Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were detected in 82% of transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in the phase 3 PERSEUS trial.
CTC levels independently predicted progression-free survival (PFS) and were associated with minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rates following treatment.
Daratumumab combined with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (D-VRd) improved PFS and MRD-negativity rates compared to standard VRd, especially in patients with low CTC levels.
High CTC levels identified a high-risk subgroup that benefitted from intensified frontline therapy with improved MRD outcomes.
