Improving Immunotherapy in Multiple Myeloma Through Innovative Clinical Trials, Real-World Evidence and Correlative Research

Similar to patients with other blood cancers, patients with multiple myeloma have benefitted greatly from novel therapies that harness the immune system to fight cancer cells. These immunotherapies, for example CAR-T cell therapy, in which T cells are modified so that they attack cancer cells, and bispecific antibodies, which work by bringing immune cells to cancer cells, have shown unprecedented response rates in multiple myeloma. However, most patients still relapse, and, furthermore, these therapies are associated with unique and significant side effects. My collaborative research program focuses on improving immunotherapies in multiple myeloma and ensuring access to these therapies for all patients. I pursue these goals through a multi-faceted approach. One part of my research is focused on leading a portfolio of clinical trials in myeloma, to test new immunotherapies. For example, I am currently leading a trial to test the effects of talquetamab, a bispecific antibody, and lenalidomide, a drug that modulates immune system function. The trial examines whether this drug combination can be beneficial if given after an initial stem cell transplant, and whether it leads to a higher rate of complete response. Another part of my work is aimed at understanding the experience of diverse patients using immunotherapies in the real world, as opposed to the limited setting of a clinical trial, where only certain patients are eligible to participate. This work is a collaboration with multiple medical centers, reflecting a larger and more diverse group of patients. The results of these studies will provide critical data to guide clinical care, and will help identify and address areas of unmet need for future research. Finally, along with my collaborators, I am looking at a variety of molecular markers to better understand the interplay between these treatments, the immune system and tumor cells. These studies will make it possible to identify patients who are at greater risk of relapse or toxicity, and who may benefit from proactive interventions. Together, this work will help optimize treatment for MM, provide guidelines for identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from specific treatments, and ultimately reduce relapse and treatment-associated toxicities.