Lenalidomide-refractory Patients Research Articles

Argentine Multicentric Experience of Carfilzomib Use in Relapsed / Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Report from the GAMM (Grupo Argentino de Mieloma Multiple)

Background:Carfilzomib is a selective proteasome inhibitor recently approved in Argentina for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in patients previously treated with bortezomib and immunomodulatory drugs. Carfilzomib has shown to be an effective drug in this difficult to treat population with an acceptable toxicity profile. In this multicentre experience, we decided to report the results of the first patients (not participating in clinical trials) treated with this second class proteasome inhibitor in our country.Methods:Retrospective cohort study. We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of carfilzomib based treatments in RRMM patients from 29 centers in Argentina from April 2013 till April 2017. Patients were follow from first treatment day till death or lost to follow up. The primary endpoint was best response rate and secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The international uniform response criteria (IMWG 2006) were used to assess response rates. Toxicity was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.OS and PFS were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method using Stata13 program. Hazard ratios were estimated by means of a stratified Cox proportional-hazards model.The study complies with guiding principles for experimental procedures found in the declaration of Helsinki.Results:Data on 106 patients was analyzed. Median of previous treatment lines was 3 (IQR 2-4). The median age of patients were 62 years (IQR 57-68) with a median time from diagnosis to start of treatment of 4 years (IQR 3-7). Thirteen out of 106 (12%) patients were considered as high risk according to cytogenetics abnormalities and 33/106 (31%) patients had ISS score of 3. All patients have been previously treated with bortezomib and immunomodulatory drugs, 52 patients (49%) were refractory to at least one of these drugs and 35 patients (33%) were double refractory.Fifty patients (47%) received carfilzomib + dexametasone (Kd), 40 patients (38%) carfilzomib + lenalidomide + dexametasone (KRd) and 16 patients (15%) carfilzomib + other agents (Koa) with a median of 6 (IQR 3-7) cycles.The overall response rate (ORR) (≥ partial response) for the complete cohort was 57% (60 patients), complete response was found in 10% (11 patients) and very good partial response in 13% (14 patients). There was a trend towards better ORR when carfilzomib was associated with Rd or other agents, although not statistically significant (p:0.195).In the univariate analysis lenalidomide refractory patients (55/106), bortezomib refractory patients (52/106) and double refractory patients (35/106) had a lower chance of achieveing ≥ partial response [hazard ratio (HR): 2.23 (CI 95%: 0.01-4.89), HR: 2.74; 95% (C I95%: 1.29-6.06 and HR: 2.76 (CI 95%: 1.19-6.35) respectively]. In the multivariate analysis only bortezomib refractory patients had lower chance of achieving ≥ partial response [HR: 2.29 (CI 95%: 0.98-5.33).Median progression free survival (PFS) for the complete cohort was 14 months (CI 95% 10-20) and the median overall survival (OS) was 22 months (CI 95% 14-36). The median PFS was 5 months (CI 95% 4-8) for not responders and 21 months (CI 95% 15-27) for responders (p:0.001). The median OS was 9 months (CI 95% 5-20) for non responders vs 30 months (CI 95% 16-36) for responders (p:0.001).Double refractory patients had a median PFS of 11 months (CI 95% 6-15) vs 18 months (CI 95% 8-33) for the rest of the patients (p:0.19). Twenty nine patients (27%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AE) related to carfilzomib. The more commons AE (any grade) were hematological: anemia 42/106 (40%), thrombocytopenia 31/106 (29%) and neutropenia 30/106 (28%), The most frequent non hematological AE (any grade) were: cardiovascular 23/106 (22%), infections 12/106 (12%) and gastrointestinal 6/106 (6%). Interestingly, 13/29 patients (45%) that discontinued treatment due to AE, were because of cardiovascular events.Conclusion:This is the first report of carfilzomib use for the treatment of RRMM in South America as far as our knowledge. Our results were comparable with the reports published in the literature. Carfilzomib alone or in combination with other agents has shown efficacy for the treatment of RRMM patients with an acceptable toxicity. Cardiovascular toxicity should be carefully evaluated in patients treated with carfilzomib. DisclosuresSchutz:varifarma: Speakers Bureau. Duarte:Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; varifarma: Other: conferences; gador: Consultancy. Shanley:Gador: Speakers Bureau. Corzo:Raffo: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Enrico:BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Riveros:BMS: Speakers Bureau; Raffo: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Fantl:varifarma: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Raffo: Speakers Bureau.

A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Data on Efficacy of Novel Therapy Combinations in Patients with Lenalidomide-refractory Multiple Myeloma

