Relapsed And/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma Research Articles

ASTCT Committee on Practice Guidelines Survey on Evaluation & Management of Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma after Failure of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) has revolutionized the management of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, CAR-T treatment failure is not uncommon and remains a major therapeutic challenge. There is substantial variability across transplantation and cellular therapy programs in assessing and managing post CAR-T failures in RRMM. The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) Committee on Practice Guidelines conducted an online cross-sectional survey between September 2023 and December 2023 to determine the myeloma, transplantation and cellular therapy physicians' practice patterns for surveillance, diagnosis, and management of CAR-T failure. The intent of this survey was to understand clinical practice patterns and identify areas for further investigation. E-mail surveys were sent to 1311 ASTCT physician members and 80 (6.1%) respondents completed the survey who identified as 58% white, 66% male, and 51% had >10 years of clinical experience. Eighty-nine percent of respondents were affiliated with university/teaching centers; 56% had myeloma-focused transplantation and/or cellular therapy practices. Post-CAR-T surveillance laboratory studies were commonly done every 4 weeks, while surveillance bone marrow biopsies and/or imaging surveillance were most commonly done at 3 months. Sixty-four percent of respondents would often or always consider biopsy or imaging to confirm relapse. The most popular post- CAR-T-failure rescue regimen was a GPRC5D-directed immunotherapy (30%) for relapses occurring ≤3 months and BCMA-directed bispecific therapies (32.5%) for relapses >3 months. Forty-one percent of respondents endorsed post-CAR-T prolonged cytopenia as "often" or "always" being a barrier to next-line therapy; 53% had offered stem cell boost as a mitigation approach. Substantial cross-center variation in practice patterns raises the need for collaborative studies and expert clinical recommendations to describe best practices for post CAR-T disease surveillance, optimal work-up for treatment failure, and choice of rescue therapies.

Impact of Treatment Modality and Route of Administration on Cytokine Release Syndrome in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-Analysis.

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting immunotherapies (e.g., chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs)) have achieved remarkable clinical responses in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Their use is accompanied by exaggerated immune responses related to T-cell activation and cytokine elevations leading to cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in some patients, which can be potentially life-threatening. However, systematic evaluation of the risk of CRS with BCMA-targeting BsAb and CAR-T therapies, and comparisons across different routes of BsAb administration (intravenous (i.v.) vs. subcutaneous (s.c.)) have not previously been conducted. This study utilized a meta-analysis approach to compare the CRS profile in BCMA-targeting CAR-T vs. BsAb immunotherapies administered either i.v. or s.c. in patients with RRMM. A total of 36 studies including 1,560 patients with RRMM treated with BCMA-targeting CAR-T and BsAb therapies were included in the analysis. The current analysis suggests that compared with BsAbs, CAR-T therapies were associated with higher CRS incidences (88% vs. 59%), higher rates of grade ≥ 3 CRS (7% vs. 2%), longer CRS duration (5 vs. 2 days), and more prevalent tocilizumab use (44% vs. 25%). The proportion of CRS grade ≥ 3 may also be lower (0% vs. 4%) for BsAb therapies administered via the s.c. (3 studies, n = 311) vs. i.v. (5 studies, n = 338) route. This meta-analysis suggests that different types of BCMA-targeting immunotherapies and administration routes could result in a range of CRS incidence and severity that should be considered while evaluating the benefit-risk profiles of these therapies.

