Guideline: Hematologic Malignancies

Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

Guideline Status: Current

Published Online: April 1, 2019

Last Updated: July 19, 2023

Published online April 1, 2019, DOI:10.1200/JCO.18.02096

Joseph Mikhael, Nofisat Ismaila, Matthew C. Cheung, Caitlin Costello, Madhav V. Dhodapkar, Shaji Kumar, Martha Lacy, Brea Lipe, Richard F. Little, Anna Nikonova, James Omel, Namrata Peswani, Anca Prica, Noopur Raje, Rahul Seth, David H. Vesole, Irwin Walker, Alexander Whitley, Tanya M. Wildes, Sandy Wong, and Tom Martin

Purpose

To provide evidence-based recommendations on the treatment of multiple myeloma to practicing physicians and others.

Methods

ASCO and Cancer Care Ontario convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, and advocacy experts to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and some phase II studies published from 2005 through 2018. Outcomes of interest included survival, progression-free survival, response rate, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

Results

The literature search identified 124 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline.

Recommendations

Evidence-based recommendations were developed for patients with multiple myeloma who are transplantation eligible and those who are ineligible and for patients with relapsed or refractory disease.

Autologous stem cell transplant still has a key role in myeloma, but age alone should not be the deciding factor for eligibility. In relapsed myeloma, triplet therapies with two novel agents plus steroids are recommended.

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The clinical practice guidelines and other guidance published herein are provided by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. ("ASCO") to assist practitioners in clinical decision making. The information therein should not be relied upon as being complete or accurate, nor should it be considered as inclusive of all proper treatments or methods of care or as a statement of the standard of care. With the rapid development of scientific knowledge, new evidence may emerge between the time information is developed and when it is published or read. The information is not continually updated and may not reflect the most recent evidence. The information addresses only the topics specifically identified therein and is not applicable to other interventions, diseases, or stages of diseases. This information does not mandate any particular course of medical care. Further, the information is not intended to substitute for the independent professional judgment of the treating physician, as the information does not account for individual variation among patients. Recommendations reflect high, moderate or low confidence that the recommendation reflects the net effect of a given course of action. The use of words like "must," "must not," "should," and "should not" indicate that a course of action is recommended or not recommended for either most or many patients, but there is latitude for the treating physician to select other courses of action in individual cases. In all cases, the selected course of action should be considered by the treating physician in the context of treating the individual patient. Use of the information is voluntary. ASCO provides this information on an "as is" basis, and makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the information. ASCO specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. ASCO assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage to persons or property arising out of or related to any use of this information or for any errors or omissions.