There has been an increasing interest in the potential for moving beyond three-drug combinations to improve the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma in the frontline setting. In this activity, Dr. Kumar discusses the rationale, decision making, and trials that explore four-drug combinations for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. He also explains the efficacy and toxicity burden of these regimens.

It is important to assess age and fitness when formulating management approaches for a patient with multiple myeloma. In this newsletter, Dr. Tuchman explains the optimal method for assessing the impact of aging and the appropriate considerations for evaluating older patients. He also discusses the different geriatric assessments and instruments best suited to assess elderly patients with multiple myeloma.

Patients with myeloma have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this activity, Dr. Kumar explains the contributing factors to VTE, how these findings relate to risk stratification, and what system is the most useful in assessing VTE risk in myeloma. He will also describe the best options for when VTE prophylaxis is warranted.

In support of the community oncology practitioner, this activity provides the most up-to-date advances and strategies for treating relapsed/refractory myeloma while supporting the translation of this information into practice through provision of applied clinical tools and resources.

There have been many changes in the treatment of smoldering and newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). In this activity, Dr. Jonathan Kaufman explains the most important developments and how they will impact your practice. He also covers the changes in frontline treatment and the most important developments of newly diagnosed patients. Lastly, Dr. Kaufman discusses therapy options for ineligible and eligible transplant patients.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have been approved for some leukemias and lymphomas, but they are also being explored as a potential treatment option for multiple myeloma (MM). In this activity, Dr. Noopur Raje discusses the mechanism of action for CAR T-cell therapies in MM and the role of conditioning chemotherapy in CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Raje also describes the efficacy and safety of emerging CAR T-cell therapies for the treatment of MM.

With novel first-line treatments and drug combinations continuing to penetrate the therapeutic landscape in multiple myeloma, it is imperative that community oncologists stay informed and up-to-date on emerging strategies for treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). In this activity, Dr. Keith Stewart discusses several new treatments for NDMM and compares efficacy and safety data associated with these emerging drugs. He also outlines strategies to ensure that NDMM patients receive the most appropriate agents based on their unique characteristics.

While evolving pharmacologic options continue to improve the management of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), the selection of therapy following a first relapse and beyond is critical for improving prognoses and outcomes. This activity will address the efficacy and safety of current and emerging therapies for RRMM as well as strategies for overcoming challenges that clinicians often encounter when integrating novel agents into practice.

Despite exciting new developments in the number and kind of pharmacologic options available for multiple myeloma (MM), stem cell transplantation remains an important first-line treatment that is often underutilized. This activity will address critical factors that must be considered when making treatment decisions concerning transplant in MM patients, including safety, efficacy, and potential for long-term remission.