With multiple myeloma treatments advancing rapidly, ongoing education is key for advanced practitioners, and institutions should support this financially, according to Beth Faiman, PhD, MSN, APN-BC, AOCN, BMTCN, FAAN, FAPO, of Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute.
Speaking at the Patient-Centered Oncology Care® 2026 conference, Faiman discussed the rapid evolution of myeloma treatment. She noted that the last 10 years have brought an explosion of therapies, including anti-CD38 antibodies like daratumumab and isatuximab, as well as bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.
New evidence continues to arrive. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for multiple myeloma have already been updated to a 2027 version, even though it is still 2026.
Faiman also pointed to new FDA approvals in myeloma, including the recent approval of iberdomide, an oral therapy that targets cereblon, as well as new indications for existing drugs.
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Faiman emphasized the necessity of financial support and reimbursement for advanced practitioners to attend conferences, where they can acquire knowledge about novel therapies and establish professional relationships. As editor in chief of the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology (JADPRO), she highlighted the upcoming JADPRO Live conference as a prime opportunity for networking.
Major conferences allow APs who are less familiar with newer treatments like bispecific antibodies or CAR T-cell therapy to connect with peers at larger institutions who use them regularly. Online platforms offer another option for those who cannot travel. “Continuing education is critical,” Faiman said. “Hopefully, institutions will reimburse for education to attend these conferences, which will expand their knowledge and promote networking connections.”
Barriers to AP-led care remain at the state, institution, and practice levels, including a lingering paternalistic model in which some physicians are reluctant to adopt AP-led care. Still, Faiman sees progress.