Chimeric antigen receptor and bispecific T-cell engager therapies in multiple myeloma patients with prior allogeneic transplantation.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy and bispecific T-cell engagers (BsAb) have emerged as promising immunotherapeutic modalities in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, there is limited data on the safety and efficacy of CAR-T and BsAb therapies in MM patients with a prior history of allogeneic transplantation (allo-HCT). Thirty-three MM patients with prior allo-HCT received CAR-T (n = 24) or BsAb (n = 9) therapy. CAR-T therapy demonstrated an ORR of 92% (67% ≥ CR), and 73% were MRD negative. BsAb therapy resulted in an ORR of 44% (44% ≥ CR) and 44% MRD negative. Safety analysis showed grade ≥3 AEs in 92% of CAR-T and 56% of BsAb patients. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 83% of CAR-T and 78% of BsAb recipients, while immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) was observed in three CAR-T patients. Infections of grade ≥3 were reported in 50% of CAR-T and 44% of BsAb recipients. No exacerbation of graft-versus-host disease occurred except in one BsAb recipient. CAR-T and BsAb therapies appear to be feasible, safe and provide deep and durable responses in MM patients with prior allo-HCT.

Isatuximab Plus Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) in Real-Life Context in France: IMAGE Subgroup Analysis Based on Prior Lines of Therapy and Refractory Status in Anti-CD38-Naïve Population

Introduction: Isatuximab, a CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb), targets a specific CD38 epitope to induce myeloma cell death. Based on the results of the Phase 3 ICARIA-MM study, isatuximab (Isa) plus pomalidomide (P) and dexamethasone (d; Isa-Pd) is approved in adult patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received ≥2 prior therapies. Prior to Isa-Pd regulatory approval, Isa was available in France under early access programs (EAPs). IMAGE is a non-interventional, retrospective cohort study of pts treated with Isa-Pd under the French EAPs. In the IMAGE overall effectiveness population (median follow-up 14.2 months [mo]), median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 12.4 mo; overall response rate (ORR) was 46.3%; 27.9% of pts achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) and best response was VGPR for 60.3% of pts. In the current myeloma landscape, not all pts with RRMM have received a prior anti-CD38 mAb, particularly where access is difficult; thus, the real-world effectiveness of Isa in daratumumab (dara)-naïve pts needs to be assessed in light of the Phase 3 APOLLO and ICARIA-MM trials investigating dara-Pd and Isa-Pd in dara-naïve populations. Effectiveness results from the IMAGE subgroup analysis of dara-exposed and -refractory pts have been presented previously. Here, we describe results for dara-naïve pts based on prior lines of therapy (LOT) and lenalidomide (len)-refractory status. Methods: Data were collected from medical records of adult pts with RRMM who received ≥1 dose of Isa under the EAPs from 29 Jul 2019-1 Sep 2020. The effectiveness analysis was restricted to pts with ≥1 year of follow-up after Isa initiation. PFS was defined as the time from Isa-Pd initiation to date of disease progression or death. VGPR was defined as a ≥90% reduction in serum or urine M-protein, or in the difference between involved and non-involved free light chain. The description of adverse events (AEs; verbatim) was recorded as a reason for treatment temporary or permanent discontinuation or dose reduction. Data were recorded per the subject's medical file. No specific grading was performed. Results: The safety population included 299 pts who received ≥1 Isa dose under the EAPs; of these, 294 received ≥1 Isa dose and met all inclusion/exclusion criteria, thus comprising the effectiveness population. Within the overall effectiveness population, 216 (73.5%) pts were dara-naïve; among them, 13.4%, 58.8%, and 27.8% received 1, 2, and ≥3 prior LOT, respectively; 72.2% were len-refractory (median 2 prior LOT); and 54.2% were len-refractory at last prior LOT. At a median follow-up of 14.2 mo, mPFS (95% CI) in dara-naïve pts was not reached (NR; 14.6-NR), 15.0 mo (10.6-NR), and 14.8 mo (7.6-NR) with 1, 2, and ≥3 prior LOT, respectively; 13.2 mo (9.0-18.6) in those refractory to len; and 13.2 (9.0-NR) in those refractory to len at last prior LOT. ORR (of which, VGPR) was 41.4% (17.2%), 52.0% (34.6%), and 50.0% (31.7%) in pts with 1, 2, and ≥3 prior LOT, respectively; 49.4% (29.5%) in len-refractory pts; and 50.4% (29.9%) in len-refractory at last prior LOT pts (Table). At least 1 AE was reported in 53 (24.4%) pts in the dara-naïve safety population (n=217): 7 (24.1%), 32 (25.2%), and 14 (23.0%) in the 1, 2, and ≥3 prior LOT subgroups, respectively; 41 (26.1%) in the len-refractory subgroup; and 32 (27.4%) in the len-refractory at last prior LOT subgroup. AEs led to permanent Isa discontinuation in 3 (2.4%) pts with 2 prior LOT; 3 (1.9%) len-refractory pts; and 2 (1.7%) len-refractory at last prior LOT pts. The most common AEs were blood and lymphatic system disorders, occurring in 39 (18.0%) pts. Infections and infestations were reported in 2 (0.9%) pts: 1 had received 1 prior LOT and 1 had 2 prior LOT; both pts were len-refractory at last prior LOT. Conclusions: In the dara-naïve populations from APOLLO (dara-Pd) and ICARIA-MM (Isa-Pd), mPFS was 12.4 and 11.1 mo, respectively. This subgroup analysis of IMAGE provides real-world evidence of Isa effectiveness in dara-naïve subgroups: Isa-Pd demonstrated a high mPFS of 16.6 mo in dara-naïve pts and meaningful mPFS at first and subsequent relapse, including in difficult-to-treat len-refractory pts; mPFS was generally comparable to that of the overall effectiveness population. No new safety signals were observed compared with ICARIA-MM. However, the incidence of some AEs like infections was low, possibly due to the retrospective nature of the study. Funding: Sanofi.

