Immune Score Predicts Infection Risk in Multiple Myeloma

Infection remains a primary cause of morbidity and mortality for patients with multiple myeloma, often resulting from the combined immunosuppressive effects of the malignancy and its treatment [1, 2]. While modern therapies like CD38-targeting monoclonal antibodies and bispecific antibodies have significantly improved survival, they are associated with a heightened risk of severe pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infections [3, 4]. Current management strategies often rely on broad prophylactic measures, such as immunoglobulin supplementation or finite-duration antibiotics, yet the real-world benefit of these interventions remains inconsistent across different patient populations [5, 6]. Clinicians frequently struggle to identify which individuals will develop life-threatening complications versus those who will remain stable on therapy [2]. A recent study now offers fresh insights into specific immune biomarkers that may allow for more precise risk stratification in the clinical setting, potentially guiding targeted prophylaxis for the most vulnerable patients.