IMS 2025: Day 2 Showcases Treatment Innovations Across Multiple Myeloma

Day two of IMS 2025 reinforced a central theme: Innovation in multiple myeloma treatment is expanding at every stage of the patient journey. From new options for newly diagnosed patients to groundbreaking multi-target CAR T therapies for those facing relapsed disease, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while never losing sight of the ultimate goal—delivering safe and effective new treatments to every patient who needs them. 

Today’s presentations highlighted both the potential of emerging therapies and the critical importance of understanding their real-world impact on patients’ lives.  

Here MMRF highlights the latest developments. 

New Treatments for Newly Diagnosed Patients 

• Iberdomide belongs to a new class of oral myeloma drugs called CELMoDs. The CELMoDs work similarly to immune-based therapies like Revlimid but are more powerful. Doctors are studying CELMoDs in many clinical trials, including as an early treatment for people newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma.  

One recent study looked at Iberdomide combined with two other medicines: Darzalex (an antibody treatment) and dexamethasone (a steroid). This was tested in 77 patients who were unable to have a stem cell transplant. The results were very promising: More than 90% of patients responded to the treatment and nearly 80% of patients had their disease stay under control for at least a year. Only three patients discontinued treatment due to adverse effects. 

Researchers will continue following these patients to see how long the benefits last and to better understand how well this treatment works over time.  

Multi-Target CAR T-Cell Therapies 

New CAR T-cell therapies are being designed to attack more than one target on myeloma cells. This may help prevent myeloma from becoming resistant to treatment. Today’s presentations highlighted two unique ways of reaching this goal: 

• TriPRIL is a type of CAR T that targets two proteins on myeloma cells:
  BCMA and TACI. In a small study of 10 participants with relapsed/refractory myeloma, eight responded to TriPRIL. Importantly, this included four patients who did not respond to previous CAR T therapy. 

• In another phase 1 study, two different sets of CAR T-cells that target BCMA and GPRC5D were delivered at the same time to patients who had received at least three prior lines of therapy. 87% of the 19 patients responded to the dual CAR T-cell therapies, including those who received the BCMA CAR T therapy alone.  

In both studies, side effects were manageable, with no serious long-term neurological problems. 

Weighing the Risk/Benefits of Currently Approved CAR T-Cell Therapies  

Abecma, also known as ide-cel, and Carvykti, also known as cilta-cel, are the first CAR T-cell therapies approved for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. They work by targeting a protein called BCMA on myeloma cells. Both therapies continue to draw attention as potent treatment options, though many patients can experience significant side effects from either of them. 

Two important studies presented at IMS provided valuable insights for patients and providers weighing CAR T treatment decisions: 

• Researchers analyzed patient outcomes from ide-cel and cilta-cel in more than 1,500 patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma who had at least six prior lines of therapy. While cilta-cel demonstrated higher response rates, deeper remissions, and longer progression-free and overall survival, it also carried a higher risk of delayed neurologic toxicities and slightly increased treatment-related mortality. Although ide-cel and cilta-cel haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials, studies using real-world data like this can help patients and their doctors weigh the potential benefits and risks of each.  

• In a separate analysis, researchers interviewed 38 patients who had received cilta-cel treatment and remained treatment-free for at least six months. Patients described this treatment-free period as profoundly meaningful, highlighting improved quality of life, increased energy, freedom from side effects, and the ability to return to normal routines and family activities.  

Together, these studies reinforce that making the decision to have CAR T-cell therapy requires weighing not only clinical outcomes and safety concerns but also understanding how the therapy can affect patients’ quality of life and long-term well-being. 

As we continue our coverage from Toronto, we’re encouraged by the depth of innovation happening across the myeloma research community and the field’s commitment to balancing clinical effectiveness, safety, and the patient experience. 

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s highlights and more updates from IMS 2025 all meeting long.