Key Takeaways:

• At the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2026 Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies, panel experts presented current and emerging treatment strategies for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).
• Quadruplet regimens, bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy are associated with improved survival outcomes among patients with RRMM, with ongoing research exploring the impact of various combinations.
• While tailoring therapies to meet patient needs, physicians should be aware of treatment toxicities and monitor symptoms to reduce adverse events (AEs).

At the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2026 Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies, panelists Natalie Callander, MD; Shaji Kumar, MD; Malin Hultcrantz, MD, PhD; and Beth Faiman, PhD, discussed different aspects of RRMM treatment.

Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Dr Callander focused on frontline treatments for patients newly diagnosed with MM.

First-line therapies should target current symptoms such as pain, hypercalcemia, and renal failure. The ultimate goal of treatment is to promote survival, and physicians should avoid exposing patients to unnecessary toxicities.

Quadruplet regimens have emerged as effective treatments for newly diagnosed MM, with multiple trials evaluating their clinical impact. Dr Callander suggested quadruplet therapy for nearly all patients with newly diagnosed MM, excluding those with high frailty.

Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

The talk given by Dr Kumar explored treatment options for patients with MM after relapse.

Various therapy options exist for patients after first relapse, and decisions should be based on individual needs and treatment history.

A great deal of research has explored the impact of different drug combinations on RRMM. Medications paired with monoclonal and bispecific antibodies are associated with improved survival outcomes. CAR T-cell therapies have also demonstrated improved clinical efficiency and safety.

Minimal Residual Disease

Dr Hultcrantz discussed the role of measurable residual disease (MRD) in MM treatment.

Maintaining MRD negativity has become a treatment goal for RRMM as it is associated with improved progression-free survival and overall survival. Therefore, it can be used to inform treatment decisions and help physicians determine when to escalate or de-escalate therapy.

Advances in RRMM treatments, including quadruplet regimens and bispecific antibodies, are associated with increased rates of MRD negativity.

Future innovations in MRD are aimed at increasing sensitivity in assessments and improving the depth of response in patients.

Toxicity Management

Dr Faiman outlined treatment toxicities in RRMM and suggested management strategies.

Many new therapies for RRMM have emerged in the last decade. While this expansion has improved patient access and disease management, it has also introduced new toxicities with multiple side effects.

AEs such as infection, cytokine release syndrome, and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome can occur in CAR T-cell and bispecific antibody treatments. Monitoring symptoms may allow for early detection and intervention.

Together, the panelists highlighted the importance of individualized treatment strategies that balance therapeutic advances, depth of response, and toxicity management throughout the course of MM.

Reference

Callander NS, Faiman B, Hultcrantz M, Kumar SK. Evolving treatment strategies in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. 2026 NCCN Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies. September 18-19, 2026. New York, NY. Accessed September 18, 2026. https://web.cvent.com/hub/events/adf6c070-106a-43d2-a77f-5e2ff9397670/sessions/6814694a-7316-43d1-9004-8536770e6975?autoPlay=true