Addressing Clinical Research Challenges in the Myeloma Space

In a recent video interview with Applied Clinical Trials, Michael Andreini, president and CEO of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), discussed challenges in multiple myeloma clinical trials, including inefficiency, lack of focus on critical patient questions, and underrepresentation of diverse patient populations. Andreini also highlighted the Horizon clinical trial and how MMRF is working to address unmet need in the myeloma research space.

ACT: What are currently the greatest challenges with multiple myeloma clinical trials?

Andreini: I think it's a great question, and I would say there are a few key challenges that we see. The first is that clinical trials take way too long and are far too inefficient. That's not necessarily unique to myeloma, but it's certainly true in the myeloma space. The second is that they're not always focused on answering the most important questions that patients have. The third is that they're not representative all the time of real-world myeloma patients, particularly when it comes to race and ethnicity. These problems are very significant problems for patients who still have a significant amount of clinical unmet need in this space, as we know, and sometimes rely on clinical trials to really get the best possible care for them given their stage of disease. This is really where we focus, as the MMRF, in our clinical research strategy to really help address these challenges and issues and answer the most important questions for patients so they can understand, ultimately, what is the right treatment approach for them given their stage of disease.