Experts favor quadruplet regimens for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, but transplant role remains debated

At a recent multiple myeloma meeting, Dr. Ajai Chari of UCSF reviewed current frontline treatment strategies for newly diagnosed patients.

He said that data from several phase-3 trials have shifted expert opinion toward using four-drug (quadruplet) combinations rather than the traditional three-drug (triplet) regimens.

However, Chari cautioned that the benefit of these intensive regimens in frail or older patients is still unclear and requires more study.

The role of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) also remains a question, as the potency of modern quadruplet therapies raises the possibility of omitting transplant, but no definitive guidance is available yet.