IntroductionLenalidomide use in nearly all induction regimens for multiple myeloma (MM) has led to the treatment of lenalidomide-refractory disease becoming one of the most important clinical questions in its treatment. Given the lack of direct comparisons of treatment regimens for lenalidomide-refractory MM, we used a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included lenalidomide-refractory subgroup analysis. MethodsWe performed a systematic review to identify RCTs for MM that enrolled patients with lenalidomide-refractory disease, then performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) using random effects model to compare regimens. ResultsWe identified 123 discrete RCTs, of which 7 reported primary outcomes for lenalidomide-refractory MM. These were linked in 2 discrete networks totaling 1698 lenalidomide-refractory patients. Network 1 compared bortezomib (bort)/dexamethasone (dex) versus other treatments, and analysis showed triplet therapy with pomalidomide (pom)/bort/dex (hazard ratios [HR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50–0.84), daratumumab (dara)/bort/dex (HR 0.36, 95% CI, 0.21–0.63), and dara/carfilzomib (carf)/dex (HR 0.38, 95% CI, 0.21–0.69) as more effective than bort/dex. Network 2 compared dex versus other treatments, and analysis showed pom/dex (HR 0.50, 95% CI, 0.40–0.62), isatuximab (isa)/pom/dex (HR 0.30, 95% CI, 0.20–0.44), and elotuzumab (elo)/pom/dex (HR 0.27, 95% CI, 0.16–0.45) as more effective than dex. Within each network, monoclonal antibody (mAb)-containing regimens had lower HRs and higher P-scores than non-mAb regimens, indicating higher likelihood of these regimens being most efficacious. ConclusionThe results of our NMA demonstrated that for lenalidomide-refractory MM, triplet therapy containing mAbs are superior. There is need for further RCTs to better ascertain the best standard of care for these patients.

Outcomes of ixazomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone for multiple myeloma: A multicenter retrospective analysis

This study aimed to investigate real-world data of ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (IRd) therapy for patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We retrospectively analyzed 122 patients treated with IRd at 16 centers from May 2017 to January 2019 by using the Kansai Myeloma Forum database. At the start of IRd, the median age was 72years, 66.7% of patients had IgG type, and the median number of prior therapies was 4, comprising bortezomib (85.4%) and lenalidomide (89.3%)-based regimens. Disease progression and adverse events accounted for treatment discontinuation in 46 and 32 patients, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.9months. Sensitivity to bortezomib did not affect the PFS, whereas lenalidomide-refractory patients had significantly lower PFS than lenalidomide-sensitive patients, who were comparable to TOURMALINE-MM1 study. The patients with IgG type had significantly better PFS and OS than those with non-IgG type. This study presents the largest real-world data of patients treated with IRd in Asia. However, in real clinical practice, the patient background is different from the TOURMALINE-MM1 study, and IRd showed poor efficacy, especially in the non-IgG type and lenalidomide-refractory patients with RRMM.

A comprehensive overview of daratumumab and carfilzomib and the recently approved daratumumab, carfilzomib and dexamethasone regimen in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Novel, effective regimens are needed in patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma (RRMM) who inevitably relapse after PI and IMID containing treatment. Areas covered: Pre-clinical data, early clinical and pivotal trials relevant to the development of the two backbone drugs of carfilzomib and daratumumab, and the two important recent trials, EQUULEUS and CANDOR leading to the FDA approval of the combination regimen of daratumumab, carfilzomib, and dexamethasone (DKd) for RRMM are detailed in this review. Expert opinion: EQUULEUS and CANDOR have established the efficacy of the DKd regimen in the landscape of bortezomib and lenalidomide refractory patients. The split dosing schedule of the first dose of daratumumab was approved by the FDA based on EQUULEUS, significantly improving patient convenience. Subcutaneous daratumumab is being evaluated in this combination to further improve tolerance and convenience. Further studies are needed to evaluate and optimally sequence the many effective and potent drugs available in RRMM.

Carfilzomib in combination with daratumumab in the management of relapsed multiple myeloma.

The therapeutic landscape of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) is constantly evolving. To date, a large proportion of patients present with lenalidomide refractory disease at thetime of first or second relapse. In this context, few efficient options are currently available. Carfilzomib and daratumumab are approved in the relapse setting. Recently, Phase Ib and Phase III trials evaluated the triplet drug combination daratumumab-carfilzomib-dexamethasone in the relapse setting and demonstrated strong clinical efficacy, especially in lenalidomide refractory patients. Based on these results, this combination has been approved by the US FDAfor relapsed MM patients. The present review discusses the safety and efficacy of daratumumab-carfilzomib-dexamethasone in MM.

