Training Academy

This Cancer Network Training Academy program brings together leading multiple myeloma experts, Dr. Binod Dhakal, Dr. Carol Ann Huff, and Dr. Prerna Mewawalla, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The faculty explore how increasing use of anti-CD38-based quadruplet regimens in frontline therapy is reshaping treatment decision-making at relapse, with particular focus on patient identification, definitions of daratumumab refractoriness, and therapeutic selection in the second-line setting and beyond.

The discussion reviews emerging evidence for BCMA-directed bispecific antibodies, including recently presented data from the MajesTEC clinical program, and examines how efficacy outcomes, safety considerations, dosing strategies, and differences in trial populations may influence clinical practice. Through expert discussion and case-based scenarios, the panel addresses sequencing considerations relative to CAR T-cell therapy, management of adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome and infections, and practical implementation across academic and community settings. The program provides a balanced overview of current evidence and evolving treatment strategies that may help inform individualized care for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Panelists discuss the evolving role of BCMA-directed bispecific antibodies in early relapse multiple myeloma. Focus will be on interpreting recent phase 3 clinical data, examining the mechanistic rationale for combination approaches, and considering how emerging evidence may influence treatment sequencing.

Panelists will review key efficacy and safety findings, explore relevant patient subgroups including those with prior anti-CD38 exposure, and apply these insights to real-world case scenarios.

Panelists discuss first-line treatment strategies and best practices for managing non–clear cell renal cell carcinoma, highlighting clinical trial data on efficacy and adverse events, and exploring multidisciplinary approaches to mitigate toxicities and enhance patient outcomes.

Brian Rini, MD; Arpita Desai, MD; Sundhar Ramalingam, MD; and Scott Tykodi, MD, PhD, discuss how to select among the 4 major FDA-approved immunotherapy-based doublet regimens (ipilimumab-nivolumab, pembrolizumab-axitinib, nivolumab-cabozantinib, and pembrolizumab-lenvatinib) for first-line treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, considering factors such as disease burden, patient comorbidities, toxicity profiles, and individual patient preferences while reviewing long-term efficacy data and discussing future therapeutic directions, including novel immunotherapies and biomarker development.

Panelists discuss the evolving treatment landscape for renal cell carcinoma beyond the first line, highlighting the importance of personalized sequencing strategies that balance efficacy, safety, and patient quality of life through the use of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and emerging clinical data.

Douglas Sborov, MD; Mary Steinbach, NP; and Kelley Julian, PharmD, BCOP, discuss 3 complex cases of patients with myeloma with late-line, heavily pretreated disease and why they opted to treat these patients with BCMA- and GPRC5D-directed bispecifics. They also focus on expected toxicities and supportive care strategies to maximize patient tolerability of R/R MM treatment drugs and drug sequencing in patients who are difficult to treat.

Cesar Rodriguez Valdes, MD; Binod Dhakal, MD; Appalanaidu Sasapu MD, FACP, and Leo Shunyakov, MD, discuss how optimizing care transitions for multiple myeloma patients receiving bispecific therapy requires a multifaceted approach involving standardized protocols, enhanced communication between academic and community oncologists, patient-centered care models, and innovative technologies to address current challenges and future needs in ensuring seamless, high-quality care across all treatment settings.

A panel of 4 experts on multiple myeloma

A panel of experts on multiple myeloma review patient cases and discuss the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory disease, highlighting sequencing strategies and clinical trials that are informing treatment decisions.

Binod Dhakal, MD, MS, and a panel of experts in multiple myeloma provide a look at an upcoming Cancer Network Training Academy program discussing how to incorporate bispecific antibodies in the treatment of multiple myeloma, and how healthcare systems implement step-up dosing, treatment doses and transition of care. The panel also offers insights into the recommended strategies for monitoring patients receiving treatment with bispecifics.