The "Consensus-based recommendations by the Hematology Society of Taiwan for the management of multiple myeloma in 2026," completed by the Multiple Myeloma Working Group of the Hematology Society of Taiwan, has been officially published in the Journal of the Formosan Medical Association in August 2026. This consensus was collaboratively authored by experts in multiple myeloma from Taiwan, with Dr. Yu-Chin Hong, Dr. Shih-Feng Cho, and Dr. Yi-Yang Chen serving as co-first authors, and Dr. Wei-Han Huang and myself serving as co-corresponding authors.
Addressing the practical constraints within Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) system—such as "fixed-duration" treatment regimens dictated by NHI reimbursement criteria and the requirement for symptomatic relapse before proceeding to subsequent lines of therapy—this consensus utilizes an expert consensus process to supplement international clinical trial evidence for local clinical application. The content covers diagnosis and risk stratification based on IMWG guidelines, as well as alternative monitoring methods when FISH, PET-CT, or MRD testing are unavailable. It also provides personalized treatment recommendations based on autologous stem cell transplant eligibility, frailty, and comorbidities. Regarding treatment strategies, this consensus covers the application of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and bispecific antibodies across different disease stages, including induction, consolidation, and relapsed/refractory settings, with specific dose adjustment recommendations for special populations. This consensus serves as a reference for clinical care by hematologist-oncologists in Taiwan and offers a valuable model for clinical practice in other regions facing similar healthcare reimbursement limitations.
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and gratitude to Dr. Yu-Chin Hong, Dr. Shih-Feng Cho, Dr. Yi-Yang Chen, Dr. Wei-Han Huang, and all members of the Multiple Myeloma Working Group of the Hematology Society of Taiwan. Thank you for your dedication to the development and writing of this consensus amidst your busy clinical schedules, and for your ongoing contributions to improving the quality of clinical care and treatment standards for multiple myeloma in Taiwan.
Reference: PMID 42648952; DOI 10.1016/j.jfma.2026.08.029.