Pan-Pacific MM Working Group publishes MRD-adapted treatment guidelines
Minimal residual disease (MRD) is prognostic of progression-free and overall survival in multiple myeloma (MM). The Pan-Pacific Multiple Myeloma Working Group has published guidelines and consensus recommendations in Clinical Hematology International outlining the optimal approach to incorporating MRD evaluation in clinical decision-making.

Dexamethasone-free regimen demonstrates potential in elderly frail patients
Dexamethasone, a potent long-acting steroid that has been a component of MM treatment regimens for over 50 years, is associated with both acute and cumulative toxicities that can be especially concerning among elderly, frail patients with MM. Data from the IFM2018-02 trial showed acceptable efficacy outcomes, with a 75% overall survival rate at 33.6 months, and manageable safety of a dexamethasone-free regimen comprised of daratumumab and ixazomib. These findings were reported in the British Journal of Haematology.

Wearable device-aided CRS detection may enable outpatient care for CAR-T recipients
Continuous temperature monitoring using wearable devices can facilitate early detection of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in patients with MM who received CAR-T therapy, according to a prospective observational pilot study published in JCI Insight. Using the wearable device-enabled data, CRS was detected 7 hours earlier than nursing recognition of CRS.

MGUS prevalence is higher among African American active-duty military personnel
The prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) among African Americans is nearly double that among White Americans. According to a study published in the Blood Cancer Journal, MGUS prevalence among Black active-duty service members was over twice that of their White counterparts, 10.4%, vs 3.9%. These findings may help inform targeted screening approaches among military personnel.

AL amyloidosis guidelines published by the British Society of Haematology
Diagnostic delay is common in amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, a disorder that, like MM, originates from abnormal plasma cells. AL amyloidosis diagnostic guidelines drafted by the British Society of Haematology were published in the British Journal of Haematology. The report outlines the importance of raising suspicion of this rare disease across specialties, including hematology, cardiology, neurology, renal, and general medicine.

First European CAR-T therapy trial initiated for patients with AL amyloidosis
Three patients with AL amyloidosis received CAR-T therapy in the phase 1 ALARIC trial, the first European CAR-T study for amyloidosis, developed within the UK Myeloma Research Alliance. Currently, no therapies have been approved for patients with relapsed/refractory AL amyloidosis. ALARIC includes two cohorts who will receive a single infusion of either BCMA-targeted CAR T-cells alone or combined BCMA/CD19 CAR T-cells.