Understanding DARZALEX®
(daratumumab) intravenous infusion and
DARZALEX FASPRO®
(daratumumab + hyaluronidase-fihj)
subcutaneous injection
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The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is here to help you. The IMF is committed to providing information and support for patients with multiple myeloma (which we refer to simply as “myeloma”) and their care partners, friends, and family members.
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What you will learn from this booklet
Myeloma is a cancer that is not known to most patients at the time of diagnosis. If you have myeloma, it is important and helpful for you to learn about your disease, its treatment options, and supportive care measures in order to play an active role in your own medical care and to make good decisions about your care in partnership with your doctor.
If you are a patient with myeloma, we suggest that you read the IMF’s publication, Patient Handbook for Multiple Myeloma, which will help you to better understand this disease. In addition, this booklet will direct you to resources that may be relevant in your particular case. All IMF publications are free-of-charge and can be read, downloaded, or requested in printed format at publications.myeloma.org.
The IMF’s Understanding-series publications address specific drugs, drug classes, and combination therapies used to treat myeloma. These booklets also discuss supportive care measures that may help manage the symptoms and side effects of myeloma and its treatments. The IMF’s publication, Understanding Your Test Results, explains how myeloma is diagnosed, monitored, and assessed throughout the disease course.
Words in bold+blue type are explained in the IMF’s companion publication, Understanding Myeloma Vocabulary, a comprehensive glossary that also can be helpful in discussions with your doctor. Myeloma is complicated, but the language that describes it doesn’t have to be hard to understand.
If you are reading this booklet in electronic format, the light blue links will take you to the corresponding resources.
This booklet discusses Darzalex® (also known as daratumumab, its generic drug name) and its newer formulation, Darzalex Faspro® (daratumumab + hyaluronidase-fihj). Darzalex is the first monoclonal antibody approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that targets the CD38 protein on the surface of myeloma cells.
Darzalex and Darzalex Faspro
Antibodies, also called immunoglobulins (Ig), are a naturally-occurring part of the human immune system. Darzalex is a laboratory-made monoclonal antibody designed to function like a naturally occurring antibody and to target a specific single protein on the surface of myeloma cells. This is called “targeted therapy.” Darzalex enlists immune system cells to help attack and kill myeloma cells.
You may find it helpful to read the IMF’s publication, Understanding the Immune System in Myeloma, which will provide some background on the types and functions of immune system cells, how they work together to protect us, and the impact of myeloma on the immune system.
Darzalex is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Darzalex Faspro is a newer formulation of Darzalex that is administered as a subcutaneous (SQ) injection. The injection is given by a healthcare professional under the skin of your abdomen, and it takes only a few minutes. Darzalex Faspro has been determined to be equally effective when compared to the original formulation of Darzalex. You must first consult with your doctor if you’re thinking about switching from IV to SQ administration.
How Darzalex works
Darzalex induces myeloma cell death through direct and indirect mechanisms of action (MOA), a biochemical interaction or process through which Darzalex induces its effect in the body of a patient with myeloma. Darzalex targets CD38, a glycoprotein. “CD” in CD38 stands for “cluster of differentiation,” a system for identifying the various molecules that serve as binding sites, or antigens, to which antibodies bind on the surface of cells. CD38 is widely expressed on the surface of myeloma cells, but is only expressed at low levels on other cells in the bone marrow, making it easier for them to recover after therapy.
When Darzalex binds to CD38, it causes myeloma cell death in multiple ways:
¡ It kills myeloma cells directly.
¡ It recruits immune system cells called macrophages, which bind to the Darzalex-CD38 complex and then engulf and destroy myeloma cells.
¡ It attracts natural killer (NK) cells, which target and kill myeloma cells.
¡ It recruits complement proteins that boost the killing power of antibodies and punch holes in the targeted myeloma cells.
¡ It modulates the immune response by decreasing immune system suppression.
¡ It inhibits CD38 from functioning as an enzyme that regulates calcium flux in the cell. Blocking the transfer of calcium ions is toxic to cancer cells but spares normal cells.
FDA-approved treatment regimens
Regimens with Darzalex IV
¡ In newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), in combination with Velcade® (bortezomib) + thalidomide + dexamethasone [D-VTd].
