ASCO 2017: Three Studies for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Three studies were reported on at the recent ASCO 2017 conference that were specific to newly diagnosed myeloma patients:

Phase II study of bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and elotuzumab in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

, with 24% achieving a complete response (CR), 47% achieving a very good partial response (VGPR), and 29% a partial response (PR). The combination of elo plus len, bortez, and dex was effective in newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible patients. The rate of high-grade toxicities was low, although there were two grade 5 events (septicemia and respiratory failure).

Carfilzomib, lenalidomde and dex (KRd) with daratumumab in newly diagnosed myeloma patients

In this study, 22 patients received a median of 8 treatment cycles. Treatment with DARA-KRd yielded an overall response rate of 100% (5% complete response, 86% ≥very good partial response). The 6-month progression free survival rate was 100%. The addition of DARA to KRd was well tolerated and the overall safety profile was consistent with that previously reported for KRd, with no additional toxicity observed with the addition of daratumumab. These data support further investigation of DARA-KRd as a frontline treatment regimen.

Induction triplets lenalidomide, doxorubicin and dexamethasone vs. bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone prior to stem cell transplant in newly diagnosed myeloma

Stem cell transplant remains the standard of care for younger, medically fit patients. Induction three-drug combinations are typically given prior to transplant. The triplet of bortezomib, lenalidomide and dex (VRd) ranks among the most effective treatments. VRd plus stem cell transplant is more effective than VRd alone. Study investigators found the triple combination of doxorubicin, lenalidomide and dex (RAd) to have an effective and low toxicity profile and decided to compare RAd vs. VRd as induction therapy. In the study, 232 patients received 3 four-week RAd cycles and 237 patients received 3 three-week VRd cycles. Results showed complete responses of 11.8% with RAd vs. 13% with VRd. To the best of the investigators' knowledge, this is the first time the two induction combinations have been compared. The endpoint was met with comparable complete response rates and tolerability was encouraging in both arms. Follow-up data is needed to determine further long-term impact.