The 2026 Multiple Myeloma Landscape with Robert Orlowski, MD, PhD, MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Apple Podcasts
YoutubeIn this episode of the HealthTree Podcast, host Jenny Ahlstrom welcomes Dr. Robert Orlowski from MD Anderson Cancer Center to review groundbreaking developments from the ASH (American Society of Hematology) 2025 meeting and what to look forward to in 2026.
The conversation includes a discussion of smoldering myeloma and the use of teclistamab and daratumumab in the high-risk smoldering setting. Dr. Orlowski shares the 2/20/20 risk criteria, the addition of genetic testing into risk stratification and the impact of plant-based diets and exercise to slow progression.
Dr. Orlowski shares approaches for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma therapy with the standard being quad-based therapy that includes a CD38 monoclonal antibody. Studies are now using CAR T and bispecific antibody therapy into the newly diagnosed setting.
For relapsed or refractory myeloma patients, celmods are in development with iberdomide and mezigdomide helping to restore T cell function. CAR Ts continue to evolve with an upcoming anticipated approval of anito-cel, faster CAR T technology and in vivo CAR Ts, allowing the cells to grow up inside of the patient instead of being sent out for manufacturing. Bispecific antibodies continue to expand with studies including elranatamab and linvoseltamab and a bispecific with a new target called cevostamab. Additionally, a trispecific antibody called ramantamig is in development.
MRD testing is being used more regularly to determine when patients can stop maintenance therapy and bespoke (or personalized) therapy is becoming more advanced for high-risk features. The show concludes with a view towards a cure in myeloma and answers to caller questions.
Jenny Ahlstrom
Myeloma survivor, patient advocate, wife, mom of 6. Believer that patients can help accelerate a cure by weighing in and participating in clinical research. Founder of the HealthTree Foundation.
Robert Orlowski, MD, PhD
Robert Z. Orlowski, M.D., Ph.D., is Director of Myeloma, and Professor of Medicine in the Departments of Lymphoma/Myeloma and Experimental Therapeutics, where he is board-certified in medical oncology. Dr. Orlowski earned his doctoral degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University and his medical degree from the Yale University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Barnes Hospital at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. After his fellowships in Hematology and Medical Oncology at John Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, he joined the faculty at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Following that, Dr. Orlowski accepted a position at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2007 to lead the Myeloma Section in the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma. His research interests include pathobiology of, novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms of drug resistance in myeloma which are documented in hundreds of scientific articles, book chapters, and presentations at conferences. Dr. Orlowski is an investigator on numerous clinical trials, and appointed Myeloma Committee Chair for SWOG.