Updated Results from a Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of Efficacy Outcomes of Isatuximab Plus Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone Versus Daratumumab Plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Findings from a previously conducted matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) between isatuximab plus carfilzomib with dexamethasone (IsaKd) and daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd) among relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients receiving one to three prior lines of therapy (LoT) demonstrated a significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) and a positive trend for overall survival (OS) in favor of IsaKd compared with DRd (median follow up of 20.7 months for IKEMA trial). Additionally, IsaKd demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with significantly lower rates of several treatment-emergent adverse events than DRd [Richter J et al, Cancer Med 2023;12(7):8005-8017; Richter J et al.(Publication Number 1962), 63 rd ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition, 2021; Richter J, et al. P-213, Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2021;21(Suppl 2):S156-S157]. The present study used longer follow-up data from the phase 3 IKEMA trial (NCT03275285) to update the previous MAIC evaluating the comparative efficacy of IsaKd versus DRd. Methods: A MAIC was performed with the latest available individual patient-level data (IPD) from the IKEMA trial (IsaKd arm, n = 179) (data cutoff: February 2023 for OS and January 2022 for PFS), and aggregate data from study publications of phase 3 POLLUX trial (DRd arm, n = 286, NCT02076009) [Bahlis NJ et al. Leukemia 2020;34(7):1875-1884; Dimopoulos MA et al. Hemasphere 2022;6:13]. Patients were selected from the IsaKd arm of the IKEMA trial to match the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the POLLUX trial. Individual patients from the IKEMA trial were then assigned weights such that (1) weighted mean baseline characteristics for patients in the IsaKd arm matched those reported for patients in the DRd arm, and (2) each patient's weight was equal to their estimated odds (propensity) of being in the POLLUX trial versus the IKEMA trial. After matching, outcomes were compared across the two trial populations. For PFS and OS, hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported from a Cox proportional hazards (PH) model using the weighted sample for IsaKd and the pseudo-IPD for DRd extracted from published Kaplan-Meier curves via digitization software [Mark M et al, Engauge Digitizer Software; http://markummitchell.github.io/engauge-digitizer]. For any violations of the PH assumption, the restricted mean survival time (RMST) at median follow-up of IKEMA for the outcome of interest was calculated instead. Results: After the MAIC adjustment, all available baseline characteristics were well balanced across the trial populations. For PFS, as the PH assumption was violated ( χ2 = 5.52, p = 0.019), RMST method was used to compare the two treatments. PFS was significantly better with IsaKd versus DRd (mean difference [95% CI]: 3.63 months [0.14-7.12]; p = 0.04) at 44 months follow-up using RMST method. For OS, the PH assumption ( χ2 = 0.89, p =0.35) was not violated. A numeric, statistically non-significant trend in favor of IsaKd versus DRd was observed for OS (Figure 1). Conclusions: This MAIC analysis demonstrated a significant benefit in PFS and a positive trend in the improvement of OS with IsaKd compared with that with DRd. These findings with a longer follow-up were consistent with the previous analyses conducted with a follow-up of 2 years. These data highlight the therapeutic potential of IsaKd, a lenalidomide-free regimen, in RRMM patients receiving one to three prior LoT compared with a lenalidomide-based regimen.

