Precision Decisions in NDMM: A Live Virtual Rounds Preview
Expert Perspectives · Keira Smith · 2026-06-22
On July 8 and July 28, i3 Health is hosting a Live Virtual Rounds on newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Expert faculty—Dr. Rahul Banerjee, Dr. Ashley Chen, and Dr. Beth Faiman—will share expert perspectives on frontline treatment selection, MRD-guided decision making, pharmaceutical considerations, and nursing management. In this preview, Ashley Chen, PharmD, BCOP, a Clinical Pharmacist in Malignant Hematology Oncology at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, offers a practical look at what clinicians can expect from the upcoming sessions, including why treatment selection has grown more complex, how to personalize care for individual patients, and what the audience can look forward to learning during the Live Virtual Rounds.
Register Here!
July 8 at 6:00 pm Eastern
The Pharmacist’s Role in Multiple Myeloma Care
Pharmacists are integral members of the myeloma care team and influence decisions from diagnosis through maintenance. Dr. Chen explains, "Pharmacists play a critical role throughout the entire multiple myeloma treatment journey, from treatment selection and supportive care to toxicity management—such as antiviral prophylaxis, thromboembolism prophylaxis, and bone health management—and adherence monitoring." She adds that pharmacists also "help ensure that treatment plans are safe, effective, and individualized for each patient," by reviewing labs, coordinating dose modifications, and managing drug interactions alongside supportive care.
Why Treatment Selection Is More Nuanced Today
Advances in frontline therapy have improved outcomes but increased the complexity of clinical decision making. Dr. Chen notes, "the good news is that outcomes for patients with NDMM continues to improve, because we have more highly effective treatment options than ever before." With the rise of quadruplet regimens, anti‑CD38 monoclonal antibodies, and shifting transplant strategies, she underscores that "treatment selection now requires careful considerations of disease-related factors and patient-specific factors, including age, comorbidities, treatment goals, and logistical considerations." Ultimately, the challenge for the modern care team is no longer simply finding an effective regimen but choosing the right one for each unique individual.
Managing Medication-Related Challenges During Induction
Induction often brings the heaviest medication burden and the most practical problems for the clinical team to solve. Dr. Chen warns that "one of the biggest challenges during induction therapy is managing the cumulative burden of treatment." She observes, "Patients are often starting multiple anticancer therapies alongside several supportive care medications, which can be overwhelming for patients," leading to issues like steroid-related effects, peripheral neuropathy, and insurance barriers. Her recommended approach is to be proactive through early education and close communication to identify these issues before they become treatment-limiting.
The Case for Individualized Dosing
Tailoring doses is essential to keep patients on effective treatment while maintaining an acceptable quality of life. Dr. Chen emphasizes that "individualized dosing is one of the most important aspects of myeloma care, because patients can vary tremendously in their ability to tolerate treatment." Since trial populations often differ from real-world patients who may be older or frailer, she recommends pragmatic adjustments and reminds clinicians that "our goal is not necessarily to deliver highest possible doses, but rather the most effective and sustainable dose for those individual patients."
Live Virtual Rounds Preview
Attendees can expect highly practical, case-based guidance that translates clinical trial data into actionable decisions for real-world patients. Dr. Chen says, "I'm particularly excited to discuss practical approaches to treatment individualization in the real-world setting," including strategies for adjusting steroids, managing emerging toxicities during induction, and tailoring treatment for frail patients. These insights are designed to help clinicians immediately optimize both efficacy and tolerability in their daily practice.
Key Takeaways
Clinical pharmacists provide essential support across the entire treatment journey by managing toxicities, reviewing labs, and ensuring medication adherence.
The expansion of highly effective treatment options requires clinicians to move beyond simple regimen selection toward a more nuanced, individualized approach based on patient-specific factors.
Proactive team communication and early patient education are vital for managing the high cumulative medication burden and physical side effects seen during induction therapy.
Modifying treatment doses to fit the specific needs of older or frail patients is a critical strategy for ensuring therapy remains both sustainable and effective over the long term.
The upcoming Live Virtual Rounds will focus on applying clinical trial data to real-world scenarios to help practitioners improve patient outcomes and treatment tolerability. Register to reserve your spot for July 8 or July 28!
About the Speaker
Ashley Chen, PharmD, BCOP, is a Clinical Pharmacist in Malignant Hematology/Oncology at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington. She is passionate about medication therapy management and safe medication use practice for patients in oncology. Dr. Chen is involved in clinical research, development of clinical practice guidelines, continuous quality improvement projects, and mentoring and precepting pharmacy students.