In June 2024, the British Society for Haematology (BSH) and the UK Myeloma Society (UKMS) published a comprehensive good practice paper outlining recommendations for the diagnosis and initial treatment of transplant-eligible high-risk myeloma patients.

Published in the British Journal of Haematology, this paper highlights the advancements of genetic diagnostics for high-risk myeloma and stresses that, unlike many solid and haematological cancers, there is no standard risk-stratified treatment in most healthcare systems. This has created an unmet need for a subgroup of myeloma patients – a need which has driven the development of these new guidelines to improve identification of at-risk patients, and their care.

The guidelines address the challenges of treating high-risk myeloma, a condition marked by early relapse and poor overall survival despite intensive treatment. The authors outline a strategic approach to improve outcomes for patients with high-risk myeloma by incorporating recent advancements in molecular risk markers and genetic profiling into diagnostic testing for suspected/newly diagnosed myeloma patients.

These guidelines align with Myeloma UK’s access strategy, where we call for person-centric treatment approaches and accelerated access to new diagnostics for high- and ultra-high risk myeloma patients.  This is a major step forward in highlighting and defining the unmet need and future provisions required for good practice to be realised.

Dr Martin Kaiser, lead author of the good practice paper, is Principal Investigator of the Myeloma UK-funded OPTIMUM / MUK nine clinical trial. The trial successfully demonstrated that genetic analysis can identify high-risk myeloma patients, with a subsequent intensive treatment plan improving patient outcomes.

Myeloma UK are excited to see evidenced guidelines for risk-stratification in this space of unmet need and recognise this major step towards realising suitable provision for this patient group. We will continue to advocate for access to genetic testing and appropriate treatment for all people diagnosed with myeloma.

Access the full guidelines here >

 

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