Updated Results from a Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of Efficacy Outcomes for Isatuximab Plus Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone Versus Daratumumab Plus Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Findings from a previously conducted matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) between isatuximab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone (IsaPd) and daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DaraPd) among relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients receiving at least two prior lines of therapy (LoT) including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor (PI) demonstrated a significantly better overall survival (OS) and a positive trend for progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and very good partial response or better (≥VGPR) rates with IsaPd than that with DaraPd, with a similar safety profile for both treatments [Leleu X et al, Value in Health 2022;25(1):S39]. The present study used longer follow-up data from the phase 3 ICARIA trial (NCT02990338) to update the previous MAIC, evaluating the comparative efficacy of IsaPd versus DaraPd. Methods: A MAIC was performed with the latest available individual patient-level data (IPD) from the ICARIA trial (IsaPd arm, n = 154; Pd arm, n = 153), data cutoff of March 14, 2022, and aggregate data from study publications of the phase 3 APOLLO trial (DaraPd arm, n = 151; Pd arm, n = 153, NCT03180736) [Dimopoulos MA, et al. Blood 2022;140 (Suppl 1):7272-7274; Dimopoulos MA, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2021;22(6):801-812; Dimopoulos MA, et al. Blood 2020;136(Suppl 1):5-6]. To match patients with APOLLO, patients in ICARIA who did not meet the inclusion criteria of APOLLO were excluded. In APOLLO, 11% patients received only one prior LoT. As patients with one prior LoT were not enrolled in ICARIA, it was not feasible to match on this factor; however, the treatment effect of DaraPd versus Pd on PFS among these patients was similar to patients in APOLLO with ≥2 prior LoTs. Therefore, this difference in study populations is unlikely to bias the MAIC. Remaining patients in ICARIA were then weighted using standardized MAIC weights (mean value = 1.0) generated using the method of moments, with active treatment and control arms matched separately to ensure any residual imbalances between active and control arms in APOLLO were replicated in the matched ICARIA sample. Anchored MAICs for the hazard ratio (HR) for OS and PFS, odds ratio (OR) for ORR, and ≥VGPR for IsaPd versus DaraPd were calculated using the Bucher method [Bucher HC, et al. J Clin Epidemiol. 1997;50(6):683-691]. Results: MAIC weighting was able to match all characteristics included in the matching algorithm, with standardized mean difference (SMDs) <0.0001 after weighting. The effective sample size after weighting was 28.1 for IsaPd and 43.1 for Pd. Based on an anchored MAIC, OS was significantly better with IsaPd versus DaraPd (HR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.24-0.98]; p = 0.04) (Figure 1). A numerical trend in favor of IsaPd versus DaraPd was observed for PFS, ORR, and ≥VGPR, although the differences were statistically non-significant (Table 1). Conclusions: This MAIC analysis demonstrated a significant benefit in OS and a positive trend in the improvement of PFS, ORR, and ≥VGPR in favor of IsaPd compared with DaraPd. These findings were consistent with the previous MAIC with a longer follow-up data (present analysis used a maximum follow-up of 4.5 years of OS data from both trials, whereas the previous analysis used a follow-up of 3 years from ICARIA and unknown from APOLLO), which highlights the therapeutic potential of IsaPd in RRMM, particularly for patients who become refractory to lenalidomide and a PI.

