Additional Advances in Stem Cell Mobilization Research and Clinical Trials in Multiple Myeloma With Hamza Hashmi, MD
Expert Perspectives · Keira Smith · 2025-03-12
March marks Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight advances in the treatment of this complex blood cancer. Multiple myeloma is the leading indication of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in hematologic malignancies, with high-dose therapy followed by ASCT representing a potentially curative treatment modality for eligible patients. Dr. Hamza Hashmi, Assistant Attending in the Myeloma & Cell Therapy Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, is currently serving as chair of i3 Health CME/NCPD activity, Cracking the Code to Successful Stem Cell Mobilization in Multiple Myeloma. In this interview, Dr. Hashmi shares additional insights into the evolving role of transplantation in this disease and the importance of education and advocacy during Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month.
This interview is also available as a podcast. Listen here!
Click the link below for the full activity!
Online Accredited CME/NCPD Activity
Current Research and Trials in Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma remains the second most common blood cancer in the United States, with approximately 35,000 new diagnoses annually. Despite the advent of novel immunotherapies such as bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, high-dose chemotherapy followed by ASCT continues to be a mainstay of treatment.
“The role of high-dose chemotherapy and ASCT for myeloma is here to stay,” Dr. Hashmi stated. “We have seen trials, both in Europe and the US, evaluating upfront versus delayed transplants in newly diagnosed myeloma, and both have shown improvements in progression-free survival.”
The CME/NCPD activity focused on the evolution of stem cell mobilization strategies, comparing growth factor-based mobilization, growth factor plus chemomobilization, and alternative methods. Understanding these techniques is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and ensuring successful stem cell collection.
Optimizing ASCT Outcomes
Ensuring successful transplant begins with recognizing patients at risk for poor mobilization. Factors such as extended induction therapy, CD38-targeted antibodies, prior radiation therapy, and the number of chemotherapy cycles influence stem cell yield.
“It’s important to identify patients at risk for poor mobilization early on,” Dr. Hashmi explained. “Proactively using mobilization agents like plerixafor can improve the success rate of stem cell collection, especially in patients who have received prolonged induction therapy.”
For those who experience mobilization failure, Dr. Hashmi highlighted the importance of salvage strategies, including chemo-mobilization, to ensure adequate stem cell collection for transplantation.
Why Healthcare Providers Must Stay Updated
With myeloma diagnoses on the rise, staying informed about stem cell mobilization and transplantation strategies is crucial for healthcare providers.
“Transplant has made a significant impact on outcomes in multiple myeloma,” Dr. Hashmi emphasized. “Understanding the nuances of mobilization, including when to use additional agents or alternative collection techniques, can significantly affect patient outcomes.”
Another emerging consideration is the use of stem cell boosts in patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy, which can help mitigate prolonged cytopenias post-treatment. These advances underscore the need for continuous education in the field.
Raising Awareness During Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
March serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and education on multiple myeloma, particularly regarding the accessibility and benefits of transplantation.
“Many patients never get referred for transplant due to lack of awareness or misconceptions about the procedure,” Dr. Hashmi noted. “Transplant has become a much more tolerable treatment, with a mortality rate under 1% at major centers, making it a viable option for many patients.”
Encouraging patient education and consultations about ASCT can help ensure that all eligible patients receive the best possible care.
Key Takeaways
- Stem Cell Mobilization is Critical: Early identification of at-risk patients and the use of mobilization agents can improve stem cell collection efficiency
- Transplant Remains a Cornerstone of Myeloma Treatment: Despite emerging therapies, ASCT continues to play a vital role in prolonging remission
- Staying Updated Benefits Patient Care: Awareness of new mobilization strategies and CAR T-cell–related complications helps optimize outcomes
- Education and Advocacy Matter: During Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, healthcare providers should advocate for improved patient access to transplantation
About Dr. Hashmi
Hamza Hashmi, MD, is an Assistant Attending in Myeloma & Cell Therapy Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He specializes in the treatment of multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders, with expertise in bone marrow transplant and CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Hashmi’s research focuses on clinical trials investigating novel chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments for multiple myeloma, as well as understanding the interplay of cancer and immunotherapy to overcome treatment resistance.