Back to Authors

Dimopoulos, Meletios Α.

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8990-3254

Mayo Clinic

Korea University

Citations 147

International Myeloma Working Group Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Solitary Plasmacytomas
Kumar, Shaji , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Chng, Wee Joo , Engelhardt, Monika, Gonsalves, Wilson, Hungria, Vânia , Hillengaß, Jens , Jevremovic, Dragan, Lonial, Sagar, Elias, K. , Manier, Salomon , Martin, T, Mateos, María‐Victoria , Mian, Hira , Munshi, Nikhil C. , Rasche, Leo , Sborov, Douglas W. , Kastritis, Efstathios , Kumar, Shaji K , Rajkumar, S Vincent , Chng, Wee Joo , Costa, Luciano J , Hungria, Vania , Hillengass, Jens , Katodritou, Eirini , Kristinsson, Sigurdur Y , Ludwig, Heinz , McCarthy, Phillip , Mai, Elias K , Manier, Salomon , Mateos, María-Victoria , Mian, Hira , Mikhael, Joseph R , Moreau, Philippe , Munshi, Nikhil C , Paiva, Bruno , Pawlyn, Charlotte , Rasche, Leo , Richter, Joshua , San-Miguel, Jesus , Sborov, Douglas W , Usmani, Saad , Dimopoulos, Meletios A , Zamagni, Elena , Kastritis, Efstathios , Costa, Luciano J. , Engelhardt, Monika , Gonsalves, Wilson I. , Jevremović, Dragan , Katodritou, Eirini , Lonial, Sagar , Ludwig, Heinz , McCarthy, Philip L. , Mıkhael, Joseph , Moreau, Philippe , Paiva, Bruno , Pawlyn, Charlotte , Richter, Joshua , Miguel, Jesús F. San , Usmani, Saad Z. , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Zamagni, Elena

Journal of Clinical Oncology | July 22, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco-26-00410 Get It

Solitary plasmacytomas (SPs) are rare localized tumors of clonal plasma cells, either in the bone (solitary bone plasmacytoma) or in soft tissue/extraosseous (extramedullary) with either no or with minimal bone marrow (BM) infiltration (<10% clonal plasma cells by immunohistochemistry) and no evidence of systemic involvement or myeloma defining events. Approximately 50% of SPs will progress to symptomatic myeloma within 5 years after initial definitive local radiotherapy. Increased availability of improved diagnostic and monitoring tools has increased the sensitivity of detection of additional lesions and marrow involvement and has implications for the follow-up strategy after treatment. Thus, the definitions and requirements for the diagnosis and follow-up of SPs are evolving. The diagnosis of SP requires the careful exclusion of multiple myeloma (MM) that would require systemic therapy, by using all the available methods to detect systemic disease (advanced imaging, sensitive BM assessment methods, blood and urine tests). Local radiotherapy remains the mainstay of therapy, and despite the availability of innovative drugs for MM, the clinical benefit of systemic therapy currently remains poorly defined. The International Myeloma Working Group provides here updated recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and response assessment of patients with SPs, incorporating recent data and advances in diagnostic tools.
Abstract 1067: Whole genome sequencing of multiple myeloma genomes with a novel clinical assay enables identification of genetic alterations underlying immunotherapy resistance
Voorhees, Peter, Sookiasian, Danielle , Hess, Julian M. , DeMeo, M.K., Pounder, Vicki, Calkins, Sarah, Meyer, Reid G., Baughn, Linda B., Liacos, Christine-Ivy, Dimopoulos, Meletios-Athanasios, Papadimou, Alexandra , Konstantina, Taouxi, Kastritis, Efstathios, Auclair, Daniel, Nardi, Valentina , Mullen, Thomas D., Kumar, Shaji Kunnathu, Paiva, Bruno , Voorhees, Peter M. , Greipp, Patricia T. , Baughn, Linda B. , Liacos, Christine‐Ivy , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Taouxi, Konstantina , Kastritis, Efstathios , Berdeja, Jesús G. , Auclair, Daniel , Mullen, Thomas, Aguet, François