Inhibiting FOXM1 Sensitizes Myeloma Cells to BCL2 Inhibitor Venetoclax By Repressing MYC Pathway

Background: Despite improved 5-year survival in multiple myeloma (MM), relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) remains a big challenge. Forkhead box transcription factor FOXM1 is a key regulator of metabolism and cell cycle progression in RRMM. FOXM1 is highly expressed in OPM2 and Delta47 cells compared to 9 other myeloma cell lines. Inhibiting FOXM1 function by deleting the FOXM1 gene or using the small-molecule FOXM1 inhibitor, NB73, suppresses OPM2 and Delta47 cells in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that FOXM1-targeted inhibition of RRMM may be deepened by combining NB73 with established or candidate myeloma drugs. Materials and methods: We used 3 tools to develop FOXM1-targeted combinatorial therapies by: (1) combining NB73 with 6 widely used myeloma drugs; (2) repurposing screens of cancer drugs in FOXM1-knockout (FOXM1 KO) vs FOXM1-proficient (FOXM1 WT) OPM2 cells; and (3) combining NB73 with compounds recommended by CMap analysisof FOXM1 KO vs FOXM1 WTcells. RNA seq analysis was used to elucidate pathways underlying drug synergy. Results: We adopted ZIP drug synergy scoring assay to examine the interactions between NB73 and the 6 myeloma drugs in MM cells. ZIP score takes the merits of both Loewe score that appraises drugs targeting the same pathway and Bliss score that appraises drugs targeting different pathways. Venetoclax, a BCL2 inhibitor treating MM with t(11;14) translocation, synergized with NB73 in killing OPM2 and Delta47 cells. In contrast, taking advantage of FOXM1 WT and FOXM1 KO MM cells, we conducted repurposing screens of FDA-approved anti-cancer drug library (NCI AOD X) in these cells. We identified Dasatinib and Panobinostat that killed FOXM1 KO OPM2 cells much more than FOXM1 WT cells. We also identified 3 drugs from the repurposing screens in FOXM1 WT and FOXM1 KO Delta47 cells. Thirdly, CMap, a large-scale compendium of functional perturbations in cultured human cells coupled to a gene expression read-out, implicated a synergy between NB73 and Thapsigargin that was verified by ZIP drug synergy scoring assay. Collectively, we have identified a total of 7 drugs (6 FDA-approved) synergizing with NB73 in killing OPM2 and/or Delta47 cells in which FOXM1 is highly expressed. Since Venetoclax is a current myeloma drug, we have focused on how inhibiting FOXM1 sensitizes MM cells to Venetoclax. Firstly, we showed the synergy between NB73 and Venetoclax in inducing apoptosis in OPM2 and Delta47 cells. We used the experimental condition in apoptosis assay to treat OPM2 cells for RNA sequencing study. Principal Component Analysis of RNA seq data indicated that the clusters of NB73 and the combo were well separated from each other and from the clusters of DMSO and Venetoclax. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of these 4 groups presented many changes in tumor-associated pathways. Pathways regulated by a single drug ( e.g. MYC, p53, IFN-α) were further aggravated by the combo. Pathways ( e.g. Apoptosis) were not enriched by NB73 or Venetoclax, but enriched by the combo. Hyperactivation of MYC pathway is prevalent in MM. The combo significantly repressed MYC, PLK1, CCNA2 and CDC20 in MYC pathway through several mechanisms. For example, both NB73 and Venetoclax decreased MYC RNA, and the combo further lowered MYC, showing a “sum-up” effect. In contrast, the single drug lightly increased CDC20, but the combo significantly decreased it, presenting a “ de novo” effect. Since these 4 genes are important tumor promoters and inhibiting any one markedly represses tumor growth, we are addressing how the combo inhibits them. Ongoing experiments: We transplanted OPM2 cells into NSG mice and established the MM xenograft for in vivo test. NB73 is being given via sub-Q and Venetoclax is being given via oral gavage (n=5/group, 4 groups). The tumor burden will be monitored by live imaging every 2 weeks because OPM2 cells express Luciferase and the survival curve will be drawn. We are recruiting MM patients for bone marrow cells in order to develop a simplified protocol of culturing MM cells ex vivo that will be used to test new drug combinations targeting FOXM1 or other molecular vulnerabilities in MM. Conclusion: We identified FOXM1-targeted therapies consisting of novel FOXM1 inhibitor NB73 and FDA-approved drugs in vitro. We are addressing how the combo represses MYC pathway to sensitize MM cells to BCL2 inhibitor Venetoclax.

