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
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)
Read moreBJH - volume 12, issue 8, december 2021
N. Meuleman MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, K. Fostier MD, P. Vlummens MD, S. Pans MD, L. Goethals MD, PhD, J. Alexiou MD, M. Cliquennois MD, C. Doyen MD, A. de Weweire MD, R. Schots MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD
Despite major improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), bone damage remains a major feature of this disease. With the development of new diagnostic tools, conventional skeletal studies have been progressively replaced by novel imaging techniques. Today, imaging plays a crucial role in defining symptomatic multiple myeloma, measurement of the extent of skeletal involvement and assessing therapeutic response including minimal residual disease (MRD). Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose an array of Belgian recommendations for myeloma imaging to be used as a reference by haematologists in their daily practice.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2021;12(8):338–43)
Read moreBJH - volume 11, issue 8, december 2020
M.C. Vekemans MD, C. Doyen MD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, A. Kentos MD, PhD, P. Mineur MD, L. Michaux MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, On behalf of the BHS Myeloma Subgroup
With the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and anti-CD38 monoclonal anti-bodies, major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and outcome of multiple myeloma (MM). Different treatment combinations are now in use and other therapies are being developed. 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 2020;11(8):357-75)
Read moreBJH - volume 11, issue 8, december 2020
N. Meuleman MD, PhD, M. Vercruyssen MD, M. Cliquennois MD, J. Caers MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, G. Bries MD, PhD, C. Jacquy MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, M.C. Vekemans MD
Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare and serious disease due to the deposition of amyloid fibrils. In the past years, improvements have been made in the diagnosis, treatment and response criteria. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature on AL amyloidosis, we propose practical recommenddations that can be used by Belgian haematologists as a reference for daily practice. Management of other types of amyloidosis will not be covered by this review. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendations are based on previously published methods.1 We recommend participation in clinical trials to gain knowledge in this evolving field.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2020;11(8):343-56)
Read moreBJH - volume 11, issue 7, november 2020
M.C. Vekemans MD, C. Doyen MD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, A. Kentos MD, PhD, P. Mineur MD, L. Michaux MD, PhD, J. Caers MD, PhD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD, On behalf of the BHS Myeloma Subgroup
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 (MM). Different treatment combinations are now in use and other therapies are being developed. 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 2020;11(7):286-304)
Read moreBJH - volume 11, issue Abstract Book BHS, february 2020
M. Lejeune , E. Duray , C. Zhang , S. Dubois , Y. Beguin MD, PhD, W. Wels , J. Caers MD, PhD
BJH - volume 9, issue Multiple Myeloma Special Edition, december 2018
M. Vercruyssen MD, L. Vrancken , J. Caers MD, PhD
Multiple Myeloma (MM) and other plasma cell malignancies initially present as an asymptomatic precursor state, known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). When confronted to a monoclonal protein in blood or urine tests, physicians should first exclude the presence of a treatment-requiring MM. They should be aware that there are two benign precursor states, that do not require anti-myeloma treatment. Both MGUS and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) need an initial visit by a haematologist, with further follow-up tailored to the individual patient and disease characteristics. In the current article we describe both entities, discuss their monitoring and resume the latest publications in their field.
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