Measurable residual disease (MRD) is emerging as an important prognostic marker in the management of multiple myeloma. Promising clinical evidence from trials, such as the MYELOMA XI trial, has linked MRD-negativity to improved outcomes in myeloma. Whilst research into MRD as a prognostic marker continues, MRD is further being explored as a tool to guide the adaptive treatment of patients with myeloma, such as by intensifying treatment for MRD-positive patients, or by de-escalating treatment for MRD-negative patients. Future trials investigating the relative safety and efficacy of MRD-guided adaptive treatment will help to determine the optimal role of MRD in multiple myeloma.

In this podcast, Natalie Callander, MD, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, Luciano Costa, MD, PhD, of the UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, Fredrik Schjesvold, MD, PhD, of the Oslo Myeloma Center Oslo University, Oslo, Norway, Lanny Kirsch, MD, Senior Vice President in Translational Medicine at Adaptive Biotechnologies, Seattle, WA, and Philippe Moreau, MD, of the Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France, discuss the latest data on the use of MRD in the management and treatment of multiple myeloma, as presented at the 18th International Myeloma Workshop (IMW 2021).