Can minimal residual disease (MRD) do more than measure response? Could it redefine how multiple myeloma therapies are developed, approved and ultimately used to guide patient care?

In this episode of Early Signals, recorded live at ASCO 2026, Dr. Wael Harb sits down with Dr. Samer Al Hadidi, Associate Professor and Clinical Director of the Amyloidosis Program at Univestity of Texas Southwestern, to explore why MRD has become one of the most important conversations in multiple myeloma.

Together, they discuss how increasingly sensitive MRD testing is changing the definition of remission, supporting time-limited treatment strategies and emerging as a potential surrogate endpoint for drug development. They also examine what recent ASCO data—including the MajesTEC studies—may signal for the future of treatment sequencing, combination strategies and the long-term goal of curing multiple myeloma.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why MRD has become central to defining remission—and potentially cure—in multiple myeloma.
• How MRD is influencing treatment duration, escalation and de-escalation strategies.
• What the FDA's acceptance of MRD as a surrogate endpoint could mean for oncology drug development.
• Why sustained MRD negativity may be more meaningful than a single negative result.

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you’ll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub.

Like what you’re hearing? Be sure to rate and review us!

We want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.