In Case You Missed It: What’s New in Smoldering Myeloma?

Every year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, along with patients, caregivers, family members, advocates, and healthcare professionals, HealthTree Foundation raises awareness about blood cancers and precursor conditions, including smoldering myeloma. 

Throughout the year, HealthTree News posts summaries of the latest smoldering myeloma research. With the fast pace of cancer research, you may have missed some updates, such as new treatments and improvements in supportive care. Learn more about what HealthTree News has shared about smoldering myeloma research this year.

Understanding Precursor Conditions to Multiple Myeloma

In an article written by Valarie Traynham in collaboration with Black Health Matters, she explains what other patients with precursor conditions need to understand. 

Precursor conditions like MGUS and smoldering myeloma are early stages of myeloma that often have no symptoms but require close monitoring. These conditions are more common with age, and Black Americans face a two to three times higher risk. Diagnosis usually involves blood, urine, and imaging tests, with treatment generally not needed unless progression occurs. For those with high-risk smoldering myeloma, early treatment or clinical trial participation may be considered. The key message: a diagnosis doesn’t always mean cancer will develop, but staying proactive with regular checkups, lifestyle choices, and access to resources—especially for high-risk groups—can make all the difference.

FDA Advisory Panel Supports Daratumumab for High-Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

An advisory panel with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted 6 to 2 in favor of approving daratumumab (Darzalex Faspro) as the first-ever treatment for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma, a condition that until now has only been monitored through “watch and wait.” 

Results from the phase 3 AQUILA study show that daratumumab delayed progression to active myeloma by more than two years compared to monitoring alone, with 63% of patients still progression-free at five years. While questions remain about evolving risk models and long-term benefits, experts emphasize that early treatment could ease patient anxiety and change the standard of care. If the FDA follows through, this decision could redefine what it means to live with smoldering myeloma. Read more details from our CEO and founder, Jenny Ahlstrom, here.

Can Diet Slow the Progression of MGUS or Smoldering Myeloma? 

Early results from Dr. Urvi Shah’s NUTRIVENTION trial suggest that a high-fiber, plant-based diet may benefit people with MGUS or smoldering myeloma by supporting weight loss, improving metabolism, reducing inflammation, and boosting gut health. Some participants even saw disease progression stabilize, and similar benefits were observed in animal studies. While larger studies are needed, these findings point to diet as a promising way to help slow myeloma progression. Read more details and watch Dr. Shah’s interview here. 

If you are interested in Dr. Shah’s research and how it helps smoldering myeloma patients you can learn more from this podcast episode, where she talks about the NUTRIVENTION-2 study, she is currently working on in collaboration with HealthTree. 

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You can be a part of smoldering myeloma research and contribute to finding new ways to prevent its progression to multiple myeloma. Participate in HealthTree Research or get involved to help more research projects develop. 

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