Safety and Efficacy of Bortezomib-Pomalidomide-Dexamethasone (VPD) As Novel Induction Therapy in Newly-Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Updated Data from an Ongoing Single Arm Phase-II Investigator- Initiated Clinical Trial (PRIME Study)

Introduction: Pomalidomide is a third-generation immunomodulatory drug approved for relapsed and/or refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM). In a phase 3 OPTIMISMM trial, Pomalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone demonstrated superior efficacy in patients with RRMM. PRIME study (CTRI/2019/10/021618) is testing Bortezomib, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone combination in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM). Initial data of 26 patients was presented as abstract in 63rd ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition. Current abstract is reporting the results of 46 patients with a longer follow up of this ongoing study. Objectives: Primary objective is to determine the efficacy of VPD regimen by measuring Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) assessment by flow-cytometry after 9 cycles of VPD. Secondary objectives are to determine response rates, PFS and safety of the regimen Methods: A prospective, single arm, phase II study from a tertiary care center. Both transplant eligible and ineligible patients with NDMM aged between 18-70 years as defined by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) are being recruited in the study. The regimen consists of weekly Bortezomib 1.3mg/sq m, Pomalidomide 2 - 4mg once daily for 21days and Dexamethasone 20mg twice weekly, in a 28 days cycle for 9-12 cycles. Transplant patients planned for 9 cycles and non-transplant patients for 12 cycles of VPD. Eligible patients underwent High dose chemotherapy followed by Autologous HCT after 4-6 cycles of VPD. After Auto HCT 3-5 cycles of VPD given as consolidation therapy. After 9-12 cycles of VPD maintenance treatment given as per institutional practice. A 2-tube 8-colour antibody panel was used for MRD analysis using Flowcytometry (BD FACS CANTO-II) and analysed on Kaluza version. 1.3 software. A valve of < 0.001% was considered as MRD negative. Results: In this ongoing study, out of the proposed 50 patients, 46 patients were enrolled between April 2020 to June 2023. Median follow up is 24.5 months. The median age was 55 years (38-70), and gender ratio 1:1. At disease presentation, bone lesions was the commonest (91.3%, n 42) finding. The most common myeloma subtype was IgG Kappa in 43.5% (n 20). High risk cytogenetics were seen in 43.5% (n 20) and 43.5% (n 20) of patients were in RISS stage III (Table 1). Out of 46 patients 41 (89.1%) have completed 4 cycles and 30 (65.2%) patients have completed 9 cycles of VPD till last follow up (June, 2023). One patient had withdrawn consent, two patients were out of study due to increasing peripheral neuropathy (Grade 3). Five deaths occurred, 2 post cycle 8 and 3 after cycle 9. Four deaths were due to infections (COVID 19 and bacterial) and one due to progressive disease. Five patients underwent auto HCT (between Cycle 4 to 6). No patient failed stem cell mobilization, 2 patients required plerixafor in addition to G-CSF for mobilization. Table-1 shows drug-induced toxicity and response rates. Hematological toxicities were the commonest followed by fever, infections and skin rash. Majority of nonhematological adverse events were grade 1 to 2 and protocol was well tolerated. Protocol adherence was 97.8% (45/46 patients). After 4 cycles (n 43), 13 (30.2%) patients were in stringent complete response (sCR), 2(4.7%) in CR, 24 (55.8%) in very good partial response (VGPR) and 2 (4.7%) in partial response. After 9 cycles (n 35), 16 (45.7%) patients were in sCR, 2(5.7%) in CR and 11 (31.4%) in VGPR. Two (5.7%) patients had progressive disease (PD) and 3 patients were out of study due to consent withdrawn and toxicity. After 4 cycles of VPD 21 (48.8%) patients were MRD negative and MRD negative rate improved after 9 cycles to 74.3% (26 patients). Two years Progression Free survival (PFS) was 77.2% +/- 7.7% (Figure 1), disease free survival was 90.3% +/- 5.3% and overall survival (OS) was 83.1% +/- 7%. Conclusion: Safety data from the PRIME study demonstrates that VPD regimen has a favorable tolerance profile in patients with NDMM and no clinically significant impact on stem cell mobilization or engraftment. Early efficacy signals are encouraging, and recruitment continued. VPD has shown improved depth of response (MRD negativity) and overall response rate. Early follow up results shows promising PFS and OS results. VPD may be a promising induction regimen instead of Dara VRD in resource constrain setting where Daratumumab is not readily accessible. Phase 3 randomized trials are the way forward to its clinical use in frontline setting.

