A retrospective observational cohort study using electronic health records from the US Oncology Network and affiliated practices found a substantial increase in the adoption of bispecific antibodies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in community settings, Ira Zackon, MD, senior medical director at Ontada, reported at the American Society of Hematology 2025 meeting.
The study reviewed community-based oncology records for patients treated between October 2022 and July 2025. Investigators identified 751 patients; 405 received a bispecific antibody during the study period, and 346 met the FDA indication of having at least five prior lines of therapy. The analysis aimed to assess real-world uptake of bispecifics in community oncology practices.
Use of bispecific antibodies rose steadily year over year among potentially eligible patients: 5% in 2022, 39% in 2023, 61% in 2024, and 73% in 2025 based on midyear data. The authors described the trend as rapid and encouraging for expanding access outside academic and hospital-based centers.
Real-world patients in the cohort were generally older than those typically enrolled in clinical trials. Those treated with bispecifics were slightly younger on average (72 years versus 74 years) and more likely to have better performance status: about 20% of bispecific-treated patients had an ECOG score of 2 or greater versus 30% among those not treated with bispecifics. The study also noted practical barriers to outpatient bispecific therapy, including the need for caregiver support and reliable transportation, which may influence patient selection.
The findings highlight rising community adoption of bispecific antibodies for multiple myeloma and point to the importance of addressing logistic and social determinants to broaden access to these therapies.
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