[Chinese guidelines on response assessment and minimal residual disease monitoring in multiple myeloma (2024)].

The application of standardized criteria to evaluate treatment efficacy is crucial for guiding therapeutic decisions, assessing prognosis, and interpreting outcomes in treating multiple myeloma (MM). The unique characteristics of MM make its response assessment more complex compared with other malignancies. It primarily depends on serum and urine M protein levels, combined with the number of plasma cells in the bone marrow and comprehensive imaging findings. Recently, the emergence of novel therapeutics has led to significant improvements in MM outcomes. Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection determines deeper remission states. The clinical significance of MRD monitoring is now widely recognized. The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) MM Expert Committee and the Hematologic Oncology Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (CACA) have gathered relevant experts to develop the guidelines based on these advancements, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for response assessment in MM.