Evolving methods and role for MRD detection in multiple myeloma
Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection methods and the role of MRD as a prognostic indicator and surrogate for survival outcomes in myeloma continue to evolve. A perspective article published in Leukemia explores MRD assessment in MM. The potential for non-bone marrow sampling-based MRD testing is an active area of research, such as in a pilot cell-free DNA study discussed at the 2025 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting (ASH 2025), circulating tumor cell-based analysis of PERSEUS data, and a report in npj Precision Oncology on detection and characterization of myeloma precursor/myeloma cells in peripheral blood.

Exciting data for T-cell redirecting therapies shared in ASH 2025 Late-Breaking Abstracts Session
Exciting data from two MM trials of T-cell redirecting therapies were shared at the Late-Breaking Abstracts Session at ASH 2025. Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD, IMS Treasurer and 2025 recipient of the IMS Waldenström Lifetime Achievement Award, shared findings from the phase 3 MajesTec-3 trial, which showed survival benefits with teclistamab and daratumumab combination treatment, compared with standard-of-care triplets, in relapsed/refractory myeloma. P. Joy Ho, MBBS, DPhil, FRACP, FRCPA,  presented early data from MMyCAR, a first-in-human phase 1 study of KLN-1010,  a novel in vivo BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell-generating gene therapy, in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma.

Hong Kong Department of Health approves two supplemental New Drug Applications for selinexor
Selinexor received approval for a second myeloma indication in Hong Kong, as a combination therapy with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with MM who received at least one prior therapy. Selinexor is approved in multiple countries, including those in the Asia-Pacific region. Clinical practice guidelines from professional medical societies, including the NCCN, Myeloma Australia, and EHA-EMN, list selinexor as a treatment option for relapsed/refractory myeloma.

Improved outcomes with earlier-line CAR-T therapy driven by better immune health
Better immune fitness at baseline and stronger immune responses in the tumor microenvironment post-infusion of the CAR-T cells correlated with longer PFS in patients who received ciltacabtagene autoleucel at earlier lines (at first/second relapse), than at later lines. This analysis was shared in an oral abstract presentation at ASH 2025.

CAR-T therapies yield similar outcomes in minority populations, but access challenges remain
Access to approved BCMA CAR-T therapies remains lower among racial and ethnic minority populations, according to an analysis published in Blood Immunology & Cellular Therapy. Notably, clinical outcomes in this subgroup were comparable to those of non-minority subgroups, underscoring the need to improve treatment access. A workshop on “Expanding Access to T Cell Therapies” was held at the 5^th IMS Immune Effector Cell Therapies Meeting.

Single-cell multi-omics study uncovers mechanistic differences in CAR-T therapies
In an article published in Cancer Cell, researchers identified cellular mechanisms that account for the differential efficacy and toxicity profiles on anti-BCMA CAR-T therapies in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma. The study was co-authored by IMS-Riney Translational Research Awardee Maximillian Merz, MD.

 AI-derived gene expression signature predicts risk in bortezomib-treated patients
According to an article published in Scientific Reports, a prognostic risk model based on AI-derived identification of a five-gene signature stratified patients with myeloma who received bortezomib-based treatments into different risk categories. The model was prognostically independent of established cytogenetic/clinical staging methods.

 Hematologists find relapsed/refractory myeloma challenging, need guidance
Conflicting Guidance and Rapid Innovation Leave Physicians Seeking Clarity in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
(GlobeNewswire) “Clarity – not just new options – is the resource clinicians are most urgently seeking…The ongoing proliferation of advanced therapies reinforces the demand for cohesive guidance, evidence-based sequencing frameworks, and pragmatic strategies to integrate novel modalities into everyday practice.”