¡ In newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for ASCT and in patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy, in combination with Revlimid® (lenalidomide) + dexamethasone [DRd].
¡ In newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for ASCT, in combination with Velcade + melphalan + prednisone [D-VMP].
¡ In patients who have received at least 1 prior therapy, in combination with Velcade + dexamethasone [DVd].
¡ In patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have received 1 to 3 prior lines of therapy, in combination with Kyprolis® (carfilzomib) + dexamethasone [DKd].
¡ In patients who have received at least 2 prior therapies including Revlimid + a proteasome inhibitor (Velcade, Kyprolis, or Ninlaro® [ixazomib]), in combination with Pomalyst® (pomalidomide) + dexamethasone [DPd].
¡ As monotherapy in patients who have received at least 3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor + an immunomodulatory agent (Pomalyst, Revlimid, or thalidomide), or who are double-refractory to a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent.
Regimens with Darzalex Faspro SQ
¡ In newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for ASCT, used for induction therapy and consolidation therapy in combination with VRd [DVRd].
¡ In newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for ASCT and in patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have received at least 1 prior therapy, in combination with Rd [DRd].
¡ In newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for ASCT, in combination with VMP [D-VMP].
¡ In newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for ASCT, in combination with VTd [D-VTd].
¡ In patients who have received at least 1 prior therapy, in combination with Vd [DVd].
¡ In patients who have received at least 1 prior line of therapy including Revlimid and a proteasome inhibitor, in combination with Pd [DPd].
¡ In patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have received 1 to 3 prior lines of therapy, in combination with Kd [DKd].
¡ As monotherapy in patients who have received at least 3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor + an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double-refractory to a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent.
Combination therapies
Darzalex IV and Darzalex Faspro SQ are usually used in combination with other drugs. To learn more about these drugs, read the following IMF publications:
¡ Understanding Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Myeloma
¡ Understanding KYPROLIS® (carfilzomib) injection
¡ Understanding POMALYST® (pomalidomide) capsules
¡ Understanding REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) capsules
¡ Understanding Thalidomide Therapy
¡ Understanding VELCADE® (bortezomib) injection
¡ Understanding the VRd Regimen for Newly Diagnosed Myeloma
Clinical trial experience with Darzalex
A clinical trial is a medical research study with people who volunteer to test scientific approaches to a new treatment or a new combination therapy. Each clinical trial is designed to find better ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, or treat cancer and to answer scientific questions.
VRd vs. DVRd
At the December 2019 annual meeting of American Society of Hematology (ASH), the GRIFFIN phase II clinical trial of VRd vs. DVRd introduced the notion of adding Darzalex to the VRd combination. It did so in induction therapy and for 2 Cycles of consolidation therapy after ASCT.
At the June 2022 annual meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the post hoc analysis of sustained minimal residual disease (MRD) from the GRIFFIN clinical trial demonstrated that the addition of Darzalex to VRd induction therapy and consolidation therapy, followed by Revlimid maintenance therapy, may lead to durable MRD-negativity in ASCTeligible patients with NDMM, high-risk cytogenetics, ISS stage III myeloma, and those who achieve complete response (CR) or stringent complete response (sCR).
At the December 2023 annual meeting of ASH, the primary results of the PERSEUS phase III clinical trial of DVRd in ASCT-eligible patients with
NDMM demonstrated that DVRd (with SQ injection of Darzalex Faspro) significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and increased depth of response (DpR) with consistent and clinically meaningful PFS benefit across clinically relevant subgroups. The safety profile was consistent with the known safety profiles for Darzalex Faspro and VRd. These data support the use of DVRd followed by maintenance therapy with Darzalex + Revlimid [D-R] as a new standard of care for ASCTeligible patients with NDMM when compared to VRd alone followed by maintenance with Revlimid.
Prior to the FDA approval, the DVRd combination was included by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in its guidelines for the management of myeloma.
Darzalex monotherapy vs. monitoring for HR SMM
At the December 2024 annual meeting of ASH, primary results were presented from the AQUILA phase III randomized clinical trial comparing Darzalex monotherapy vs. active monitoring in patients with high-risk (HR) smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). This ongoing study enrolled and randomized 390 patients with myeloma, 194 in the treatment arm and 196 in the observation arm, at 124 participating sites in 23 countries.