Modakafusp Alfa Demonstrates Type I Interferon-Mediated Innate and Adaptive Immune Enhancement in a Phase 1/2 Study in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)

Modakafusp alfa (moda), a novel immunocytokine, is an innate immunity enhancer comprising two attenuated interferon (IFN) α2b molecules fused to an anti-CD38 IgG4 monoclonal antibody backbone, driving preferential IFNα signalling in CD38-expressing innate and adaptive immune cells as well as myeloma cells. Here, we present pharmacodynamic (PD) data from the first-in-human Phase 1/2 study of moda as a monotherapy in patients with RRMM (iinnovate-1; NCT03215030). A total of 37 patients treated with moda at 1.5 or 3 mg/kg every 4 weeks were included in the analysis. Peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples were collected during screening or pre-dose on cycle 1 day 1 (C1D1) and at multiple timepoints after treatment. BM and PB samples were evaluated by cytometry time of flight (CyTOF) and bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to assess pharmacodynamic changes in immune cell populations, cell activation, and gene expression. Administration of moda led to enhanced innate immune cell activation and cytotoxic function as demonstrated by increased proportions of CD69+ and granzyme B+ in peripheral NK cells analyzed by CyTOF. This was accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of TIGIT+ NK cells, indicating reduced inhibitory signaling. Furthermore, enhanced proliferation (%Ki67+) of NK cells was observed in both BM and PB. Moda also impacted myeloid cell populations in BM and PB. Dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes in PB showed increased surface expression of the co-stimulatory molecule CD86, suggesting a potential for enhanced antigen presentation and co-stimulation ability. Increased proliferation (%Ki67) of DCs and monocytes was detected in both PB and BM, accompanied by a decrease in numbers of peripheral DCs which may indicate recruitment or homing to secondary lymphoid organs. Additionally, RNAseq analysis revealed that treatment with moda led to upregulation of CD68 expression in both PB and BM, indicating a proinflammatory M1 macrophage type response. Finally, CyTOF analysis also indicated that moda significantly impacted adaptive immunity. We observed enhanced activation (%CD69, %PD1 and %CD40L) and cytotoxic function (%granzyme B) of peripheral CD8 T cells, and increased CD8 T cell proliferation (%Ki67 CD8) in both PB and BM samples. Enhanced activation of peripheral CD4 T cells (%CD69, %CD40L) was also detected. Consistent with activation of the adaptive immune system, there was a reduction in naïve CD8 T cells accompanied by an increase in CD8 T effector memory cells in PB. Analysis of exhaustion markers (TIGIT, PD-1) in cycle 1 (C1D8, C1D15, and C2D1 predose) showed that moda did not induce CD8 T cell exhaustion in either PB or BM, and there was no change in FoxP3+ Treg cells. Moda-induced innate and adaptive immune cell phenotypic changes were evaluated for correlation with clinical response at timepoints with sufficient number of evaluable samples. While none of the associations were statistically significant after correcting for multiplicity testing (using the false discovery rate method), we observed trends warranting further investigation. There was a greater increase of CD40L+ NK cells and PD1+ CD8 cells in responders vs. non-responders at C1D2. Additionally, at C1D15 responders showed a lower increase in proliferation (%Ki67+) of classical monocytes, NK cells, and myeloid DCs in PBas compared to non-responders. A similar trend was also observed in the BM classical monocytes. Even though the peak of Ki67 expression was observed at C1D8, diminished increases of proliferating cells at C1D15 in responders was a surprising observation that needs further consideration. The PD biomarker data from this first-in-human clinical trial demonstrated that treatment with moda enhances both innate and adaptive immune cell activation in PB and BM. Importantly, moda-mediated immune activation did not result in T cell exhaustion during cycle 1, as evaluated in both PB and BM. We have observed interesting trends of immune phenotypic changes that may correlate with response. Follow-up analyses of the correlation of biomarkers with clinical response are in progress and will be presented. Further clinical trials are underway (iinnovate-2, NCT05556616; iinnovate-3, NCT05590377) to evaluate moda's novel immune activating mechanism in combination with standard of care anti-myeloma therapies.

