Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Updates From the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting 2016

The novel clinical data for plasma cell neoplasms (smoldering myeloma, multiple myeloma (MM) and AL-amyloidosis) that were presented in the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology are summarized here. Data from large phase 3 studies for newly diagnosed MM patients who are eligible for autologous transplantation (EMN02, MRC XI and StaMINA trials) are described along with the results of phase 2 studies using novel anti-myeloma drug combinations for induction, consolidation and maintenance as first line therapy. Recent updates of previous important studies in the field of both newly diagnosed (FIRST) and relapsed/refractory MM (POLLUX, CASTOR) are also reported. Moreover, the results of clinical studies with the use of anti-myeloma drugs with new mechanisms of action, including pembrolizumab, selinexor, venetoclax and monoclonal antibodies, are discussed. All these data provide the basis for possible changes in the way we manage myeloma in the near future trying to “cure” the disease.