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 1067-1067

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-1067 Get It

Abstract The detection of genetic abnormalities is required during diagnostic workup and for potential individualization of therapy selection in multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor conditions. At present, this relies on invasive bone marrow (BM) biopsies, severely limiting early detection, frequent longitudinal monitoring, and the precise selection of therapy. The current standard for detecting genetic alterations in MM is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which cannot detect point mutations and other clinically relevant alterations. Consequently, the IMS-IMWG guidelines were recently updated to require next-generation sequencing for the classification of high-risk MM. To address these needs, we recently launched GenoPredicta, a CLIA-approved LDT that enables routine monitoring, informing diagnosis, and treatment selection by comprehensively characterizing MM genomes with whole genome sequencing (WGS) from as few as 50 circulating tumor cells (CTCs) isolated from peripheral blood (PB) or tumor cells from BM. Briefly, tumor cells are isolated from samples using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and subjected to WGS, from which copy number alterations, structural variants, and short variants (SNVs/indels) are identified using a fully automated pipeline generating physician-ready clinical reports from raw sequencing data in ∼6h. Analytical validation of GenoPredicta showed complete concordance with FISH results. Identifying alterations in therapeutic targets (e.g., BCMA, GPRC5D) for guiding MM immunotherapies is becoming increasingly important. Here, we describe GenoPredicta results from relapsed/refractory MM patients, highlighting resistance-conferring alterations that can only be detected by WGS, such as deletions in the kilo- to megabase scales that are observed in conjunction with SNVs and indels, leading to biallelic loss/inactivation of the gene, including at subclonal levels. In addition to biallelic loss of BCMA and GPRC5D in response to CAR T or T cell engager therapies, we observed similar resistance mechanisms for targets of immunomodulatory drugs, e.g., CRBN. The observation of these resistance mechanisms was consistent with patients’ clinical histories. In summary, we demonstrate that low input WGS-based characterization of MM from BM or CTCs is a viable replacement for FISH for clinical diagnosis and monitoring, with CTC-based measurements enabling comprehensive profiling of the MM genome. Crucially, this includes genetic alterations that confer resistance to therapy, allowing for both early detection of such alterations and more precise selection and guidance of therapy. The dramatically improved variant calling ability from WGS, especially in low-input CTC applications, extends to other malignancies and will gain wider adoption as sequencing costs continue to decrease. Citation Format: Bruno Paiva, Peter Voorhees, Patricia T. Greipp, Danielle Sookiasian, Julian Hess, Marisa DeMeo, Vicki Pounder, Sarah Calkins, Reid Meyer, Linda B. Baughn, Christine-Ivy Liacos, Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos, Alexandra Papadimou, Taouxi Konstantina, Efstathios Kastritis, Jesus Berdeja, Daniel Auclair, Valentina Nardi, Thomas Mullen, Francois Aguet, Shaji Kunnathu Kumar. Whole genome sequencing of multiple myeloma genomes with a novel clinical assay enables identification of genetic alterations underlying immunotherapy resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 1067.
Early mortality with bispecific antibody therapy in RRMM: an IMWG immunotherapy database real-world analysis
Tan, Carlyn Rose, Usmani, Saad Z., Derkach, Andriy , Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva, Parrondo, Ricardo , Ailawadhi, S., Asoori, Sireesha, Dave, Mrugakshi, Popat, Rakesh, Morjaria, Oliver, Hajek, Roman , Htut, Myo , Kastritis, Efstathios, Dimopoulos, M A, Martínez-López, Joaquín, Nagarajan, Chandramouli, Bal, Susan, Costa, Luciano J., Einsele, Hermann, Steinbrunn, Torsten, Riedhammer, Christine , Banerjee, Rahul, Chng, Wee Joo, Tso, Allison CY, Lin, Yi, Martin, Tom, Mian, Hira, Martínez‐López, Joaquín , Mian, Hira , Tan, Carlyn R , de Meneze Silva Corraes, Andre, Mihalyova, Jana , Visram, Alissa , Kastritis, Efstathios , Martinez-Lopez, Joaquin , Nagarajan, Chandramouli , Bal, Susan , Costa, Luciano J , Waldschmidt, Johannes M , Banerjee, Rahul , Tso, Allison , Martin, Thomas , Mian, Hira , Parrondo, Ricardo D , Derkach, Andriy , Usmani, Saad Z. , Corraes, Andre De Menezes Silva , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Popat, Rakesh , Hájek, Roman , Janakiram, Murali , Visram, Alissa , Kastritis, Efstathios , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Nagarajan, Chandramouli , Bal, Susan , Costa, Luciano J. , Steinbrunn, Torsten , Banerjee, Rahul , Chng, Wee Joo

Blood Advances | February 24, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 2937-2946

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025019231 Get It

Abstract Recent therapeutic advances, including bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), have improved outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, early mortality (EM) remains a significant challenge, even in the era of novel immunotherapies. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of real-world patients with RRMM treated with commercial bsAbs to evaluate the incidence and causes of EM. Between May 2022 and June 2025, a total of 441 patients were treated across 7 countries. EM, defined as death within 12 months of therapy initiation, occurred in 148 patients (34%), with a median time from bsAb initiation to death of 2.87 months (interquartile range, 1.38-6.85). The leading cause of EM was progressive disease (72%), followed by infection (13%); regardless of the cause of death, 82% had active disease at the time of death. Our findings highlight that despite encouraging efficacy, EM remains high among real-world bsAb recipients, emphasizing the need for improved disease control strategies and supportive care interventions.
POD24 is a novel determinant of prognosis in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Zanwar, Saurabh , Abeykoon, Jithma P. , D'Sa, Shirley , Larson, Dirk R. , Colby, Colin , Durot, Eric, Kastritis, Efstathios, Uppal, Encarl , Tomkins, Oliver , Morel, Pierre , Montes, Lydia , Paludo, Jonas, Ogunbiyi, Olabisi, Cornillet‐Lefèbvre, Pascale , Rajkumar, S Vincent, Quinquenel, Anne, Gertz, Morie A, Kumar, Shaji , Dimopoulos, M, Ansell, Stephen M., Kapoor, Prashant , D’Sa, Shirley , Abeykoon, Jithma P , Roos-Weil, Damien , Larson, Dirk , Colby, Colin L , Durot, Eric , Kastritis, Efstathios , Uppal, Encarl , Tomkins, Oliver , Morel, Pierre , Mondello, Patrizia , Montes, Lydia , Paludo, Jonas , Ogunbiyi, Olabisi , Cornillet-Lefebvre, Pascale , Quinquenel, Anne , Dispenzieri, Angela , Fonseca, Rafael , Gertz, Morie A , Kumar, Shaji K , Dimopoulos, Meletios A , Treon, Steven , Castillo, Jorge J , Kapoor, Prashant , Durot, Éric , Kastritis, Efstathios , Mondello, Patrizia , Paludo, Jonas , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Sarosiek, Shayna , Rajkumar, S. Vincent , Quinquenel, Anne , Dispenzieri, Angela , Fonseca, Rafaël , Gertz, Morie A. , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Ansell, Stephen M. , Treon, Steven P. , Castillo, Jorge J.