Evolving Unmet Need in Patients Refractory to Lenalidomide: Overview of the Clinical Trials in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: The majority of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients are currently treated with lenalidomide-based regimens as their first line of therapy. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years. Typically, lenalidomide is administered until disease progression and has significantly contributed to better outcomes in these patients. However, most patients relapse, and prognosis worsens with each relapse. The choice of optimal treatment for patients who relapse while receiving lenalidomide as first line of therapy is unclear. Moreau et al (Blood Cancer J. 9, 38 [2019]) concluded that there is limited data on approved combinations for treating these patients and are restricted by the low number of lenalidomide-refractory patients enrolled in the pivotal trials. Results from the ongoing clinical trials of the combination of carfilzomib and anti-CD38 antibodies were not available at the time of the Moreau et al publication. The aim of this targeted literature review was to include this new data and to summarize currently available evidence on progression-free survival (PFS) for the treatment of RRMM patients who progressed on lenalidomide-based regimens. Methods: A targeted literature review was conducted to identify registrational clinical trials in patients with RRMM reporting PFS outcomes. PubMed, congress proceedings, and product labels were searched between Jan 2014 to July 2020. In addition to PFS, demographic, disease characteristics and treatment history were extracted for the trial populations to contextualize potential variations in study outcomes. The regimens studied in these trials were classified as lenalidomide-based, proteasome inhibitor (PI)-based and pomalidomide-based. Number of prior lines of therapy, prior exposure and refractoriness to lenalidomide and bortezomib were reported. Results: Twelve registrational trials were identified based on the search criteria (Table 1). Most pivotal trials assessing lenalidomide-based regimens (POLLUX, ELOQUENT-II, TOURMALINE-MM1) except the ASPIRE trial excluded patients who were refractory to lenalidomide. Trials evaluating PI-based regimens (e.g., CANDOR) or pomalidomide-based regimens (e.g., OPTIMISMM) included these patients, with more recent studies enrolling a larger proportion. Percentage of lenalidomide-exposed (and lenalidomide refractory) ranged from 40% (32%) in CANDOR to 98% (90%) in ELOQUENT III. These studies also enrolled a larger proportion of patients who were bortezomib-exposed, although most of these patients were at first relapse, with the exception of ELOQUENT III and ICARIA where most patients were at third relapse. Among lenalidomide-refractory patients, the median-PFS (mPFS) observed for the pomalidomide-based regimens ranged from 9.5 to 10.1 months and that observed for PI-based regimens ranged from 4.9 to 25.7 months. PFS in the lenalidomide-refractory subgroup was considerably shorter than in the ITT population. The mPFS for patients receiving carfilzomib/daratumumab/dexamethasone (KDd; CANDOR) and isatuximab/carfilzomib/dexamethasone (IsaKd; IKEMA) was not reached at median follow-up of 16.9 and 20.7 months respectively. While the mPFS for (KDd) for lenalidomide-refractory patients in CANDOR trial was not yet reached at median follow up of 16.9 months; the mPFS of 25.7 months for KDd in the MMY-1001 trial appears to be the longest among the assessed regimens. Conclusion: Patients refractory to lenalidomide have shorter PFS and represent a population with high unmet need. This targeted literature review suggests that the PI-based KDd regimen provides longer PFS compared to other lenalidomide-sparing regimens in lenalidomide-refractory populations. Heterogeneity across trial populations may limit the comparability of these treatments. Disclosures Mateos: Regeneron: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie/Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; PharmaMar-Zeltia: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy. Medhekar:Amgen Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Majer:Amgen (Europe) GmbH: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

Efficacy of Daratumumab Containing Regimens Post Lenalidomide Maintenance in Transplant Eligible Patients: Real-World Experience from the Canadian Myeloma Research Group Database

Introduction Lenalidomide maintenance following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains a standard of care among transplant eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Many previous clinical trials done in patients following one prior line of therapy either excluded patients progressing on lenalidomide or included a very small proportion of these patients. Given the paucity of data in this setting, the optimal management of patients progressing on lenalidomide maintenance remains unknown. Daratumumab-containing triplet regimens have recently been introduced for these patients, typically in combination with pomalidomide (DPd), lenalidomide (DRd), or bortezomib (DVd). To our knowledge, there is no prospective data to allow comparison of the efficacy of these three regimens in patients progressing on lenalidomide maintenance, which is an increasingly common clinical scenario. Understanding the comparative efficacy, tolerability and toxicity of these regimens in patients progressing on lenalidomide maintenance in the 'real-world' is needed in order to help clinicians make appropriate decisions and guide future studies. Methods The Canadian Myeloma Research Group Database (formerly known as the Myeloma Canada Research Network Database, MCRN-DB) is a prospectively maintained disease specific database with over 7000 patients enrolled from 14 academic sites across Canada with legacy data collected from 2007. The Munster Myeloma database collects myeloma specific information in a German academic center and currently contains data from 800 patients collected from 2005. All consecutive patients treated with daratumumab based regimens in second line following relapse on lenalidomide maintenance were included in the analysis from the two databases analyzed up to 30/06/2020. Results A total of 1380 NDMM patients on lenalidomide maintenance post autologous stem cell transplant were identified in the two databases. From them, 73 patients were included in this analysis as they were treated with daratumumab containing regimen in second line. Specifically, 18 (24.7%) of these patients were treated with DPd, 32 (43.8%) patients with DRd, and 23 (31.5%) patients with DVd. The baseline characteristics, maintenance details, post-maintenance response rates and toxicity for each regimen are shown in Table 1. The median follow-up for the cohort from the time of daratumumab initiation was 8.3 months (range 0.4 - 40.0). Although, a higher proportion of patients in the DPd arm obtained a CR/VGPR compared to DRd or DVd, it did not reach statistical significance (p-value 0.06). The median PFS of the entire cohort was 16.96 months (95% CI 11.47-23.44). The median PFS of the individual regimens was as follows: DPd 17.65 months, DRd not reached and DVd 11.47 months as demonstrated in Figure 1 (p-value =0.46). Conclusion In summary, our results show that daratumumab-based regimens are effective among patients progressing on lenalidomide maintenance in the real world. Despite the small sample size, the results presented here are in line with recent sub-analyses of phase III studies examining the common daratumumab-based regimens used in this setting (CASTOR with median PFS of DVd between 7.8 months in all lenalidomide refractory patients and 27 months in all patients in first relapse; MM014 with median PFS of DPd after lenalidomide refractoriness of 21.8 months). The efficacy of DRd, in which daratumumab is added to an increased dose of lenalidomide, is notable and warrants further evaluation to identify which patients are most likely to benefit. Additional studies with longer follow-up are required to assess the optimal daratumumab-based regimen to be used in this growing population of patients relapsing after lenalidomide maintenance. Disclosures Mian: Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy. Venner:Celgene, Amgen: Research Funding; Janssen, BMS/Celgene, Sanofi, Takeda, Amgen: Honoraria. Jimenez-Zepeda:Janssen, Celgene, Amgen, Takeda: Honoraria. McCurdy:Sanofi: Honoraria; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Sebag:Celgene: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding. Song:Celgene: Research Funding; Celgene, Janssen, Amgen, Takeda: Honoraria. Leblanc:Celgene: Research Funding; Celgene Canada; Janssen Inc.; Amgen Canada; Takeda Canada: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. White:Karyopharm: Honoraria; Antengene: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria. Stakiw:Roche: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Lundbeck: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria. Louzada:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria. Kotb:Karyopharm: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding. Reece:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Millenium: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka: Research Funding.

