Articles

Luspatercept in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes: Belgian real-life data into perspective

BJH - volume 16, issue 2, april 2025

B. Heyrman MD, S. Meers MD, S. Sid MD, K. Van Eygen MD, N. De Beule MD, PhD, M. Clauwaert MD, H. Maes MD, A. Salembier MD, J. Lemmens MD, A. Van De Velde MD, PhD, D. Selleslag MD, J. Bouziotis Msc, N. Put MD, A. De Becker MD, PhD

SUMMARY

This report on the real life use of luspatercept in Belgium, describes data of 77 patients. In the response analysis, 65.8% showed a response to treatment, including 35.4% that reached transfusion independency for a minimum of eight weeks. In the responding group, the duration of treatment was at least 38 weeks in 75% of patients. Reasons to stop treatment were adverse event (16,3%), death (23,3%), no response (34,9%) and disease progression (25,6%). One patient stopped treatment due to pronounced fatigue although having an erythroid response. These data confirm the efficacy of luspatercept and the need for real-life data on quality of life.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2025;16(2):65–9)

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Practical recommendations for the management of late relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in 2024

BJH - volume 15, issue 6, october 2024

N. Kint MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, J. Depaus MD, R. Callens MD, G. Claes MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, A. Kentos MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, F. Offner MD, PhD, A. Salembier MD, R. Schots MD, PhD, K. Theunissen MD, I. Vande Broek MD, PhD, A. Van De Velde MD, PhD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Despite significant advances in therapeutic modalities, the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is still challenging. In this publication, we aim to provide an update on therapeutic modalities for RRMM in Belgium. First, novel combinations of well-established therapeutic agents will be discussed. Second, T-cell redirection therapies will be addressed. These include bispecific antibodies, both anti-BCMA x CD3 and anti-GPRC5D x CD3, as well as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Third, we discuss novel modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates, selinexor, venetoclax, melflufen and CELMoDs. Finally, a general flowchart regarding overall treatment sequencing will be proposed, providing an integrated treatment recommendation from frontline to relapse.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(6):225–32)

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Multiple myeloma: Practical recommendations for the management of early relapses 2024

BJH - volume 15, issue 4, june 2024

M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Kint MD, PhD, G. Claes MD, C. Doyen MD, V. Galle MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, O. Rizzo MD, A. Salembier MD, H. Schots MD, PhD, G. Verstraete MD, M. Delforge MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Despite the increasing availability of more effective treatments for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients that provide longer disease-free periods, almost all patients will experience a relapse. Managing relapse after regimens that have included a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory drug (IMID), and often an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody can be challenging, but therapeutic options have greatly increased over the past decades. This review covers the current second-line therapeutic options and provides updated information on novel agents for the treatment of early relapses in MM patients.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(4):158–64)

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Multiple myeloma: Practical recommendations for front-line therapy 2024

BJH - volume 15, issue 3, may 2024

M.C. Vekemans MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, N. Kint MD, PhD, G. Claes MD, C. Doyen MD, V. Galle MD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, H. Maes MD, O. Rizzo MD, A. Salembier MD, H. Schots MD, PhD, G. Verstraete MD, M. Delforge MD, PhD

SUMMARY

With the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and outcome of multiple myeloma. Different treatment combinations are now in use and quadruplets have been investigated with success. This rapidly changing therapeutic landscape urges for an update on practical guidelines. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose recommendations on myeloma management, to be used by haematologists as a reference for daily practice.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2024;15(3):103–16)

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