In the active monitoring arm of the study, patients had no disease-specific treatment and were monitored every 6 months for survival for up to 36 months until the end of study. In the Darzalex monotherapy arm of the study, patients received 1,800 mg of SQ Darzalex Faspro weekly during 28-day Cycles 1 and 2, once every 2 weeks during Cycles 3 through 6, and once every 4 weeks thereafter up to 39 cycles in 36 months.
Follow-up continued until disease progression to myeloma, which was based on the IMWG SLiM-CRAB criteria. At 24 months, 79.9% of patients in the Darzalex arm still had not progressed to myeloma, compared to only 63.3% of patients in the observation arm. At 5 years, 63.1% of patients in the Darzalex arm still had not progressed to myeloma, compared to only 40.8% of patients in the observation arm.
Treatment with Darzalex prolonged time until frontline therapy for myeloma, with 33.2% of patients in the Darzalex arm initiating frontline therapy vs. 53.6% of patients in the observation arm. Darzalex monotherapy improved PFS on frontline therapy vs. active monitoring, and did not appear to impair later treatment with Darzalex.
Early intervention with Darzalex monotherapy extended overall survival (OS) and reduced the risk of progression to myeloma or death by 51% when compared to active monitoring. At 5 years, 93% of patients in the
Darzalex arm were still alive vs. 86.9% of patients in the observation arm, so the survival benefit continued beyond 36 months of the study. No new safety concerns were identified.
Finding a clinical trial to match your needs
The IMF has partnered with SparkCures to help myeloma patients discover and explore clinical trials across the U.S. that best match their needs. To identify a clinical trial personalized to your preferences, visit myeloma.org/sparkcures or contact the IMF InfoLine. For information about all clinical trials with Darzalex in various myeloma disease settings and drug combinations, you can also visit clinicaltrials.gov.
Dose and schedule of IV and SQ regimens
Regimens with Darzalex Faspro SQ
Darzalex Faspro SQ can be given on the same schedule as Darzalex IV, but it is administered as an abdominal injection that takes only a few minutes. The risk of infusion-related reaction (IRR) is much lower with Darzalex Faspro SQ than with Darzalex IV, but patients are still monitored for a few hours after the first one or two doses.
¡ The recommended dosage of Darzalex Faspro is 1,800 mg Darzalex + 30,000 units hyaluronidase per 15 mL (120 mg and 2,000 units/mL) solution in a single-dose vial.
¡ Patients are pre-medicated with a corticosteroid, acetaminophen, and a histamine-1 receptor antagonist. Post-injection medications may also be recommended.
Regimens with Darzalex IV
The first dose of Darzalex is usually given over a period of up to 8 hours. Especially with the first dose, the slower the rate of infusion, the less likely it is that a severe administration-related reaction (ARR) will occur. If the first dose is well tolerated, subsequent doses may be given more rapidly at your doctor’s discretion. Medications can be given before and after each Darzalex infusion to help prevent a reaction.
Splitting the first infusion of Darzalex over two consecutive days, also called a “split-dosing regimen,” is approved in both the United States and Europe. The concentration of Darzalex in the body was found to be comparable regardless of whether the first dose was administered as a single infusion or a split-dosing infusion. Please note that split-dosing cannot be done with the SQ injection of Darzalex Faspro.
¡ The dose of Darzalex, whether alone or as part of DRd or DPd regimens, is 16 mg/kg of body weight. It is given weekly for weeks 1–8; every 2 weeks for weeks 9–24; and every 4 weeks for weeks 25 and thereafter until disease progression.
¡ As part of the DVd regimen, Darzalex is given at the standard dose, but is given weekly for weeks 1–9; every 3 weeks for weeks 10–24; and every 4 weeks for weeks 25 and thereafter until disease progression.
¡ As part of the twice-weekly DKd regimen, Darzalex is given at a dose of 16 mg/kg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, of Cycles 1 and 2; every two weeks during Cycles 3–6; and every 4 weeks during Cycle 7 and thereafter. The initial dose of Darzalex can be split into two doses of 8 mg/kg each, given on two consecutive days.