A Single Center Retrospective Analysis of Daratumumab, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone As a Second Line Therapy for Multiple Myeloma

A Single Center Retrospective Analysis of Daratumumab, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone As a Second Line Therapy for Multiple Myeloma

A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Data on Efficacy of Novel Therapy Combinations in Patients with Lenalidomide Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Advancements in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) with proteasome inhibitors [bortezomib (bort), carfilzomib (carf)], monoclonal antibodies [daratumumab (dara), isatuximab (isa) and elotozumab (elo)], and immunomodulatory drugs [IMiD) [lenalidomide and pomalidomide (pom)] have improved outcomes. However, using lenalidomide as frontline treatment and maintenance therapy exposes greater numbers of patients to lenalidomide prior to relapse. Consequently, the treatment of lenalidomide-refractory (LR) disease is an increasing area of concern. Given the lack of direct comparisons of different treatment regimens for LR MM, we used a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included subgroup analysis of LR patients. The objective of our study was to compare the efficacy of novel treatment regimens in randomized trials for patients with LR MM using a network meta-analysis. Methods: Three databases were searched: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Registry of Controlled Trials. All studies published between January 1, 2005 and December 30, 2019 were queried using keywords "multiple myeloma" and "randomized controlled trial". Only RCT's were included. Primary outcome was progression free survival (PFS) of patients enrolled in myeloma RCT's. Two independent investigators reviewed all the studies and resolved any conflict through mutual discussion. WNetwork meta-analysis using random-effects model was performed to generate direct and indirect comparisons between various treatment groups. Frequentist method was used to rank the interventions and P-score was generated. A higher P score (close to 1.00) corresponded to superior progression free survival. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. I2statistic was used to assess heterogeneity between the studies as defined by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews with a value >50% considered as significant heterogeneity. We used 'R' (Bell Labs, Murray Hill, NJ, USA) for generating our statistical analysis and plots. Results: Our initial search strategy yielded 1171 results. After excluding duplicates, trials in progress, subset analysis and non-randomized studies, 123 RCTs were identified. Only 8 studies clearly reported outcomes of patients with LR myeloma and 7 studies (1698 patients) were included in final analysis of two discrete networks. Pom/bort/dex (HR: 0.65,95% CI: 0.50-0.84), dara/bort/dex (HR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.21-0.63), and dara/carf/dex (HR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21-0.69) were all found to have improved PFS compared to bort/dex (Figure 2). These interventions were ranked as follows: Dara-bort-dex was the most efficacious with a P-score of 0.8758, followed by Dara/carf/Dex (P of 0.8514), Pom/bort/dex (P of 0.4791), Carf/dex (P of 0.2707) and Bort/dex (P of 0.0231). Within Network 2 (Figure 3), pom/dex (HR :0.50, 95% CI= 0.40-0.62), isa/pom/dex (HR: 0.30, 95% CI= 0.20-0.44) and elo/pom/dex (HR: 0.27, 95% CI=0.16-0.45), were all found to have improved PFS compared to dexamethasone (Figure 4). In Network 2, the ranking of interventions was as follows with Elo-pom-dex (P of 0.8716) the most efficacious, followed by Isa-pom-Dex (P of 0.7932) and Pom-dex (P of 0.3352). Conclusion: The results of our network meta-analysis of 1698 patients with lenalidomide refractory myeloma enrolled in seven randomized myeloma trials demonstrate that for lenalidomide refractory myeloma, triplet therapy is superior to doublet therapy. Regimens with the highest efficacy in this subset of patients were triplets containing monoclonal antibodies (such as dara/elo/isa). There is a need for further randomized data to better ascertain the best standard of care for these patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Multiple Myeloma: An Overview of the Current and Novel Therapeutic Approaches in 2020.