Blood Advances | January 7, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 2322-2327

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025017751 Get It

Abstract Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is characterized by recurrent MYD88 and CXCR4 mutations, whose prognostic value in patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy remains unclear. Moreover, the typically prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) correlates inconsistently with overall survival (OS), underscoring the importance of examining other surrogates. Progression of disease within 24 months (POD24), an established early end point, delineates functionally high-risk patients in other indolent lymphomas. This international study evaluated 253 patients receiving frontline fixed-duration bendamustine-rituximab (BR), a common chemoimmunotherapy for WM. At a median follow-up of 5.9 years, 5-year PFS and OS were 65% and 87%, respectively; 5-year PFS was similar between MYD88L265P (90%) and MYD88wild-type (WT) subcohorts (64% each; P = .4). Among 89 patients with known CXCR4 status, the subcohort with CXCR4mutation (28%) had shorter PFS (median 3.3 vs 8.8 years; hazard ratio [HR], 2.8; P = .0036) and OS (HR, 2.6; P = .036) compared with CXCR4WT. POD24 occurred in 11.5% of patients who demonstrated inferior subsequent OS (5-year OS, 71% vs 86%; HR, 3.1; P = .005) and higher mortality (standardized mortality ratio [SMR], 3.7), unlike the non-POD24 group, whose mortality was comparable to the matched general population (SMR, 1.1). In conclusion, BR is effective irrespective of the MYD88 status, but CXCR4 mutations and POD24 portend worse outcomes. Patients without POD24 represent a cohort with distinctly favorable outcome.
Venetoclax-Dexamethasone Versus Pomalidomide-Dexamethasone in t(11;14)-Positive Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Primary Results of the Randomized, Phase III CANOVA Study
Popat, Rakesh , Beksaç, Meral , Gatt, Moshe E. , Gay, Francesca , Jo, Jae‐Cheol , Kapoor, Prashant , Katodritou, Eirini , Kortüm, K. Martin , Ling, Silvia , Nagarajan, Chandramouli , Suzuki, Kenshi , Qiu, Lugui , Onishi, Maika, Ku, Grace , Ross, Jeremy A. , Badawi, Mohamed , Fusco, Mary Jean, Dobkowska, Edyta, Arriola, Emma, Bueno, Orlando F. , Iida, Shinsuke , Valent, Jason , Mateos, María‐Victoria , Dimopoulos, Meletios A , Gatt, Moshe E , Gay, Francesca , Jo, Jae-Cheol , Kapoor, Prashant , Katodritou, Eirini , Kortüm, Martin , Ling, Silvia , Nagarajan, Chandramouli , Ku, Grace , Dail, Monique , Bahlis, Nizar Jacques , Iida, Shinsuke , Mateos, María-Victoria , Beksac, Meral , Popat, Rakesh , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Dail, Monique , Mukherjee, Nabanita, Moreau, Philippe , Valent, Jason Neil

Journal of Clinical Oncology | December 10, 2025 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 164-175

10.1200/jco-25-00924 Get It

PURPOSE Venetoclax, an oral BCL-2 inhibitor, has efficacy in t(11;14)-positive relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), which is enhanced by dexamethasone, which promotes BCL-2 dependency. METHODS The randomized, open-label, phase III CANOVA study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03539744 ) enrolled adults with t(11;14)-positive RRMM who had received ≥2 previous lines of therapy. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to venetoclax-dexamethasone or pomalidomide-dexamethasone until progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary end point was independent review committee assessed–progression-free survival (PFS) in the intention-to-treat population analyzed by stratified log-rank test (two-sided type I error rate, α = .05), with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI estimated by stratified Cox proportional hazard model. Secondary end points included response rates, overall survival (OS), minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate (<10 –5 ), and safety. RESULTS Overall, 263 patients were randomly assigned (venetoclax-dexamethasone, n = 133; pomalidomide-dexamethasone, n = 130). Median PFS was 9.9 months (95% CI, 6.9 to 12.6) with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus 5.8 months (95% CI, 3.8 to 9.2) with pomalidomide-dexamethasone (HR, 0.823 [95% CI, 0.596 to 1.136]; P = .24). Overall response and very good partial response or better rates were 62% and 39%, respectively, with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus 35% and 14% with pomalidomide-dexamethasone. MRD negativity rate was 8% with venetoclax-dexamethasone and 0% with pomalidomide-dexamethasone. Median OS was 32.4 months (95% CI, 26.4 to 40.7) with venetoclax-dexamethasone and 26.9 months (95% CI, 20.4 to 38.9) with pomalidomide-dexamethasone (HR, 0.856 [95% CI, 0.612 to 1.197]). Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse event rates were 67% with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus 83% with pomalidomide-dexamethasone. There were 16 (12%) treatment-emergent deaths with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus 8 (6%) with pomalidomide-dexamethasone. CONCLUSION The primary end point of PFS was not met. PFS and OS were numerically longer with venetoclax-dexamethasone versus pomalidomide-dexamethasone in t(11;14)-positive RRMM. Consistent with previous studies, infections were associated with venetoclax-dexamethasone; no new safety signals were observed.
Real world efficacy and safety of elranatamab, a BCMA bispecific antibody for patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: An international myeloma working group immunotherapy database analysis
Popat, Rakesh , Morjaria, Oliver, Tan, Carlyn , Bal, Susan , Nagarajan, Chandramouli, Htut, Myo, Dave, Mrugakshi, Cowan, Andrew J. , Mian, Hira , Mian, Hira , Popat, Rakesh , Usmani, Saad Z. , Visram, Alissa , Costa, Luciano J. , Hájek, Roman , Mihalyova, Jana , Martinez-Lopez, Joaquin , Sáez, Adolfo , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Kastritis, Efstathios , Nagarajan, Chandramouli , Chung, Shimin Jasmine , Htut, Myo , Chng, Wee Joo , Tso, Allison , Martin, Thomas G. , Huang, Chiung‐Yu , Einsele, Hermann , Lin, Yi