¡ As part of the once-weekly DKd regimen, Darzalex is given at a dose of 8 mg/kg on days 1 and 2 of Cycle 1 and, if tolerated, at 16 mg/kg on days 8, 15, and 22. On days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of Cycle 2, Darzalex is given at a dose of 16 mg/kg. On days 1 and 15 of Cycles 3–6, Darzalex is given at a dose of 16 mg/kg. On Day 1 of Cycle 7 and thereafter, Darzalex is given at a dose of 16 mg/kg.
Warnings and precautions with Darzalex
Interference with blood tests
Darzalex binds to the CD38 cell surface antigen on red blood cells and interferes with blood compatibility testing, including antibody screening and cross-matching done prior to blood transfusions. Your doctor should type and screen your blood before you start treatment with Darzalex in case you need a blood transfusion subsequently.
Darzalex has been known to interfere with the results of serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) tests used to monitor myeloma. This led to false positive test results for patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein, leading to inaccuracies in detecting complete response and disease progression. In January 2018, the FDA approved a new assay for evaluating monoclonal protein in serum by IFE for myeloma patients treated with Darzalex.
Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation
Darzalex can cause the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to become active again. In clinical trials with Darzalex, HBV reactivation has been reported in less than 1% of patients, but there were fatal cases. HBV reactivation can occur at any treatment phase, so regular monitoring is required on a long-term basis. Ask your doctor if prevention strategies are recommended for you.
Risk of herpes zoster infection
Herpes zoster (“shingles”) is caused by the reactivation of the varicellazoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes varicella (“chickenpox”). Before
starting treatment with Darzalex, ask your doctor about preventive antiviral medication. A small percentage of patients in clinical trials with Darzalex developed reactivation of VZV, which frequently affects nerves. Therefore, all patients should receive preventive treatment with an antiviral medication within 1 week after starting Darzalex, and should continue taking an antiviral medication for 3 months following treatment with Darzalex.
Pregnancy
Females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment with Darzalex and for 3 months after stopping Darzalex treatment.
Special precautions with Darzalex Faspro
Hypersensitivity
An undesirable hypersensitivity reaction is sometimes produced by the immune system in response to a medication. A hypersensitivity reaction may be uncomfortable, damaging, or fatal. Your doctor will permanently discontinue Darzalex Faspro for life-threatening reactions.
Neutropenia and lymphopenia
Neutropenia is a reduced level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell necessary to combat bacterial infection. Lymphopenia (also called lymphocytopenia) is low levels of B cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Your doctor will monitor your complete blood count (CBC) during treatment, and monitor you for signs of infection.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a low number of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood. The “normal” level varies from laboratory to laboratory. For example, at Mayo Clinic the “normal” level is ≥ 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. If the platelet count is less than 50,000, bleeding problems may occur. Major bleeding is usually associated with a reduction in count to less than 10,000 platelets. Due to the possibility of thrombocytopenia related to Darzalex Faspro, your doctor will monitor your blood cell counts during treatment.
Embryo-fetal toxicity
Exposure of an embryo or a fetus to Darzalex Faspro can cause harm. Females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential should ask the treating doctor if the use of effective contraception is necessary before treatment with Darzalex begins, during treatment, and/or after the last dose of treatment is administered.
Interference with cross-matching and red blood cell antibody screening
Your doctor will screen you prior to starting treatment with Darzalex Faspro. Blood banks should be informed that you have received Darzalex Faspro.
Possible side effects of Darzalex
A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected effect caused by a drug. In the Darzalex registration trials evaluated by the FDA before approval, side effects that occurred in 20% or more of the patients were: IRR, fatigue, nausea, back pain, fever, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection. In addition, Darzalex may cause blood cell counts to drop, with significant numbers of patients experiencing anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and lymphopenia.
Blood counts are carefully monitored during treatment with Darzalex. If they are too low, your doctor will either hold your dose of Darzalex until your counts improve or will provide you with supportive care in the form of transfusions or medications that stimulate the formation of new blood cells.