The survival rate of multiple myeloma (MM) patients has drastically increased recently as a result of the wide treatment options now available. Younger patients truly benefit from these innovations as they can support more intensive treatment, such as autologous stem cell transplant or multiple drug association (triplet, quadruplet). The emergence of immunotherapy allowed new combinations principally based on monoclonal anti-CD38 antibodies for these patients. Still, the optimal induction treatment has not been found yet. While consolidation is still debated, maintenance treatment is now well acknowledged to prolong survival. Lenalidomide monotherapy is the only drug approved in that setting, but many innovations are expected. Older patients, now logically named not transplant-eligible, also took advantage of these breakthrough innovations as most of the recent drugs have a more acceptable safety profile than previous cytotoxic agents. For this heterogenous subgroup, geriatric assessment has become an essential tool to identify frail patients and provide tailored strategies. At relapse, options are now numerous, especially for patients who were not treated with lenalidomide, or not refractory at least. Concerning lenalidomide refractory patients, approved combinations are lacking, but many trials are ongoing to fill that space. Moreover, innovative therapeutics are increasingly being developed with modern immunotherapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T cells), bispecific antibodies, or antibody-drug conjugates. For now, these treatments are usually reserved to heavily pre-treated patients with a poor outcome. MM drug classes have tremendously extended from historical alkylating agents to current dominant associations with proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and monoclonal anti-CD38/anti SLAMF7 antibodies. Plus, in only a couple of years, several new classes will enter the MM armamentarium, such as cereblon E3 ligase modulators (CELMoDs), selective inhibitors of nuclear export, and peptide-drug conjugates. Among the questions that will need to be answered in the years to come is the position of these new treatments in the therapeutic strategy, as well as the role of minimal residual disease-driven strategies which will be a key issue to elucidate. Through this review, we chose to enumerate and comment on the most recent advances in MM therapeutics which have undergone major transformations over the past decade.

Pomalidomide, dexamethasone, and daratumumab in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma after lenalidomide treatment

Patients with multiple myeloma who have relapsed after or become refractory to lenalidomide in early treatment lines represent a clinically important population in need of effective therapies. The safety and efficacy of pomalidomide, low-dose dexamethasone, and daratumumab was evaluated in lenalidomide-pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) after one to two prior treatment lines in the phase 2 MM-014 study. Patients received pomalidomide 4 mg daily from days 1–21 and dexamethasone 40 mg weekly (28-day cycles). Daratumumab 16 mg/kg was administered per label. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and safety. Per protocol, all patients (N = 112) had received lenalidomide in their most recent prior regimen (75.0% lenalidomide refractory). ORR was 77.7% (76.2% in lenalidomide-refractory patients); median follow-up was 17.2 months. Median PFS was not reached (1-year PFS rate 75.1%). The most common hematologic grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse event was neutropenia (62.5%). Grade 3/4 infections were reported in 31.3% of patients, including 13.4% with grade 3/4 pneumonia. These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of pomalidomide-based therapy as early as second line in patients with RRMM, even immediately after lenalidomide failure, indicating that switching from the immunomodulatory agent class is not necessary.

Health-related quality-of-life results from the phase 3 OPTIMISMM study: pomalidomide, bortezomib, and low-dose dexamethasone versus bortezomib and low-dose dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

In the randomized phase-3 OPTIMISMM study, the addition of pomalidomide to bortezomib and low-dose dexamethasone (PVd) resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in lenalidomide-pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), including lenalidomide refractory patients. Here, we report health-related quality of life (HRQoL) results from this trial. Patients received PVd or Vd in 21-day cycles until disease progression or discontinuation. HRQoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-MY20, and EQ-5D-3L instruments on day 1 of each treatment cycle. Mean score changes for global QoL, physical functioning, fatigue, side effects of treatment domains, and EQ-5D-3L index were generally stable over time across treatment arms. The proportion of patients who experienced clinically meaningful worsening in global QoL and other domains of interest was similar. These HRQoL results with PVd along with previously demonstrated improvement in PFS vs Vd continue to support its use in patients with RRMM.

Daratumumab, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients With Previously Treated Multiple Myeloma: Three-year Follow-up of CASTOR

BackgroundIn the phase III CASTOR study in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (D-Vd) demonstrated significant clinical benefit versus Vd alone. Outcomes after 40.0 months of median follow-up are discussed. Patients and MethodsEligible patients had received ≥ 1 line of treatment and were administered bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2) and dexamethasone (20 mg) for 8 cycles with or without daratumumab (16 mg/kg) until disease progression. ResultsOf 498 patients in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (D-Vd, n = 251; Vd, n = 247), 47% had 1 prior line of treatment (1PL; D-Vd, n = 122; Vd, n = 113). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly prolonged with D-Vd versus Vd in the ITT population (16.7 vs. 7.1 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.40; P < .0001) and the 1PL subgroup (27.0 vs. 7.9 months; HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.15-0.32; P < .0001). In lenalidomide-refractory patients, the median PFS was 7.8 versus 4.9 months (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28-0.68; P = .0002) for D-Vd (n = 60) versus Vd (n = 81). Minimal residual disease (MRD)–negativity rates (10−5) were greater with D-Vd versus Vd (ITT: 14% vs. 2%; 1PL: 20% vs. 3%; both P < .0001). PFS2 was significantly prolonged with D-Vd versus Vd (ITT: HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.38-0.61; 1PL: HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24-0.51; P < .0001). No new safety concerns were observed. ConclusionAfter 3 years, D-Vd maintained significant benefits in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma with a consistent safety profile. D-Vd provided the greatest benefit at first relapse and increased MRD-negativity rates.

