Four investigator-led research projects are the recipients of the ASH Research Collaborative’s® (ASH RC) 2026 Call for Research Proposals, which is designed to advance real-world evidence generation in multiple myeloma. This year’s cohort represents outstanding scientific inquiry into the real-world treatment and outcomes of patients living with multiple myeloma, and the ASH RC is excited to support this important work.

A hallmark of the ASH RC Multiple Myeloma Program is the meaningful integration of the patient voice. Each project is paired with dedicated Patient Research Advisors (PRAs), including both a tenured patient advocate and an emerging research advocate, who bring lived experience to the research process and help ensure studies remain grounded in what matters most to patients.

Awardees include:

• Cindy Varga, MD, in collaboration with PRAs Terry Glassman, RN, and Tony Newbern, is leading Beyond MIDAS: Real-World Progression-Free Survival in MRD-Negative Patients With or Without Autologous Stem Cell Transplant After Induction Therapy, a study examining real-world progression-free survival outcomes in MRD-negative patients with and without autologous stem cell transplant following induction therapy.
• Manisha Bhutani, MD, and Hamza Hashmi, MD, in collaboration with PRAs Paul Gater and Michelle Ivy, are leading Real-World Outcomes of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Based on IMS/IMWG Cytogenetic Risk Profile, a study evaluating outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed MULTIPLE MYELOMA stratified by International Myeloma Society/International Myeloma Working Group cytogenetic risk profile.
• Aaron Rosenberg, MD, Arash Velayati, MD, and Barry Paul, MD, in collaboration with PRAs C. Todd Kennedy, and Michael Riotto, are leading Post-Transplant Maintenance Therapy: Patterns of Doublet Use and Duration, and the Impact of Maintenance Duration on Outcomes, a study characterizing patterns of doublet maintenance therapy use and duration following autologous stem cell transplant, and assessing the impact of maintenance duration on patient outcomes.
• Reed Friend, MD, in collaboration with PRAs Jill Zitzewitz, PhD, and Diane Kennedy, is leading Real-World Treatment Patterns, Attrition Rates, and Outcomes in Older Adults with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma, a study examining real-world treatment patterns, attrition, and outcomes among older adults with relapsed/refractory MULTIPLE MYELOMA.

The ASH RC is grateful to all the investigators for their dedication to advancing myeloma research, and to the PRAs for generously contributing their time, expertise, and perspectives to this program. Together, this collaborative team exemplifies the spirit of patient-centered research.