High-Risk Myeloma: Definitions and Treatments

Authors

  • Rintu Sharma, MD Princess Margaret Cancer Center Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology Department of Medicine Temerty of Medicine, University of Toronto
  • Karla Alexandra Sánchez Hernández, MD Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario
  • Guido Lancman, MD, MSc

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cht.2024.3254

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is characterized by clonal proliferation of biologically heterogeneous plasma cells, leading to diverse clinical presentations and outcomes. Although outcomes have improved dramatically over the past decade with the rapid change in the treatment paradigm in standard-risk myeloma, a subset of patients remains who respond poorly to treatment and experience early relapses. These patients are considered high-risk and can be identified at the time of diagnosis based on several factors and their response to treatment (Table 1). Therefore, it is important to consider high-risk status as a dynamic assessment. 

Author Biographies

Rintu Sharma, MD, Princess Margaret Cancer Center Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology Department of Medicine Temerty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Rintu Sharma is a Clinical Research Fellow focusing on myeloma, lymphoma, and autologous stem cell transplantation. She has completed her internal medicine and hematology training in India and is now a Chief Fellow for the Malignant Hematology Program. Her areas of interest span multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, lymphoproliferative disorders, and cellular therapies. She is particularly intrigued by the potential of immunotherapies in myeloma and is eager to contribute to this exciting field.

Karla Alexandra Sánchez Hernández, MD, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Karla Alexandra Sánchez Hernández is a multiple myeloma clinical and research fellow at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She initially undertook her medical training at Mexico's National University. Thereafter she pursued residency training in Internal Medicine and subspecialty training in Hematology at Mexico's City General Hospital. She also has a fellowship at hematologic stem cell transplantation at Mexico's National Cancer Institute.

Guido Lancman, MD, MSc

Guido Lancman is a clinical associate at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Prior to coming to Toronto, he obtained his M.D. at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, and his M.Sc. in Clinical Trials with distinction at University College London in the UK. He completed his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine, as well as his Fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Mount Sinai. Dr. Lancman was involved in research throughout his training, receiving the Mount Sinai Summer Research Scholars Award in medical school, the SOHO Young Investigator Travel Award in residency, and obtaining funding for two investigator-initiated studies during his fellowship. His research has focused on optimizing the efficacy and safety of novel therapies in multiple myeloma, with a particular interest in immunotherapies. He is involved in the development of multiple myeloma clinical trials through Princess Margaret and through the Canadian Myeloma Research Group. 

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2024-06-27

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Sharma R, Sánchez Hernández KA, Lancman G. High-Risk Myeloma: Definitions and Treatments. Can Hematol Today [Internet]. 2024 Jun. 27 [cited 2024 Nov. 21];3(2):41–47. Available from: https://canadianhematologytoday.com/article/view/3-2-sharma_et_al

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