ASH 2018—Highlights in Multiple Myeloma

More than 900 abstracts on multiple myeloma were presented at this year’s ASH in San Diego. Several trials explored the addition of the monoclonal antibody daratumumab to established treatment regimens in both newly diagnosed as well as relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. A long-awaited study tried to evaluate the role of double autologous stem cell transplant in multiple myeloma in newly diagnosed transplant eligible multiple myeloma. In relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma updates from several large trials like CASTOR and POLLUX were presented. Another spotlight were lenalidomide-refractory patients, an important patient group that is emerging as an increasingly challenging collective. Finally, abstracts on several novel agents like selinexor, venetoclax, isatuximab, melflufen and AMG420 were presented. Although still very preliminary, these data are already quite promising and illustrate the ever-changing treatment landscape in multiple myeloma.

Daratumumab plus carfilzomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

AbstractPatients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) have limited treatment options and poor survival outcomes. The increasing adoption of lenalidomide-based therapy for frontline treatment of multiple myeloma has resulted in a need for effective regimens for lenalidomide-refractory patients. This phase 1b study evaluated daratumumab plus carfilzomib and dexamethasone (D-Kd) in patients with RRMM after 1 to 3 prior lines of therapy, including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory drug; lenalidomide-refractory patients were eligible. Carfilzomib- and daratumumab-naïve patients (n = 85) received carfilzomib weekly on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle (20 mg/m2 initial dose, escalated to 70 mg/m2 thereafter) and dexamethasone (40 mg/wk). Of these, 10 patients received the first daratumumab dose as a single infusion (16 mg/kg, day 1 cycle 1), and 75 patients received a split first dose (8 mg/kg, days 1-2 cycle 1). Subsequent dosing was per the approved schedule for daratumumab. Patients received a median of 2 (range, 1-4) prior lines of therapy; 60% were lenalidomide refractory. The most common grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events were thrombocytopenia (31%), lymphopenia (24%), anemia (21%), and neutropenia (21%). Infusion-related reactions were observed in 60% and 43% of single and split first-dose patients, respectively. Overall response rate was 84% (79% in lenalidomide-refractory patients). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached; 12-month PFS rates were 74% for all treated patients and 65% for lenalidomide-refractory patients. D-Kd was well tolerated with low neutropenia rates, and it demonstrated deep responses and encouraging PFS, including in patients refractory to lenalidomide. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01998971.

Efficacy and toxicity of histone deacetylase inhibitors in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable primarily due to relapse. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have shown potential application for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). To assess the efficacy and safety of HDACis in RRMM treatment, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on clinical trial data. A literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases. Subsequently, 19 trials with 2193 patients treated with one of the three HDACis, panobinostat, ricolinostat and vorinostat, were identified and included in the present study. The efficacy and toxicity of each agent were assessed. The data were pooled using a random effects model in STATA 13.0. The results showed that the overall response rate (ORR) was 0.64 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.61–0.68 for panobinostat, 0.51 (95% CI, 0.46–0.55) for vorinostat and 0.38 (95% CI, 0.29–0.48) for ricolinostat. Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed an ORR of 0.36 (95% CI, 0.27–0.46) for HDACis-treated bortezomib-refractory MM patients and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.30–0.55) for lenalidomide-refractory patients. The most common grade 3 and 4 hematological adverse events were thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia. Non-hematological adverse events included fatigue/asthenia, diarrhea and nausea. In conclusion, analysis of the pooled data revealed that panobinostat-containing regimens were effective and tolerable for patients with RRMM. Furthermore, lenalidomide-refractory patients may derive greater benefits from these regimens. More clinical and real-world studies are required to validate these results.

A phase 1b study of isatuximab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

This phase 1b, open-label, dose-escalation study assessed the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody isatuximab given in 2 schedules (3, 5, or 10 mg/kg every other week [Q2W] or 10 or 20 mg/kg weekly [QW] for 4 weeks and then Q2W thereafter [QW/Q2W]), in combination with lenalidomide 25 mg (days 1-21) and dexamethasone 40 mg (QW), in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Patients received 28-day treatment cycles; the primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of isatuximab with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Fifty-seven patients (median 5 [range 1-12] prior regimens; 83% refractory to previous lenalidomide therapy) were treated. Median duration of dosing was 36.4 weeks; 15 patients remained on treatment at data cutoff. Isatuximab-lenalidomide-dexamethasone was generally well tolerated with only 1 dose-limiting toxicity reported (grade 3 pneumonia at 20 mg/kg QW/Q2W); the MTD was not reached. The most common isatuximab-related adverse events were infusion-associated reactions (IARs) (56%), which were grade 1/2 in 84% of patients who had an IAR and predominantly occurred during the first infusion. In the efficacy-evaluable population, the overall response rate (ORR) was 56% (29/52) and was similar between the 10 mg/kg Q2W and 10 and 20 mg/kg QW/Q2W cohorts. The ORR was 52% in 42 evaluable lenalidomide-refractory patients. Overall median progression-free survival was 8.5 months. Isatuximab exposure increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner; isatuximab and lenalidomide pharmacokinetic parameters appeared independent. These data suggest that isatuximab combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone is active and tolerated in heavily pretreated patients with RRMM. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01749969.

