Circulating Tumor Cells as a Biomarker in Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

In this segment, Dr. Sagar Lonial asks the panel to comment on emerging data presented at recent ASH meetings examining circulating tumor cells as a potential biomarker in smoldering multiple myeloma. Dr. Vincent Rajkumar discusses how circulating tumor cells detected in peripheral blood may reflect disease burden and biological activity, potentially providing additional insight beyond traditional bone marrow assessments. He notes that these measurements could help identify patients who are more likely to experience disease progression. Dr. Saad Usmani adds that the ability to evaluate circulating tumor cells through less invasive testing may offer advantages for longitudinal monitoring. Serial biomarker assessment could allow clinicians to observe changes in disease biology over time and better understand progression risk. At the same time, the panel emphasizes that while these data are promising, additional validation is needed before circulating tumor cell monitoring becomes a routine component of risk assessment in smoldering multiple myeloma.