Top Blood Cancer Stories from October: Key Updates for Patients

October brought a range of developments in the management of blood cancers, from early-stage multiple myeloma to new cellular therapies and novel drug designations. Understanding these advancements can help patients engage more effectively with their oncology teams and make informed decisions about their care. Below is a roundup of the most impactful articles from the month.

Understanding Your Stage 1 Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options

Early-stage multiple myeloma, classified as stage 1 under the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), represents the least aggressive form of this plasma cell cancer. Characterized by low beta-2 microglobulin, high albumin levels, and the absence of organ damage, stage 1 disease may initially be managed with active surveillance rather than immediate therapy.

Blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies are essential to confirm the diagnosis and monitor disease progression. If treatment becomes necessary, induction therapy often involves a combination of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), steroids, and monoclonal antibodies. In select patients, autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) followed by maintenance therapy may be recommended to deepen response and prolong remission.

“Before this diagnosis, I had never heard of multiple myeloma. Nobody around me had ever heard of multiple myeloma, and that's why I think it's super important that we have organizations and initiatives to bring forth information about myeloma and to bring awareness to it," Tamara Mobley, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 33, said in an interview with CURE.

Maintaining quality of life is emphasized through emotional support, bone health management, and lifestyle interventions. Early education and open communication with oncology teams allow patients to make informed decisions about when to start therapy and how to manage treatment-related side effects.

Understanding Stem Cell Transplant in Blood Cancer

Despite the rise of novel therapies, stem cell transplant remains a cornerstone for certain hematologic cancers. Dr. Matthew Matasar, chief of the Division of Blood Disorders at Rutgers Cancer Institute, highlights that the breadth of donor options has dramatically increased over the past 30 years. Modern transplants can utilize matched siblings, unrelated donors, partial family matches, and even umbilical cord blood, expanding access for patients who need this therapy.

“It used to be that we had trouble finding donors for many patients, and now it is more often the case that we have a wide range of potential sources of stem cells for a donor, for a recipient in need of a transplant,” Matasar said in an interview with CURE. “The challenge for clinical teams is not finding a donor, but in choosing the best of a range of options.”

He went on to emphasize early referral to academic cancer centers, which allows timely access to advanced therapies and specialized transplant programs.

Anemia and Quality of Life Management in Myelofibrosis

Anemia is a common and clinically significant complication of myelofibrosis, affecting both survival and quality of life. Dr. Francesca Palandri, associate professor of hematology at the University of Bologna, explains that approximately 40% of patients have hemoglobin levels below 10 g/dL at diagnosis, and this rises to 60% within a year. Transfusion dependence further decreases quality of life and increases healthcare costs.

Targeted therapies such as Ojjaara (momelotinib) show promise in simultaneously improving anemia, controlling symptoms, and reducing splenomegaly. Early intervention to maintain hemoglobin levels may prolong survival and improve daily functioning, highlighting the importance of integrating anemia management into overall myelofibrosis care plans.

Jakafi Combo Shows Benefits in Myelofibrosis and Anemia

The phase 3b JUMP trial supports the use of Jakafi (ruxolitinib) in combination with supportive agents such as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or danazol for patients with myelofibrosis and anemia. Patients receiving this combination demonstrated comparable improvements in spleen size and symptom burden to those seen in the broader trial population, while maintaining therapeutic doses of Jakafi.

“These results reinforce using supportive care for anemia with an ESA or danazol combined with [Jakafi], which may allow [patients with myelofibrosis and anemia to] maintain their full Jakafi dose,” wrote lead study author, Dr. Pankit Vachhani, an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

This study emphasizes the importance of individualized care strategies for patients with myelofibrosis, particularly those with anemia at diagnosis.

FDA Grants Designation to MNV-201 for Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Minovia Therapeutics’ investigational therapy MNV-201 received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder that can progress to acute myeloid leukemia. MNV-201 uses mitochondrial augmentation to enhance a patient’s own stem cells, potentially improving blood cell production, organ function, and overall health.

Early-phase studies indicate MNV-201 is well-tolerated and may offer multi-system benefits, reflecting the growing interest in therapies that target underlying cellular dysfunction in rare blood cancers, according to the company.

References

1. “Stage 1 Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options and Side Effect Management,” by Gina Mauro. CURE; Oct. 21, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/stage-1-multiple-myeloma-treatment-options-and-side-effect-management
2. “The Importance of Awareness and Self-Advocacy in Multiple Myeloma,” by Ryan Scott. CURE; Sept. 29, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/the-importance-of-awareness-and-self-advocacy-in-multiple-myeloma
3. “Stem Cell Transplant: Why This Treatment Is Still a ‘Standard Regimen’ for Blood Cancer,” by Gina Mauro. CURE; Oct. 21, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/stem-cell-transplant-why-this-treatment-is-still-a-standard-regimen-for-blood-cancer
4. “Anemia Management in Myelofibrosis: Survival and Quality of Life,” by Ryan Scott. CURE; Oct. 25, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/anemia-management-in-myelofibrosis-survival-and-quality-of-life
5. “Ojjaara May Improve Anemia and Reduce Transfusions in Myelofibrosis,” by Dr. Francesca Palandri. CURE; July, 18, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/ojjaara-may-improve-anemia-and-reduce-transfusions-in-myelofibrosis
6. “Jakafi Trial Shows Benefits for Patients with Myelofibrosis and Anemia,” by Spencer Feldman. CURE; Oct. 16, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/jakafi-trial-shows-benefits-for-patients-with-myelofibrosis-and-anemia
7. “FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to MNV-201 for Myelodysplastic Syndrome,” by Ryan Scott. CURE; Oct. 16, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/fda-grants-orphan-drug-designation-to-mnv-201-for-myelodysplastic-syndrome

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