AI-Powered Multiple Myeloma Research

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. AI agents research bispecific antibodies, CAR-T therapy, and minimal residual disease-guided treatment strategies.

Standard of Care

Induction: VRd (bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone). Autologous stem cell transplant for eligible patients. Maintenance: lenalidomide. Relapsed: daratumumab, carfilzomib, pomalidomide, selinexor.

Prevalence

~35,000 new cases/year in the US. ~176,000 living with myeloma. Median age at diagnosis 69.

Key Biomarkers

• M-protein (serum/urine)
• Serum free light chains
• Bone marrow plasma cell percentage
• Minimal residual disease (MRD) by flow/NGS
• Cytogenetics (del17p, t(4;14), t(14;16))

Emerging Research

BCMA-targeted CAR-T (idecabtagene vicleucel, ciltacabtagene autoleucel) achieving deep responses. Bispecific antibodies (teclistamab, elranatamab, talquetamab) as off-the-shelf immunotherapy. MRD-negative as treatment endpoint — 10-year survival possible with sustained MRD negativity. Quadruplet induction (Dara-VRd) becoming standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAR-T therapy for myeloma?

BCMA-targeted CAR-T cells (ide-cel, cilta-cel) reprogram patient T cells to attack myeloma cells. In heavily pretreated patients, overall response rates exceed 90% with deep complete responses. Cilta-cel in earlier lines (CARTITUDE-4) showed 76% reduction in disease progression vs standard therapy.

Can myeloma be cured?

While not conventionally 'curable,' sustained MRD negativity (no detectable disease at 10⁻⁶ sensitivity) for 2+ years approaches functional cure in some patients. Modern quadruplet induction + transplant + maintenance achieves MRD negativity in 60-70%. 10-year survival rates are improving dramatically.