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4588-4588

10.1182/blood-2025-4588 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Elranatamab (Elra) is a bispecific antibody (BsAb) targeting BCMA that is approved for patients with triple class exposed relapsed refractory myeloma (RRMM) on the basis of the MagnetisMM-3 phase 2 trial. For BCMA naïve patients, an overall response rate (ORR) of 61.0% and median progression free survival (PFS) of 17.2m was observed with a median overall survival (OS) of 24.6m. However, efficacy and safety information in the real world is lacking. Methods: This was an international retrospective study of patients with RRMM treated with Elra monotherapy outside of clinical trials. Data was collected through the International Myeloma Foundation Immunotherapy Database from 7 countries (UK, USA, Canada, Greece, Spain, Czech Republic and Singapore). High-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCA) were defined as 1q+, t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), and/or del(17p). Response was assessed using IMWG consensus criteria. Patient characteristics were summarized by frequency (percentage) or median (range). PFS, OS were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results: 79 patients were included. Median age was 67 years (range: 41-95y) with 20% ≥75 years. Racial distribution was: 75% White, 16% Black/African American, 8% Asian/Pacific. 55% were ECOG performance status (PS) 1-2. Patients received a median of 5 prior lines (range 1-11), and 35% were BCMA exposed (9% CAR-T, 5% ADC, 7% BsAb, 8% BsAb plus CAR-T, 4% ADC plus BsAb). Of those with available data, 45% had HRCA,13% had extramedullary disease (EMD) and 32% had penta-drug refractory RRMM. Overall, 48% would not have been eligible for the MagnetisMM-3 trial. Median follow-up was 6.3m (range 0.5-35.0). ORR was 53% (PR 11%, VGPR 33%, CR 8%, sCR 1%) and 67% for BCMA naïve patients. Responses were significantly lower for BCMA exposed patients (ORR 31%) but did not differ by age (51% &lt;75yrs vs 60% ≥75yrs). On univariate analysis, prior BCMA exposure, platelets &lt;50, presence of HRCA and penta-refractoriness were significantly associated with a lower response rate. PFS for the whole cohort at 6 and 12m was 64% (95%CI, 54-77%) and 52% (40-67%); for BCMA naïve patients, it was 77% (65-90%) and 67% (54-84%), respectively. Within the whole cohort, PFS was shorter for: BCMA exposed (median 4.0m vs not reached (NR)), platelets &lt;50 (2.0 vs 21.7m), HRCA (7.2m vs NR), penta-refractory (4.3m vs NR). PFS did not differ significantly by EMD, PS, age, or creatinine clearance. OS for the whole cohort at 6 and12m was 74% (64-85%) and 58% (45-74%); for BCMA-naïve patients, it was 80% (43-85%) and 70% (57-87%), respectively. Within the whole cohort, OS was shorter for: BCMA exposed (median 10.3m vs NR), platelets &lt;50 (4.3m vs NR), HRCA (10.7m vs NR) and penta-refractory (10.3m vs NR). Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that prior BCMA exposure, platelets &lt;50 and penta-refractoriness were significantly associated with a worse PFS and OS, and HRCA predicted poorer survival CRS was observed in 41% of patients (grade(G)1: 35%, G2: 5%, ≥G3: 0%) with most occurring with the first step up dose (SUD): SUD1: 29%, SUD2: 15%, full dose: 4%. Tocilizumab was used in 20% and steroids in 3%. ICANS was observed in 4 cases (5%): G1: 2, G2: 1, G4: 1. Treatment was with steroids (n=3) and tocilizumab (n=2). G3-4 thrombocytopenia was observed in 19% and 14% required platelet transfusions. G3-4 neutropenia occurred in 25% with overall 31% requiring GCSF. Infections were reported in 33 (42%) patients with median time to infection of 41 days. A total of 94 infection episodes were observed over 581 personal months. There were 2 infection-related deaths reported (1 had IVIG, 1 did not). 64% had hypogammaglobulinemia (IgG &lt; 400mg/dl) and IVIG was given in 65% of patients. Conclusions: In this first international real world analysis, Elranatamab achieved a response rate of 67% and a 12m PFS of 67% in BCMA naïve patients, similar to the MagnetisMM-3 trial despite almost half not meeting trial eligibility. However, prior BCMA exposure, platelets &lt;50, high risk cytogenetics and penta refractory status were predictors of poorer outcomes. Acknowledgements: The International Myeloma Foundation, International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG)
Daratumumab monotherapy versus active monitoring in patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma: Aquila outcomes based on mayo 2018/IMWG 2020 risk stratification, IMWG 2020 plus cytogenetic criteria, and age
Voorhees, Peter M. , Cohen, Yaël C. , Lindsay, Jindriska, Suzuki, Kenshi , Beksaç, Meral , Magen, Hila , Garate, Gonzalo, Theunissen, Koen, Mylin, Anne K., Hallam, Simon , Bringhen, Sara, Uttervall, Katarina , Ye, J Christine, Cowan, Andrew J. , Mateos, María‐Victoria , Goldschmidt, Hartmut , Vieyra, Diego, Raval, Ashta, Sha, Linlin, Rousseau, Els, Dennis, Robyn M., Carson, Robin, Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Schjesvold, Fredrik , Hungria, Vânia , Sandhu, Irwindeep , Baker, Ross , Kosugi, Hiroshi , Levin, Mark-David , Stockerl‐Goldstein, Keith , Oriol, Albert , Mikala, Gábor , Špıčka, Ivan , Bringhen, Sara, Puła, Bartosz , Khan, Abdullah , Medvedova, Eva , Moreau, Philippe, Raval, Ashta, Li, Liang , Carson, Robin, Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Blood | December 5, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 372-372