Infusion-related reaction (IRR) for the IV formulation
Monoclonal antibodies may cause IRR by the release of cytokines, sometimes called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Reactions are often flu-like, and include nasal congestion, fever, chills, cough, throat irritation, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, nausea, and rash. IRR occurred in 46% of patients in the registration trials for Darzalex. IRR was mostly mild to moderate, and mostly during or within 4 hours after the first infusion. IRR occurred in 5% of patients during or after the second infusion, and in 4% with subsequent infusions. IRR severe enough to require hospitalization occurred in 3% of patients. There were no life-threatening infusion reactions.
Prevention and treatment of IRR
To minimize the risk of IRR, medications are given both before and after IV infusions of Darzalex.
In 2018, a multicenter, open-label, early access treatment protocol (EAP) clinical trial evaluated the use of montelukast as a pre-medication for Darzalex therapy. In patients who received montelukast 10 mg as premedication, the IRR rate was lower during the first Darzalex infusion and the median duration for that first infusion was shorter. In 2022, a retrospective study evaluating the use of montelukast as a pre-medication for Darzalex determined that the IRR incidence was lower in patients receiving montelukast compared to those who did not receive montelukast.
Approximately 1 hour before every infusion of Darzalex, all patients receive an oral medication to reduce/prevent fever, an oral or IV antihistamine
and dexamethasone. If dexamethasone is part of the treatment regimen, it may serve as pre-medication on Darzalex infusion days.
Post-infusion medication reduces the risk of delayed IRR. If dexamethasone or another corticosteroid is administered on the day of and the day after each Darzalex infusion, additional corticosteroids may not be needed.
If a reaction of any kind occurs during the administration of Darzalex, the infusion will be stopped.
Fatigue
39% of the patients in the registration trials for Darzalex experienced fatigue, all but 2% of which was mild to moderate and did not limit the patients’ ability to care for themselves. Caution is advised if you are operating machinery, including automobiles. For more detailed information, please see the IMF publication Understanding Fatigue in Myeloma.
Prevention and treatment of fatigue
The effects of fatigue may be minimized by maintaining:
¡ A moderate level of activity.
¡ A healthy diet and proper fluid intake.
¡ A consistent sleeping schedule with enough rest.
¡ Regularly scheduled visits with your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss issues that may contribute to your fatigue.
¡ A careful review of the side effects of any other supplements and medications you are taking to ensure that they are not contributing to your fatigue.
Nausea
Approximately 25% of the patients in the registration trials had mild to moderate nausea. There were no cases of severe nausea.
Prevention and treatment of nausea
Pre- and post-infusion medications help to reduce the occurrence and severity of nausea. Your doctor may order an anti-nausea drug prior to your Darzalex infusion.
Back pain
Treatment-related (rather than myeloma-related) back pain can occur as a result of inflammatory cytokines released in reaction to the monoclonal antibody. Back pain may also occur because a patient receiving Darzalex has low levels of white blood cells (WBC) and develops an infection along with body aches and pains. Of the 25% of patients who experienced back
pain in the Darzalex registration trials, only 2% experienced back pain that was severe enough to limit their ability to care for themselves.
Prevention and treatment of back pain
Pre- and post-infusion medications can reduce or prevent infusion-related back pain. Consult your doctor, who will determine if you require medication.
Fever
An oral temperature greater than 100.4°F (38°C) needs to be further evaluated immediately. Fever can be a sign of the interaction of the monoclonal antibody with the immune system.
Prevention and treatment of fever
You can minimize the effects of fever in the following ways:
¡ Check your temperature twice a day if you feel warm.
¡ Notify your doctor immediately if you have a fever greater than 100.4°F (38°C).
¡ If your doctor’s office is closed and you are not able to reach your healthcare team, go to an emergency room (ER) or urgent care facility.
¡ Take medications to control the fever as directed by your doctor.
¡ To avoid dehydration, drink a lot of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated liquids.
Your doctor may also do the following:
¡ Recommend medication to treat fever related to flu-like symptoms. Do not take any medication without first consulting a doctor familiar with your medical history.
¡ Prescribe antibiotics if you have a fever as a result of an infection. You may also be given a colony-stimulating factor (CSF) to stimulate the development and growth of white blood cells.
Cough
Cough can be best managed proactively with pre- and post-infusion medications. In general, maintaining good hydration, drinking hot liquids, taking lozenges, avoiding irritants in the air, and breathing warm steam from a shower or humidifier will help relieve your symptoms.
