Dear Colleagues,

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the uncontrollable proliferation of plasma cells and the excessive production of a specific type of immunoglobulin. The immune system is deregulated in MM and, thus, targeted treatments which aim to restore immune function are a promising therapeutic strategy. The first approach is to use monoclonal antibodies that recognize specific antigens on the surface of myeloma cells, such as CD38 and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). Upon binding to their target, monoclonal antibodies activate the immune cells to destroy the malignant cell. Anti-CD38, anti-SLAMF7 and anti-BCMA molecules, as components of highly effective combination regimens, have been approved in both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients and have significantly changed the myeloma treatment landscape in recent years. Another strategy is to use antibodies that bind to both a molecule on the surface of the myeloma cell and another molecule on the surface of a T-cell (bispecific antibodies). Consequently, the T-cell comes close to and recognizes the myeloma cell. These techniques have shown promising results in heavily pre-treated patients.

Antibody therapy has significantly enhanced the armamentarium against MM. However, the integration of novel targeted therapies into the treatment of MM remains challenging, especially when no direct comparisons in phase 3 trials have been conducted. Further research should focus on tailoring the combination regimens based on disease and patient characteristics in order to optimize the efficacy and safety. Another aspect is the role of minimal residual disease (MRD), which aims to guide therapeutic decisions with novel targeted agents. Lastly, the cost-effectiveness of novel agents has to be taken into consideration, and the best means of determining the optimal clinical benefit according to the anticipated cost of treatment remains elusive.

This Special Issue will address the most recent and relevant scientific findings regarding the evolving concepts and challenges in novel targeted therapies in the treatment of MM.

Dr. Ioannis Ntanasis-Stathopoulos
Prof. Dr. Evangelos Terpos
Guest Editors

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• multiple myeloma
• targeted therapy
• monoclonal antibodies
• immunotherapy
• new drugs
• drug combinations
• bispecific antibodies
• chimeric antigen receptor T-cells
• minimal residual disease
• pharmacoeconomics