HDAC Inhibitor AR-42 Decreases CD44 Expression and Sensitizes Myeloma Cells to Lenalidomide

Introduction: The first FDA-approved deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, Vorinostat), was shown to be effective in vitro by a number of anti-neoplastic mechanisms. Despite minimal single-agent activity in multiple myeloma (MM), phase 1b studies combining HDACi’s with bortezomib salvaged some relapsed patients and prolonged progression free survival (PFS) from days (Vorinostat) to months (Panobinostat), albeit at the cost of significant side effects including fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Phase 1/2 studies in combination with lenalidomide have demonstrated tolerability and activity in lenalidomide-refractory patients, but randomized trials are lacking. In MM, the anti-neoplastic mechanism of action for HDACi’s is unknown, but at biologically achievable concentrations, it has been theorized that they sensitize MM cells to other drugs by interfering with cell adhesion mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR), primarily involving the integrins CD44, CD49d (VLA-4), CD54 (ICAM-1), and/or CD184 (CXCR4). AR-42 (ARNO Therapeutics) is a novel orally bioavailable phenylbutyrate-based class I/II HDAC inhibitor that has greater anti-proliferative effects compared to Vorinostat in vitro and in vivo. It has been previously shown that in MM cell lines, AR-42 down-regulates the expression of gp130, and inhibits IL-6 induced activation of STAT3 and downstream targets including BCL-XL and Cyclin-D1, with minimal effects on the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. CD44 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, which is directly transcribed by β-catenin, and its role in cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) for MM as well as other cancers has been largely investigated. Recent published data have shown that CD44 forms a complex with STAT3 and p300 (acetyltransferase) causing STAT3 activation in a cytokine- and growth factor-independent manner, and that CD44 over-expression is one of the main molecular mechanisms that contributes to Lenalidomide resistance in MM cells.Hypothesis: We hypothesize that CD44 down-regulation, both surface expression on MM cells as well as the soluble form in the blood, is the primary effect of AR-42 at concentrations achievable in humans, explaining its weak single agent effect and its improvement when combined with other therapeutic agents in the clinic.Methods: As part of a single center, dose-escalating, first-in-man phase 1 trial of single agent oral AR-42 administered orally three times weekly in 28-day cycles (3 weeks of treatment followed by a 7-day off treatment period), patients were accrued at 20-70 mg TIW in a standard 3+3 cohort design. Using peripheral blood obtained during cycle 1 of therapy, nCounter® GX Human Immunology assays and nCounter miRNA expression profile was performed to assess differentially expressed genes after AR-42 treatment. Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), qRT-PCR and luciferase assays were also performed.To examine whether AR-42 treatment could sensitize the cells to Lenalidomide in vivo, we used GFP+/Luc+ MM.1S cells engrafted in NOD-SCID mice.Results: AR-42 in relapsed MM showed no confirmed partial responses, but did result in marginal responses in 3 out of 13 MM patients. We found that AR-42 in MM cells modulates the expression of many genes coding for surface receptors including CD44, CD48, CD46 and TRAF5 and affects the expression of several miRNAs. Our data show a decrease of CD44 mRNA expression in the CD138+ MM plasma cells and of the soluble CD-44 in the serum of AR-42 treated patients. We also show that in MM cells CD44 down-regulation upon AR-42 treatment is associated with impairment of STAT-3 signaling pathways and direct targeting of its regulatory RNA binding protein, Insulin grow factor 3 binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), by miR-9-5p. We found that miR-9-5p is up-regulated in vitro and in the cancer cells of MM patients after AR-42 treatment. Moreover we show that AR-42 in combination with Lenalidomide show synergistic apoptotic effect on MM cells, enhancing Lenalidomide anti-myeloma activity invivo.Conclusions: These findings show that CD44 is a therapeutic target for the HDACi AR-42 in MM patients, providing the rationale to support further clinical investigation of AR-42 in combination with IMiDs in patient cohorts with high pretreatment CD44 expression in the serum and on the surface of MM cells. DisclosuresHofmeister:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Millenium: Honoraria, Research Funding; ARNO Therapeutics: Research Funding; Onyx: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Phase 2 dose-expansion study (PX-171-006) of carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and low-dose dexamethasone in relapsed or progressive multiple myeloma

AbstractWe previously reported a phase 1b dose-escalation study of carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and low-dose dexamethasone (CRd) in relapsed or progressive multiple myeloma where the maximum planned dose (MPD) was carfilzomib 20 mg/m2 days 1 and 2 of cycle 1 and 27 mg/m2 days 8, 9, 15, 16, and thereafter; lenalidomide 25 mg days 1 to 21; and dexamethasone 40 mg once weekly on 28-day cycles. Herein, we present results from the phase 2 dose expansion at the MPD, focusing on the 52 patients enrolled in the MPD cohort. Median follow-up was 24.4 months. In the MPD cohort, overall response rate (ORR) was 76.9% with median time to response of 0.95 month (range, 0.5-4.6) and duration of response (DOR) of 22.1 months. Median progression-free survival was 15.4 months. ORR was 69.2% in bortezomib-refractory patients and 69.6% in lenalidomide-refractory patients with median DOR of 22.1 and 10.8 months, respectively. A median of 9.5 (range, 1-45) carfilzomib cycles were started with 7.7% of patients requiring carfilzomib dose reductions and 19.2% discontinuing CRd due to adverse events (AEs). Grade 3/4 AEs included lymphopenia (48.1%), neutropenia (32.7%), thrombocytopenia (19.2%), and anemia (19.2%). CRd at the MPD was well tolerated with robust, rapid, and durable responses. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00603447.