Prevention and treatment of cough
Cough can be best managed proactively with pre- and post-infusion medications. If you develop a cough as a result of an upper respiratory infection, your doctor will recommend medications, if appropriate, to treat the infection.
Upper respiratory tract infection
In the registration trials for Darzalex, 20% of the patients experienced an upper respiratory tract infection; all but 1% were mild to moderate. Upper respiratory tract infections can be a bacterial or viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses, or larynx.
Prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection
Report your symptoms to your doctor immediately. If your infection is serious and your white blood cell count is low, the doctor may hold your Darzalex infusion until you recover or support you with medications to stimulate the production of new white blood cells.
Possible side effects of Darzalex Faspro
The most common hematological abnormalities in laboratory tests (≥ 40%) with Darzalex Faspro are:
¡ decreased leukocytes,
¡ decreased lymphocytes,
¡ decreased neutrophils,
¡ decreased platelets, and
¡ decreased hemoglobin.
The most common side effects (≥ 20%) with Darzalex Faspro are:
¡ With monotherapy: Upper respiratory tract infection.
¡ With combination therapy: Fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, fever, cough, muscle spasms, back pain, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral neuropathy (PN), constipation, and lung infection (pneumonia).
Darzalex assistance program
If you are prescribed Darzalex or Darzalex Faspro, you can sign up for the “DARZALEX withMe” program. Visit darzalex.com or call 1.833.565.9631
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (ET) for help with personalized appointment reminders, access to nurse educators, and referrals to organizations that may provide assistance relevant to the patient’s needs.
In closing
This booklet is not meant to replace the advice of your doctors and nurses who are best able to answer questions about your specific healthcare management plan. The IMF intends only to provide you with information that will guide you in discussions with your healthcare team.
To help ensure a good quality of life through effective treatment of your myeloma, you must play an active role in your own medical care. We encourage you to visit myeloma.org for more information and to join the Myeloma Knowledge Platform at myprofile.myeloma.org.
To receive the most up-to-date information about myeloma in a caring and compassionate manner, call the IMF InfoLine at 1.818.487.7455, email InfoLine@myeloma.org, or schedule a time to talk with an IMF InfoLine Coordinator at mmsm.link/infoline.
To get answers to your questions without having to wait, ask Myelo® anytime 24/7 at myeloma.org. This generative AI assistant is designed to help you find the right resources.
Use the hyperlinks and web addresses included in this publication for quick access to resources from the IMF. Sign up at subscribe.myeloma.org for our quarterly journal Myeloma Today and weekly e-newsletter Myeloma Minute, as well as alerts about IMF news, events, and actions.
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the global leader in myeloma. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure. Since 1990, the IMF has been serving the myeloma community through the following four pillars:
RESEARCH At the IMF, finding a cure for myeloma is our top priority. The IMF Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of leading myeloma experts identifies key opportunities to drive research forward. The IMF Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI®) is pushing the boundaries with early screening for a precursor condition of myeloma as well as cure-focused myeloma clinical trials. The IMF International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) provides trusted guidelines for diagnosing, treating, and managing myeloma. We also fund innovative research through the IMF Brian D. Novis Research Grants.
EDUCATION Myeloma is a complex and unique journey for each patient. The IMF offers hundreds of videos and free publications in multiple languages to inform and empower patients and care partners to navigate their myeloma journey. All IMF seminars, webinars, and workshops are free-of-charge and designed to directly connect the patient community with expert myeloma clinicians. The IMF Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) provides recommendations for the management of myeloma. The IMF M-Power Project works to break down barriers and ensure health equity in underserved populations.
SUPPORT Studies show that social support can greatly improve the quality of life of people with cancer. The IMF offers more than 160 myeloma support groups across North America, including specialized groups for Spanish-speakers, people with smoldering myeloma, care partners of patients with myeloma, and patients who do not have care partners. The IMF InfoLine answers myeloma-related questions. Myelo®, the IMF’s generative AI assistant, is available 24/7 to help you find the right resources.
ADVOCACY In the U.S., the IMF Advocacy team represents your interests at the federal and state levels. Internationally, the IMF Global Myeloma Action Network (GMAN) works to improve patient access to treatments.
