Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are white blood cells that produce disease- and infection-fighting antibodies. It is most common in older adults and about 40% of patients worldwide die within five years of their diagnosis. Patients with multiple myeloma described as ‘functional high-risk’ do not have traditional markers that suggest they may be high risk, but relapse earlier than expected and have similar poor outcomes as those designated as high risk using traditional definitions.

The investigators evaluated 1,305 patients across 10 participating institutions who were newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma and treated with a triplet or quadruplet regimen (with or without autologous stem cell transplant) with available response data. They evaluated duration of response from first line therapy, time to next treatment, time to subsequent progression and/or death, and overall survival. Approximately 23% of patients included in the study progressed within 30 months and had significantly lower overall survival than those who progressed after 30 months.

The researchers note that the patients with functional high-risk multiple myeloma who progress within 30 months represent an unmet medical need, and clinical trials should be designed to optimize therapies for this group.

4014: Defining Functional High-Risk Multiple Myeloma in the Era of Modern Induction Therapy