Multiple Myeloma
- Jul 5, 2025
- 3 min read
High risk MM:
High risk cytogenetics: t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), del 17p/monosomy17/TP53 mutation, 1q21 gain, MYC translocation, karyotype del 13
R-ISS III
Extramedullary disease
Standard risk MM:
Favorable cytogenetics: t(6;14), t(11;14), Hyperdiploid karyotype
International Staging System:
Stage I: B2 microglobulin <3.5 or Alb >3.5
Stage II: Not stage I or III
Stage III: B2 microglobulin ≥5.5
Revised- International Staging System:
Stage I: ISS stage I + no high-risk chromosomal abnormality AND normal LDH
Stage II: Not stage I or III
Stage III: ISS stage III + high-risk chromosomal abnormality OR high LDH
Revised 2- International Staging System:
Low risk: 0 point
Not stage II or III AND normal LDH AND no high risk chromosomal abnormality
Low intermediate: 0.5-1 points
Stage II OR high LDH OR high risk chromosomal abnormality
High intermediate risk: 1.5-2.5 points
Any combination of high risk features which equals a score of 1.5-2.5
High risk: 3-5 points
Any combination of high risk features which equals a score of 3-5
Medications:
Lenalidomide:
If CrCl >60: No adjustment
If CrCl 30-60: 10-15 mg daily
If CrCl <30: 15 mg every other day
If patient is on HD: 5 mg daily
Multiple myeloma and (Lenalidomide + Dexa): increases risk of thrombotic events → patients may need Aspirin or AC based on IMPEDE or SAVED scoring system. (You can search and memorize them or simply ignore them as I did)
Bortezomib:
Does not need dose adjustment in renal failure
Causes peripheral neuropathy
- SQ causes less neuropathy compared to IV
Particularly effective in patients with high risk chromosomal abnormalities
If T.bili >1.5 xULN: dose 0.7 mg/m2 per injection
Needs prophylaxis for shingles: Valacyclovir 500 mg po BID
Daratumumab:
CD 38 antibody
Pomalidomide:
For patients who:
received at least one prior therapies including lenalidomide and Bortezomib
disease progressed within 60 days after the last treatment
Should not be given to patient if T.bili >2 and AST/ALT >3 xULN
Reduce the dose 25% in patients on HD
Ixazomib:
For patients who received at least one prior therapies
46% improvement in PFS in patients with high risk cytogenetics
Elotuzumab:
Targets SLAMF7 (on myeloma and NK cells)
Talquetamab:
Targets CD3 and GPRC5D
Zoledronic acid:
Side effects: myalgia, hypocalcemia, jaw osteonecrosis and renal failure
Dose if:
- CrCl >60: 4.0 mg daily
- CrCl 50-60: 3.5 mg daily
- CrCl 40-50: 3.3 mg daily
- CrCl 30-40: 3.0 mg daily
- CrCl <30: Zoledronic acid is contraindicated
Denosumab:
Can be offered to patients with kidney failure
Treatment regimens:
Non-transplant candidates:
Lenalidomide + Dexa
Lenalidomide + Dexa + Bortezomib (RVD)
- SWOG S0777 study: Adding Bortezomib to RD improves OS and PFS
Lenalidomide + Dexa + Daratumumab
- MAIA study: Adding Daratumumab to RD improves PFS
Bortezomib + Melphalan + Prednisone (VMP)
Transplant eligible patients:
RVD
RVD + Daratumumab (GRIFFIN study)
Carfilzomib + Lenalidomide + Dexa
Avoid myelotoxic agents like Melphalan
Patients with myeloma kidney/renal failure:
Cyclophosphamide + Bortezomib + Dexa (CyBorD)
These patients should not be treated with Lenalidomide initially. When the kidney function improves, treatment can be transitioned from CyBorD to RVD ± Daratumumab.
Refractory multiple myeloma (failed at least two prior treatments):
Pomalidomide + Dexa
Ixazomib + Lenalidomide + Dexa (TOURMALINE-MM1)
Elotuzumab + Lenalidomide + Dexa
Elotuzumab + Pomalidomide + Dexa
Patients with significant neuropathy at baseline:
Daratumumab
Melphalan + Dexa (transplant ineligible)
Systemic Amyloidosis:
CyBorD + Daratumumab and hyaluronidase
CyBorD
Daratumumab
Bortezomib + Melphalan + Dexa (transplant ineligible)