EMMA 2016 | The challenges associated with managing multiple myeloma patients on immunotherapy
Ignacio Melero Bermejo, MD, from the University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain discusses the challenges associated with immunotherapy at the 2016 European Multiple Myeloma Academy (EMMA) in Madrid, Spain. Dr Melero Bermejo begins by explaining how it is challenging to identify which patients will benefit from immunotherapy. There is a need to develop predictive biomarkers and, while there is progression towards this, it is not being made fast enough. Dr Melero Bermejo goes on to describe how the use of immunotherapy has introduced new adverse effects that mimic autoimmune or systemic inflammatory reactions. These adverse effects need to be identified and treated in order to give the best supportive care to patients undergoing immunotherapy. Dr Melero Bermejo believes progress is being made but there are still challenges in this field.
This programme has been supported by Celgene and Amgen through an unrestricted educational grant to the Video Journal of Hematological Oncology.