10.1182/blood-2025-372 Get It

Abstract Introduction : Current standard of care for smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), an asymptomatic precursor of multiple myeloma (MM), is observation until progression to active MM. Increasing evidence suggests that patients (pts) with SMM at high risk for progression to active MM may benefit from early treatment (tx). In AQUILA, a phase 3 study in pts with high-risk SMM (NCT03301220), daratumumab (Dara) monotherapy significantly reduced risk of progression to active MM or death with a trend of extending overall survival (OS) vs active monitoring (ActMon), with no new safety concerns. Given the evolution in SMM risk stratification, a post hoc analysis was performed to assess outcomes using the IMWG 2020 and IMWG 2020 plus cytogenetic risk models to assess which AQUILA pts benefited most from Dara monotherapy. Safety and efficacy analysis by age and stem cell collection outcomes were also assessed. Methods: Eligible pts with a confirmed diagnosis (≤5 y) of high-risk SMM per IMWG 2014 criteria, defined as clonal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) ≥10% and ≥1 risk factor (IgA SMM, serum protein ≥30 g/dL, serum involved:uninvolved free light chain [I/U FLC] ratio ≥8 and &lt;100, immunoparesis with reduction of 2 uninvolved Ig isotypes, and/or clonal BMPC &gt;50% to &lt;60%) at study entry, were randomized 1:1 to receive subcutaneous Dara or ActMon for 39 cycles, 36 months, or until confirmed disease progression (PD), whichever came first. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by independent review committee, defined as progression to active MM (based on IMWG SLiM-CRAB diagnostic criteria) or death. Secondary endpoints included time to first-line (1L) MM tx and OS. For this post hoc analysis, we assessed outcomes by age, IMWG 2020 high-risk SMM criteria (BMPC &gt;20%, monoclonal spike &gt;2 g/dL, serum FLC ratio &gt;20; ≥2 factors=high risk; also known as the Mayo 2018 or the 20-2-20 criteria), and the IMWG 2020 plus cytogenetic criteria (IMWG 2020 criteria + presence of ≥1 high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities [t(4;14), t(14;16), +1q and/or del13q]; ≥3 factors=high risk). Results : Dara tx showed a PFS benefit across all IMWG 2020 risk subgroups (low: hazard ratio [HR], 0.59; intermediate: HR, 0.70), with the largest benefit in the high-risk subgroup, where the PD/death rate in the ActMon arm was ~1.6-fold that in the Dara arm (62.8% vs 37.5%; HR, 0.36). This benefit of Dara vs ActMon was preserved over time, with 5-year PFS rates of 78.2% vs 71.6%, 56.2% vs 42.9%, and 60.4% vs 23.6% in IMWG 2020 low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. There was a positive trend favoring Dara for time to 1L MM treatment across all IMWG 2020 risk groups (low-risk HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.22–1.80; intermediate-risk HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35–0.92; high-risk HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.25–0.62). IMWG 2020 plus cytogenetic risk classification results will be available at the time of presentation. When comparing the younger (&lt;65y HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32–0.79) vs the older (≥65y, HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32–0.77) pt population, a PFS benefit was observed regardless of age. Similarity was also observed in TEAE incidence rate when looking into &lt;65, 65 to &lt;75, and ≥75 y subgroups (82.7%, 81.1%, and 87.5% with ActMon; 96.2%, 98.5%, and 95.2% with Dara); however, serious TEAEs were more frequently observed in older ActMon pts (12.2%, 18.9%, and 50.0% with ActMon; 24.8%, 35.8%, and 28.6% with Dara). Across all pts treated/monitored in AQUILA, 23 (11.9%) and 41 (20.9%) pts in the Dara and ActMon arms, respectively, received autologous stem cell transplant as part of their first tx after progressing to active MM, with very limited plerixafor use (Dara, 3 [1.6%] vs ActMon, 9 [4.6%]). Median (range) CD34+ cell yield was 5.0 (2–20)×106 cells/kg body weight among 22 pts in the Dara arm and 5.1 (2–21)×106 cells/kg body weight among 39 pts in the ActMon arm. Conclusions : In this analysis, pts with high-risk SMM from the phase 3 AQUILA study treated with Dara monotherapy experienced long-term PFS benefit across IMWG 2020 subgroups, with the most pronounced benefit in the high-risk subgroup. No notable differences in PFS or safety were observed across age subgroups. Early Dara tx for high-risk SMM did not have a detrimental impact on stem cell yield. Although mature OS analyses are forthcoming, overall, these results further support early intervention with Dara monotherapy vs ActMon among pts with high-risk SMM, regardless of risk stratification criteria used.
Isatuximab subcutaneous by on-body injector in Relapsed/Refractory multiple myeloma in the Phase 3 iraklia study: Effect of body weight on pharmacokinetics and clinical outcome
Lu, Jin , Oriol, Albert , Berkovits, Alejandro, Spencer, Andrew , Gómez, César Cinesi, Cerchione, Claudio, Li, Fei , Parmar, Gurdeep , Custidiano, Maria Del Rosario, Rajnics, Péter , Leleu, Xavier , Teisserenc, Florence Suzan, Stefanova-Urena, Maya, Zhang, Rick, Koch, Victorine, Sémiond, Dorothée, Gomez, Cesar, Li, Chunrui , Cerchione, Claudio , Schjesvold, Fredrik , Špıčka, Ivan , Hus, Marek , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Beşışık, Sevgi Kalayoğlu , Ailawadhi, Sikander , Ling, Silvia , Hungria, Vânia