Targeted Repression of TP53 Promotes Erythropoiesis in Del(5q) MDS and Overcomes Clinical Resistance to Lenalidomide

AbstractAbstract 920 Background:Stabilization of p53 as a result of ribosomal stress is a key effector of the hypoplastic anemia in del(5q)MDS. We recently reported that lenalidomide (LEN) stabilizes MDM2 to promote p53 degradation, fostering cell cycle transition and arrest of del(5q) progenitors in G2/M (Wei S, et. al. Oncogene 2012). P53 expression in erythroid precursors (EP) decreased in responders, but was up-regulated upon emergence of resistance to LEN (Wei S, et. al. PNAS 2010). We hypothesized that targeted suppression of p53 may be an effective strategy to restore erythropoiesis in del(5q)MDS EP after LEN-treatment failure. Methods:To test this hypothesis, we first investigated the in vitro effects of cenersen (Aezea®, Eleos Inc. Plymouth, MN), a 20mer phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotide complementary to the exon 10 coding sequence of the TP53 gene transcript, on cellular p53 expression and colony forming capacity (CFC) in EP. Cenersen, through RNase H-mediated site specific mRNA cleavage, down regulates wild type & mutant TP53 mRNA and protein expression. Using a 2-stage EP differentiation assay, CD34+ cells from MDS patient specimens (del5q, n=11; non-del5q, n=4; normal donor, n=5) were cultured in StemSpan® SFEM expansion medium (StemCell Technologies, Vancouver, Canada) supplemented with SCF, EPO, and dexamethasone for 3–10 days, then transfected with 40nM cenersen or scrambled oligodeoxynucleotides using Lipofectamine RNAiMAX (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA). Cells were harvested after 3 days for analysis of p53 expression by fluorescence microscopy, FISH and methylcellulose cultures. CFC was assessed after 7–14 days incubation. Results:Del(5q) EP displayed greater nuclear p53 fluorescence intensity (FI) than non-del(5q)MDS or controls [del(5q) mean =82.12±11.4, non-del(5q)=41.55±13.05, controls=63.58±10.14, P=0.07; del(5q) vs. controls, P=0.33]. Treatment with cenersen significantly reduced nuclear (> 50%) and cytoplasmic p53 expression (> 59%) in EP in 9 of 11 del(5q) specimens, (mean nuclear FI, cenersen=41.75±9.02 vs. non-sense=86.84±13.12, P=0.01; mean cytoplasmic FI, cenersen= 23.38±3.14 vs. non-sense= 41.34±6.21, P=0.02). Similar but non-significant trends in nuclear p53 were observed in control (P=0.19) and non-del5qMDS (P=0.29) EP, whereas cytoplasmic p53 was significantly reduced only in controls (>52%, P=0.03; non-del5q, P=0.35). Cenersen treatment significantly increased recovery of BFU-E and CFU-E (n=15, P=0.01; n=13,P=0.0001, respectively) in MDS specimens, whereas there were no consistent changes in granulocyte-macrophage or mixed lineage colony yields. Similar but less robust improvements in CFC were observed in control samples with cenersen treatment (CFU-E, n=4, P=1.0; BFU-E, n=5, P=0.43). The magnitude of improvement in BFU-E in MDS specimens highly correlated with the extent of p53 suppression (nuclear Spearman r= -0.64, P=0.009; cytoplasmic r= -0.65, P=0.008). Changes in CFU-E showed no significant correlation with changes in nuclear (P=0.65) or cytoplasmic (P= 0.89) p53 expression. FISH analysis of cytospin preparations following oligonucleotide treatment of del(5q) EP using the EGR1 5q31/5p15.31 deletion probe (Cytocell, Cambridge UK) showed no significant differences between cenersen and non-sense treated cells (P=0.55, n=10). To determine if in vivo p53 suppression can restore transfusion independence (TI) after secondary LEN treatment failure, we treated 8 LEN-resistant, transfusion-dependent del(5q) MDS patients with dexamethasone (Dex) 20 mg weekly and continued LEN 5–10 mg/day. The glucocorticoid receptor acts as a ligand-dependent transcription factor and mutual antagonist of p53. All patients had <5% myeloblasts and Int-1 IPSS, whereas 3 patients had del(5q)+1 additional chromosome abnormality. Five of 8 patients achieved TI with LEN-Dex treatment. There was no significant reduction in the proportion of del(5q) metaphases after achievement of TI in responders. Median duration of LEN-Dex treatment was 4 months, and 9 months in responders (n=5). None of the patients experienced AML progression. Conclusions:Targeted suppression of p53 restores effective erythropoiesis in del(5q) MDS in the absence of clonal suppression. A clinical trial testing treatment with cenersen +Dex in LEN-resistant patients is currently in development. Disclosures:Smith:Smith Holdings LLC: Equity Ownership, Smith Holdings owns rights to the drug involved in this study. Patents & Royalties; Eleos, Inc: Eleos has licensed rights to the drug from Smith Holdings. Patents & Royalties. Daugherty:Eleos, Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wells:Alexion: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene : Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. List:Celgene: Consultancy. Off Label Use: lenalidomide combined with Dexamethasone in lenalidomide refractory patients .