Expert Interviews

Each component of an antibody-drug conjugates—payload, linker, and antibody—play a unique role in building the treatment’s use and safety profile.

Panelists discuss the growing promise of GPRC5D-targeted therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, highlighting MonumenTAL-1 trial data showing encouraging responses in heavily pretreated patients and emphasizing the importance of managing unique keratin-related and neurologic toxicities linked to GPRC5D expression.

Panelists discuss the evolving role of bispecific antibodies in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, emphasizing their value as off-the-shelf options for patients post chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy or ineligible for it, and highlighting personalized treatment decisions based on prior therapies, antigen targets, infection risk, and emerging clinical evidence.

If patients with breast cancer have hyperglycemia or symptoms of it at home, a short break from capivasertib may be required, according to Hope Rugo, MD.

New therapies in breast cancer, particularly ADCs, present unique safety profiles for nurses to be aware of, according to Erika Hamilton, MD.

Panelists discuss how preparing multiple myeloma patients for treatment involves structured education, emotional support, and proactive symptom management—emphasizing clear communication about the four-drug regimen, logistics, and supportive care to empower patients and ensure safety throughout their treatment journey.

Panelists discuss how treatment decisions in multiple myeloma are guided by disease risk, patient health, and evolving clinical data—highlighting the shift toward a comprehensive, multiphase approach that begins with a 4-drug induction regimen and stem cell transplant, as supported by the PERSEUS trial’s promising long-term remission outcomes.

Getting to the root of patients’ issues can provide support for their cancer journey through accessible means, says Heather Jackson, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, FAA-NP.

Panelists discuss how comprehensive patient education about expected adverse effects, combined with prophylactic measures including dexamethasone premedication and dermatologic support, helps patients successfully tolerate amivantamab plus lazertinib therapy while maintaining treatment adherence.

For patients who have progressed on endocrine therapy, consistent monitoring of blood counts and biomarker testing informs treatment sequencing.

Panelists discuss the emotional and diagnostic journey of a multiple myeloma patient and his care partner, highlighting how incidental back pain led to an unexpected cancer diagnosis, the initial shock and fear that followed, and the pivotal role of expert care, accurate information, and community support in finding hope and navigating the disease.

Panelists highlight that being a care partner is one of the most challenging roles, requiring emotional resilience, coordination, and support, and emphasize the importance of viewing it as a true partnership that addresses both patient and caregiver well-being throughout the cancer journey.

CAR T-cell therapy is starting to enter treatment conversations sooner with patients with multiple myeloma, according to Nick Barkemeyer, PA-C, MMS.

Panelists discuss how both amivantamab plus lazertinib and osimertinib-based regimens show good central nervous system (CNS) activity for patients with baseline brain metastases, with treatment choice influenced more by patient-specific factors such as bleeding risk and anticoagulation contraindications than by CNS efficacy differences.

Panelists discuss how the MARIPOSA study findings demonstrated significant progression-free survival and overall survival benefits with amivantamab plus lazertinib vs osimertinib monotherapy, with mature overall survival data showing a 25% improvement in survival outcomes.

Planning for adverse effects early on helps patients prepare for what lies ahead, says Michelle Kirschner, MSN, RN, ACNP, APRN-BC.

Panelists discuss the multifaceted diagnostic process for multiple myeloma, emphasizing the integration of blood tests, genetic and imaging assessments, and patient education to guide personalized treatment planning and enhance patient engagement in care.

The program emphasizes the importance of incorporating patient and caregiver perspectives alongside clinical expertise to support personalized, empathetic care and shared decision-making in managing the diverse and complex challenges of multiple myeloma.

Panelists discuss how the treatment landscape for EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has evolved to include 3 viable frontline options (osimertinib alone, osimertinib plus chemotherapy, and amivantamab plus lazertinib), with treatment selection based on patient characteristics, preferences, and physician judgment rather than a strict algorithmic approach.

Panelists discuss how a 46-year-old graphic designer with stage IV EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastases was successfully treated with amivantamab plus lazertinib after weighing multiple frontline treatment options.

The BCI and patient goals help oncology nurses counsel patients on endocrine therapy use after 5 years, per Michelle Kirschner, MSN, RN, ACNP, APRN-BC.

According to Kimberly Podsada, BSN, RN, MSN, NP-C, CNS, the availability of 3 CDK4/6 inhibitors in first-line mBC therapy gives patients more choices.

Oncology nurses can help patients and families understand the expectations of pediatric brain cancer survival, says Kasey Rangan, MSN, CPNP-PC, CPHON.

In addition to a significant PFS benefit vs nab-paclitaxel alone, the combination provides an at-home option for patients with ovarian cancer.

Education before subcutaneous daratumumab administration can both reassure patients and reduce the occurrence of adverse events, according to Stephanie Mompoint, APRN.

By monitoring patients’ CBC and other symptoms, nurses and advanced practice providers can spot early indicators of parkinsonism risk, per Yi Lin, MD, PhD.

Panelists discuss strategies for medication adherence and patient education, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and support from the entire health care team.

Panelists discuss how real-world data from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium demonstrated that elacestrant's performance in actual clinical practice even exceeded the promising results from the clinical trial.