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 5812-5812

10.1182/blood-2025-5812 Get It

Abstract Introduction: IRAKLIA is an international, open-label, non-inferiority (NI) trial (NCT05405166) investigating isatuximab (Isa) subcutaneous (SC) vs intravenous (IV) administration, plus pomalidomide-dexamethasone (Pd) and the first Phase 3 multiple myeloma (MM) trial using an on-body injector (OBI). IRAKLIA demonstrated NI in its co-primary endpoints: overall response rate (ORR) and steady state trough concentration (Ctrough; Cycle(C) 6 Day(D) 1 predose). IsaOBI offers hands-free administration of flat-dose Isa, a small, hidden, retractable needle to prevent sharps injury and low-pressure delivery. Here, we examine the effect of body weight (BW) on pharmacokinetics (PK) as well as efficacy and safety outcomes with flat-dose IsaOBI vs IV + Pd in IRAKLIA. Methods: Patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory MM ≥18 years (yr) with ≥1 prior line of therapy (LOT) were randomized 1:1 to IsaOBI (1400mg; n=263) or IV (10mg/kg; n=264 weekly in C1, then every 2 weeks + P (4mg/day, D1–21) + d (40mg [20mg if ≥75yr] weekly) in 4-week cycles. This analysis is run by BW (≤65kg, &gt;65–≤85kg, &gt;85kg) which was a stratification factor, and extreme BW (≤50kg, &gt;50–≤100kg, &gt;100kg). Results: Number of pts per BW group were: ≤50kg [OBI n=16, IV n=14], ≤65kg [OBI n=84, IV n=85], &gt;65–≤85kg [OBI n=117, IV n=118], &gt;85kg [OBI n=62, IV n=65], and &gt;100kg [OBI n=22, IV n=22]. Baseline (BL) demographic and disease characteristics were generally balanced across BW groups for IsaOBI vs IV, including age (median 66yr) and prior LOT (median 2). However, in the &gt;100kg group, more IsaOBI vs IV pts exhibited poor prognostic characteristics including plasmacytoma, International Staging System Stage II/III disease, beta 2-microglobulin level ≥5.5mg/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60mL/min/1.73m2 and a lower very good partial response (VGPR) rate as best overall response at last regimen. Flat-dose IsaOBI showed adequate exposure (C2D1 Ctrough) for all BW groups, with geometric mean ratios (90% CI) vs IV &gt;1: ≤65kg (1.628 [1.294–2.048]), &gt;65–≤85kg (1.303 [1.089–1.560]) and &gt;85kg (1.006 [0.817–1.239]). IsaOBI ORRs were comparable to IV across BW: ≤65kg, 66% vs 71% (relative risk [RR]: 0.928), &gt;65–≤85kg, 70% vs 70% (RR: 1.009), and &gt;85kg, 81% vs 72% (RR: 1.115). For extreme BW groups, ORRs (95% CI) were similar between IsaOBI and IV for ≤50kg group [56% vs 60%] and for &gt;50–≤100kg [72(66–78)% vs 70(63–76)%] but lower [68% vs 86%] in &gt;100kg group. An exposure-response (E-R) analysis showed the impact of BW on response: IsaOBI pts ≤50kg tended to respond less vs IsaOBI pts &gt;50kg despite correct exposure because they were confounded by BL disease characteristicsincluding a higher proportion of high-risk cytogenetics and plasma cells in the bone marrow vs other BW group pts. For IsaOBI and IV, Grade (Gr)≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and Gr≥3 treatment-related TEAEs decreased with increasing BW. They were similar between arms in ≤65kg group (OBI vs IV, Gr≥3 TEAEs: 87% vs 88%; Gr≥3 treatment-related TEAEs: 73% vs 77%). A similar trend was observed in extreme BW groups along with similar incidences between arms in ≤50kg group. While TE serious AEs (TESAEs) and treatment-related TESAEs decreased with increasing BW for IsaIV, incidence was stable in the IsaOBI arm. OBI arm OBI Gr5 TEAEs were similar between groups and arms, except for higher incidence in ≤65kg group (12% vs 5%) with OBI vs IV that was not reflected in ≤50 or &gt;50–≤100kg groups. Treatment discontinuation rates for all drugs with IsaOBI vs IV were 14% vs 6% (≤65kg), 8% vs 10% (&gt;65–≤85kg), and 2% vs 10% (&gt;85kg). Similar incidence of Gr≥3 laboratory (lab) neutropenia was observed across BW in IsaOBI: 86.9% (≤65kg), 83.5% (&gt;65–≤85kg) and 83.9% (&gt;85kg). Higher rates of Gr≥3 lab neutropenia were observed in ≤50kg group (93.8%, IsaOBI vs 71.4%, IsaIV), which did not translate into higher rates of neutropenic complications (18.8% vs 14.3%). The E-R analysis revealed no relationship between Isa PK exposure and safety for OBI and IV arms. Conclusions: No notable impact from IsaOBI flat dosing was observed across BW groups. Flat-dose Isa OBI showed consistent safety and efficacy across different BW groups, with differences likely linked to BL disease characteristics according to the E-R analysis. The IsaOBI C2D1 Ctrough, a time-independent predictor of efficacy, was similar to, or higher vs IsaIV in each BW group, supportive of a flat dose providing adequate exposure without need for adjustment.
Comprehensive characterization of multiple myeloma genomes from bone marrow or peripheral blood with a novel clinical assay enables identification of resistance mechanisms
Sookiasian, Danielle , Hess, Julian M. , Podsvirova, Svetlana , DeMeo, M.K., Meyer, Reid G., Sahagun, Ana , Arredondo, Alejandra Guitron, Loza, Laura Priscila Ochoa, Alcázar, Ana Echenique, Hydren, Jay R. , Ahlstrom, Jennifer M., Liacos, Christine‐Ivy , Taouxi, Kostantina, Papadimou, Alexandra , Brennan, Timothy, Nardi, Valentina , Mullen, Thomas D., Lipson, Doron , Kumar, Shaji, Paiva, Bruno , Greipp, Patricia T. , Baughn, Linda B. , Loza, Laura Priscila Ochoa, Martínez, Jorge Arturo Hurtado , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Kastritis, Efstathios , Berdeja, Jesús G. , Mullen, Thomas, Aguet, François , Kumar, Shaji

