens for Patients with Multiple Myeloma

On April 25th at 12:15 p.m. EST, join members of the IMF’s Nurse Leadership Board in Washington, D.C. at the Oncology Nursing Symposium (ONS), as we explore the latest in multiple myeloma management! In this 1.5 CNE symposium, four highly experienced nurses will share the most up-to-date strategies for achieving deep treatment responses, managing side effects, overcoming disparities, and fostering shared decision-making. This dynamic event features real-life patient cases to highlight clinical pearls and practical solutions for nurses at all levels. Elevate your practice and empower your patients with the knowledge gained at this symposium.

This activity is intended for nurses engaged in the care of patients with multiple myeloma.

Register Now for the April 2024 IMF Patient & Family Seminar in San Francisco

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that the 2024 San Francisco Patient and Family Seminar will take place on April 12-13, 2024, in Foster City, CA. The seminar is FREE, but in-person seating is LIMITED.

Keynote speaker for this seminar is Ajai Chari, MD (Mount Sinai— New York City). He will present on the topic of “What is the Future of Myeloma?” 

Other seminar presenters include IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD (TGen, City of Hope — Scottsdale, AZ); IMF President & CEO and 28-year myeloma survivor Yelak Biru; Amrita Krishnan, MD, FACP (City of Hope — Orange County, CA); Caitlin Costello, MD (University of California — San Diego); IMF Infoline Advisor Teresa Miceli, RN, BSN, OCN (Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN); Deborah Doss, RN, OCN (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — Boston); Wendy Thomas RN, MSN, CHPN (KU Medical Center, University of Kansas—Kansas City, KS) ; and Erin Bair, Esq., Staff Attorney, Triage Cancer. Topics will include a resource review of myeloma.org, Myeloma 101, understanding your labs, shared decision-making, financial considerations in myeloma, clinical trials, symptom management, and advanced care planning.

Register Now for the April 13th Regional Community Workshop in Atlanta

An in-person, IMF Regional Community Workshop will take place on April 13, 2024, at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center (2450 Galleria Parkway) in Atlanta. Dr. Jonathan Kaufman (Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University—Atlanta) will cover Myeloma 101, relapse therapies, and clinical trials. Dr. Nisha Joseph (Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University—Atlanta) will discuss frontline and maintenance therapies. IMF Nurse Leadership Board member Charise Gleason, MSN, NP-BC, AOCNP® will outline the most common side effects for each myeloma drug category, how to prevent infection, and more. Finally, there will be a special local patient and care partner panel who will share their patient-care partner experiences through their myeloma journey.

Join Us for the 15th Annual IMF Gala

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will hold its 15th Annual Gala for the first time in New York City! Join us at the Edison Ballroom (240 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036) at 6:00 p.m. EST for this star-studded event. Hosted by Ray Romano, the Gala benefits the Peter Boyle Research Fund and celebrates groundbreaking myeloma research, education, support, and advocacy. These initiatives support research toward prevention and a cure for myeloma, as well as promote greater health equity and access to care for all.

Launched in 2007, shortly after beloved actor Peter Boyle lost his battle with myeloma, the IMF Annual Gala continues to raise funds and awareness for groundbreaking myeloma research projects.

Announcing the Inaugural Iceland Cycling Expedition! 

The Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE) is a fundraising bike tour taking place in beautiful Iceland with a team of twelve cyclists. From August 29, 2024, to September 3, 2024, 12 intrepid individuals will embark on an adventure across Iceland to support the Black Swan Research Initiative, including the iStopMM Research Project in Iceland. While spots for participating in this year’s expedition are full, you can still seize this opportunity to be a part of something greater. Support the thrill of adventure while being a change agent. Donate to this initiative today! 

Around the Web: Myeloma News

To keep you abreast of the most recent myeloma research findings, “The Myeloma Minute” features links to top myeloma content around the web. This study from Blood Cancer Journal compares the triplet therapies of Velcade (bortezomib), Revlimid (lenalidomide), and dexamethasone [VRd] versus Velcade (bortezomib, Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), and dexamethasone [VCd] as induction therapy prior to autologous stem cell transplant in myeloma patients. Be sure to check out last month’s wrap-up: March 2023 – Myeloma News from the Journals. As always, we invite you to visit the IMF Newsroom for the most recent myeloma news.

#ASKDRDURIE | Dr. Durie's Weekly Web Video Series

How valuable is minimal residual disease testing for myeloma patients?