EHA 2026: New Insights into Emerging Therapies and the Future of Myeloma Care

This past weekend, the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress brought together researchers, physicians, and patient advocates from around the world to share the latest advances in blood cancer research. As one of the largest hematology meetings globally, EHA provides an important opportunity to learn how new therapies are performing in clinical trials and how treatment strategies continue to evolve for multiple myeloma patients.

Below are the MMRF’s key takeaways from this conference.

Some of the most important myeloma studies were highlighted at both ASCO and EHA

One theme that stood out at EHA 2026 was the number of high-profile myeloma studies that were presented there and at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting a few weeks prior. While each meeting attracts a different international audience, seeing the same studies featured at both conferences underscores how much attention these findings are generating throughout the global myeloma community.

When research is selected for presentation at multiple major scientific meetings, it is often a sign that investigators, clinicians, and industry leaders view the findings as particularly important and potentially practice changing. While longer follow-up is still needed for many of these studies, they continue to generate significant interest because of their potential to address unmet needs across the myeloma journey.

Among the studies highlighted at both meetings were:

• Elrexfio^® (elranatamab) for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM): Researchers continue to explore whether treating high-risk SMM before symptoms develop can delay or prevent progression to active myeloma. Early findings suggest bispecific antibodies such as Elrexfio may have a role much earlier in the disease course. The response rate was very high and there were no unexpected side effects.
• Tecvayli^® (teclistamab) in early relapsed/refractory myeloma: The phase 3 MajesTEC-9 study is evaluating whether Tecvayli can improve outcomes compared with commonly used standard treatment combinations in patients whose disease has returned as early as their first relapse. Results showed giving Tecvayli alone delayed the time until the disease returned and extended survival. As bispecific antibodies move earlier in treatment, studies like this may help define their future role in myeloma care.
• KLN-1010 and in vivo CAR T-cell therapy: Researchers presented additional data on this investigational therapy, which is designed to create CAR T-cells directly inside the body as opposed to removing them and re-infusing them after the T-cells have been re-engineered. This approach has generated excitement because it could simplify treatment, reduce barriers to access, and potentially make CAR T available to more patients in the future.

For a more detailed review of these studies, read the MMRF’s ASCO blog here.

New immunotherapies continue to expand options after relapse

One of the biggest themes at EHA 2026 was the growing number of immunotherapies being developed for patients whose myeloma has returned after multiple therapies (including CD38 monoclonal antibodies like Darzalex^® (daratumumab) and Revlimid^® (lenalidomide), as well as bispecific antibody treatments like Tecvayli (teclistimab). While CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies have already transformed care for many patients, researchers are now working to improve these approaches, offer alternatives when existing treatments stop working, and make these therapies available to more people.

A new CAR T-cell target shows promise

Researchers presented updated results for arlocabtagene autoleucel (arlo-cel), an investigational CAR T-cell therapy that targets GPRC5D, a protein found on myeloma cells. Unlike currently approved CAR T-cell therapies, which target BCMA, arlo-cel uses a different target that may provide another option for patients if BCMA-directed therapies become less effective. Talvey® (talquetamab), a bispecific antibody that is FDA-approved for patients who no longer respond to most standard therapies, also targets GPRC5D.

Patients in the study experienced high response rates, and many responses continued to deepen over time. Like Talvey, at least one quarter of patients on arlo-cel experienced nail, skin, and oral side effects. Patients also had relatively low rates of serious infections.

Off-the-shelf CAR T-cell therapy moves forward

Another study evaluated CB-011, an investigational “off-the-shelf” BCMA CAR T-cell therapy made from healthy donor cells rather than a patient’s own T cells.

Traditional CAR T-cell therapy requires collecting a patient’s cells, manufacturing the treatment, and then returning it weeks later. Off-the-shelf approaches aim to eliminate that waiting period by providing a ready-made treatment that can be given more quickly.

Researchers reported encouraging responses in heavily pretreated patients. Side effects were generally similar to those seen with existing CAR T-cell therapies.

A potential option after CAR T-cell therapy

Researchers also shared updated data on cevostamab, an investigational bispecific GPRC5D antibody for patients whose disease progressed after BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapy.

Patients who relapse after BCMA CAR T-cell therapy can have limited treatment options, making this an important area of unmet need. In this study, cevostamab produced durable responses in some heavily pretreated patients, including those whose disease had already become resistant to BCMA.

Exploring new approaches for newly diagnosed patients

Researchers also presented updated findings from the IDEAL study, which evaluated a four-drug combination that includes iberdomide, an oral therapy in the CELMoD class. CELMoD drugs are similar to immunomodulatory treatments like Revlimid and Pomalyst (pomalidomide).

The study explored a fixed-duration treatment approach, meaning patients received a defined course of therapy rather than remaining on treatment indefinitely. Researchers reported deep responses, including high rates of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, while maintaining a manageable safety profile.

Patients and researchers continue to ask whether some individuals may eventually be able to receive highly effective treatment without remaining on therapy forever. While longer follow-up is needed, studies like IDEAL are helping explore that possibility.

The bottom line

This year’s EHA Congress highlighted just how quickly the myeloma treatment landscape is changing. Researchers are not only developing new therapies, but also exploring new targets, new treatment strategies, and new ways to make effective therapies available to more patients.

While many of these treatments remain investigational, the research presented at EHA 2026 reflects the remarkable progress being made across every stage of the myeloma journey. Together, these studies bring us closer to more effective, personalized, and accessible treatment options for patients.

Want to learn more?

Join us on June 24th for the next edition of the MMRF Patient Webinar Series, where our experts will review the most important myeloma research presented at the 2026 ASCO and EHA conferences, discuss what these findings may mean for patients today, and answer your questions live.

Register