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2586-2586

10.1182/blood-2025-2586 Get It

Abstract Introduction Detecting genetic abnormalities is mandatory during diagnostic workup and for potential individualization of therapy selection in multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor conditions. At present, this requires invasive bone marrow (BM) biopsies, severely limiting early detection, patient monitoring, and the precise selection of therapy. The current standard for detecting genetic alterations in MM is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which cannot detect point mutations and other clinically relevant alterations. Consequently, the IMS-IMWG guidelines were recently updated to require next-generation sequencing for the classification of high-risk MM. Moreover, the importance of identifying alterations in therapeutic targets (e.g., BCMA, GPRC5D) for guiding immunotherapies is becoming increasingly recognized. To address this need, we recently launched GenoPredicta, a CLIA-approved Laboratory Developed Test that enables routine monitoring, informing diagnosis, and treatment selection by comprehensively and robustly characterizing MM genomes with whole genome sequencing (WGS) from a minimum of ~50 circulating tumor cells (CTCs) isolated from peripheral blood (PB) or tumor cells from BM. Here, we describe the characterization of clinical and research samples with GenoPredicta, highlighting resistance-conferring genetic alterations that can only be detected by sequencing and that are consistent with patients' clinical histories, while further demonstrating the complete concordance of GenoPredicta with prior FISH results. Methods Tumor cells were isolated from BM and/or PB samples using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) (after CD138+ enrichment for PB) and subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS), from which we identified copy number alterations, structural variants, and single nucleotide variants and indels. For a subset of samples, the BM was also characterized by FISH, using a standard clinical panel for characterizing MM; for other samples prior FISH results were available from patients' clinical records. Results The analytical validation of GenoPredicta, conducted on a retrospective cohort of &gt;60 viably frozen samples from &gt;30 patients, showed complete concordance between BM and PB for detected genomic abnormalities, with all clinically relevant events (11 translocations and 125 CNVs) observed in BM recapitulated in PB (100% recall). All events identified by FISH in 14 samples (8 translocations and 30 CNVs) were also identified in the BM (100% recall), with 50 translocations and 30 CNVs not detected by FISH also absent in the WGS data (100% precision). The abnormalities detected in these samples also included multiple high-risk events not assayed by FISH, including biallelic TP53 loss (Del 17p coupled with a deleterious TP53 mutation, observed in 4 patients) and MYC::IGL translocations (2 patients). Moreover, for all fresh peripheral blood clinical samples with FISH results available from patients' histories, GenoPredicta recalled 100% of reported events. Among these clinical samples, we notably observed a case with both a biallelic GPRC5D deletion and a TNFRSF17 (BCMA) deletion combined with a truncating mutation on the remaining allele. This was consistent with the patient's clinical history showing progression after therapy with talquetamab (anti-GPRC5D bispecific), and previous nonresponse to teclistamab (anti-BCMA bispecific) after prior therapy with Cilta-cel (BCMA-directed CAR T). GenoPredicta also detected other mutations likely to confer resistance to immunotherapies, including loss-of-function mutations in IKZF3 and deletions of FCRL5 in frozen peripheral blood research samples. Conclusion We demonstrate that WGS-based characterization of MM from BM or CTCs is a viable replacement for FISH for clinical diagnosis and monitoring, with blood-based measurements enabling comprehensive profiling of the myeloma cancer genome. Importantly, this includes genetic alterations that confer resistance to therapy, allowing for both early detection of such alterations and more precise selection of therapy.
Safety and efficacy of linvoseltamab (LINVO) combined with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) daratumumab (DARA) or isatuximab (ISA) in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): Initial results from the multicohort, Phase 1b LINK
Manier, Salomon, Rubinstein, Samuel M. , Chamorro, Maria Del Carmen Martinez, Breazna, Aurora, Dhadwal, Amishi, Masinde, Sheila , Kroog, Glenn S. , Sarkaria, Shawn , Dimopoulos, Meletios Α. , Delimpasi, Sosana , Manier, Salomon, Michot, Jean‐Marie , Ocio, Enrique M. , Cook, Joselle , Ghodke‐Puranik, Yogita , Oriol, Albert

