EMMA 2016 | Frontline treatment of elderly multiple myeloma patients and management of relapse/refractory

Jesús San Miguel, MD, PhD of the University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain discusses the frontline treatment of elderly multiple myeloma (MM) patients and relapse with Joan Bladé, MD of the Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain, Enrique Ocio, MD, PhD of the University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain and Thierry Facon, MD of Claude Huriez Hospital, Lille, France at the 2016 European Multiple Myeloma Academy (EMMA) held in Madrid, Spain. The panel discuss how to treat elderly MM patients, including a review of current medicines and combination options. The group also discuss the subgroup of patients who are frail or have high-risk cytogenetics. The next topic was relapse – Prof. Bladé explains how he uses doublets for treatment. Further, now triplet combinations are available, such as carfilzomib with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone and, in the future, lenalidomide and daratumumab. Prof. San Miguel brings up new drugs, such as elotuzumab and ixazomib, and Prof. Bladé outlines their relevance. Dr Ocio discusses other drugs under investigation, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecules, and the importance of drug combinations. On treatment duration for elderly patients, Prof. Facon highlights the importance of proper communication witht the patient. Finally, Dr Ocio explains how a trial may offer a patient the option of being treated with a novel drug.

This programme has been supported by Celgene and Amgen through an unrestricted educational grant to the Video Journal of Hematological Oncology.