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2254-2254

10.1182/blood-2025-2254 Get It

Abstract Introduction LINVO, a human B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)xCD3 bispecific antibody, was recently approved for triple-class exposed (TCE) RRMM after ≥3 prior therapies (EU) or ≥4 prior lines of therapy (US), demonstrating high efficacy and a generally manageable safety profile. Combining LINVO with an anti-CD38 mAb, such as DARA or ISA, may provide additional benefit to pts with RRMM. Here we report pooled safety and efficacy results from the LINVO + DARA and LINVO + ISA cohorts during the dose-finding portion of the Phase 1b LINKER-MM2 trial (NCT05137054). Methods Eligible pts were aged ≥18 years with RRMM that progressed after ≥3 lines of therapy (LoTs), or ≥2 LoTs if TCE or double-class refractory (immunomodulatory drug [IMiD] + proteasome inhibitor [PI]). Prior treatment (tx) with DARA or ISA was allowed if previously tolerated and ≥6 months (mos) or ≥3 mos washout, respectively, had elapsed since last exposure. Tx began with LINVO monotherapy (Cycle [C]0; 28-day cycle) consisting of 2 step-up doses (5 mg, 25 mg) and 2 full doses (dose level [DL]1 100 mg; DL1b 150 mg; DL2 200 mg) before standard dosing of DARA or ISA was added at C1. LINVO was given once weekly in C1–3 and once every 2 weeks in C4+. At the end of 2024, dosing once every 4 weeks was implemented after C6 if a very good partial response or better (≥VGPR) was achieved. Dexamethasone premedication was required during the first 2 cycles and then given per label for DARA or ISA. Primary endpoints: dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and tx-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Key secondary endpoints: overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and rate of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. The analyses reported here combine the LINVO + DARA and LINVO + ISA cohorts. Results As of May 7, 2025, 42 pts were enrolled. All pts were included in the safety analysis set: DL1 (DARA, n=12; ISA, n=6), DL1b (n=6; n=10), or DL2 (n=8; n=0); 37 were included in the efficacy analysis set: DL1 (DARA, n=11; ISA, n=5), DL1b (n=5; n=9), or DL2 (n=7; n=0). At baseline, all pts had received ≥1 PI (refractory to ≥1 PI: 76%) or ≥1 IMiD (refractory to ≥1 IMiD: 86%), and 21 pts (50%) had received prior DARA or ISA (refractory to DARA or ISA: 33% [DARA, n=4; ISA, n=10]). Median number of prior LoTs was 3 (range 2–8), including 50% of pts with TCE and 21% with triple-class refractory disease. Median age was 68 years (range 42–86); male, 57%; ISS stage III at study entry, 12%; high-risk cytogenetics, 31%; bone marrow plasma cells ≥50%, 31%; and soft tissue plasmacytomas, 33% (extramedullary, 12%). Median follow-up duration was 14.8 mos for DL1 (DARA 21.3; ISA 11.3), 7.6 mos for DL1b (DARA 13.5; ISA 5.2), and 5.9 mos for DL2 (all DARA), with 44%, 50%, and 63% of pts still receiving tx, respectively. The most common TEAEs were anemia (any grade [Gr] 48%; Gr 3/4 26%), neutropenia (41%; 41%), diarrhea (38%; 2%), and thrombocytopenia (38%; 17%). Cytokine release syndrome was reported in 33% of pts (all Gr 1/2 events except 1 Gr 3 event during the step-up period that fully resolved). No pts experienced immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Infections were reported in 32 pts (any Gr 76%; Gr ≥3 40%), and 3 resulted in death (1 tx related: cytomegalovirus [CMV] pneumonia; 2 tx unrelated: C. diff colitis and lower respiratory infection). One DLT was observed at DL1b in the ISA cohort (Gr 3 Epstein–Barr virus pharyngitis) and 1 was observed at DL2 in the DARA cohort (Gr 5 CMV pneumonia). Among efficacy evaluable pts, ORR was 75% at DL1 (12/16; ≥VGPR rate 75%), 93% at DL1b (13/14; ≥VGPR rate 57%), and 86% at DL2 (6/7; ≥VGPR rate 86%). Of 10 MRD-evaluable pts, all were MRD negative (&lt;10−5by clonoSEQ or EuroFlow). The 12-mo DOR rate was 79% (95% confidence interval [CI] 52–92; median DOR not reached) and 12-mo PFS rate was 73% (95% CI 53–86; median PFS not reached). Pharmacokinetic analyses showed LINVO concentrations were not affected by the addition of DARA or ISA. ConclusionsIn pts with heavily pretreated RRMM, half of whom had prior anti-CD38 mAb exposure, the combination of LINVO and DARA or ISA was feasible, inducing a high rate of deep and durable responses, and exhibiting a safety profile similar to that reported for each individual drug. These preliminary data support continued development of LINVO plus an anti-CD38 mAb for the tx of pts with MM.