Phase I Clinical Study of Humanized BCMA-Single-Domain Antibodies-Targeting CAR T (BCMA-CART) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Background:The CAR structure adopted by CART-BCMA is composed of a single-domain antibody targeting BCMA, CD8 hinge region, transmembrane region, 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain, and CD3-ζ T cell activation domain. In the phase I clinical study (NCT05346198) carried out in China, the safety and efficacy of CART-BCMA were initially evaluated through the dose escalation + dose expansion design, and the recommended dose (RD dose) for follow-up studies was determined as well. Method:Enrolled patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) had previously received at least 3 lines of therapy including at least one proteasome inhibitor and one immune modulator. After lymphatic preconditioning chemotherapy (program: fludarabine 30mg/m 2/d and cyclophosphamide 300mg/m 2/d, -5, -4, -3, for 3 consecutive days), all patients received a single dose of CART-BCMA at 2.5×10 6, 5×10 6 and 7.5×10 6 CAR-positive T cells/kg (subject body weight), according to the dose level in which they were enrolled. R esults :Up to June 26, 2023, a total of 15 cases of RRMM received 2.5×10 6 CAR-positive T cells/kg (n=3), 5×10 6 CAR-positive T cells/kg (n=11) or 7.5×10 6 CAR-positive T cells/kg (n=1) dose level of CART-BCMA cell infusion therapy on the basis of the dose level in which they were enrolled. The median follow-up time was 14.42 months (range: 10.2-26.6 months). The median age of the subjects was 63.0 years old (range: 36-73 years old) (Table 1), 73.3% of the subjects (n=11) had previously received ≥4 lines of multiple myeloma therapy, and the median line of treatment was 5 lines (range: 3-9 lines), among which, 2 subjects (13.3%) had previously received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 4 subjects (26.7%) had relapsed/refractory diseases after previous treatment with proteasome inhibitors, immune modulators and CD38 monoclonal antibodies (three-drug relapsed/refractory). Nine subjects (60.0%) had high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities according to sMART 3.0 criteria, and 6 subjects (40.0%) had extramedullary plasmacytoma. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were hematological toxicity, including decreased neutrophil count (n=13, 86.7%), decreased white blood cell count (n=12, 80.0%), decreased lymphocyte count (n=10, 66.7%), anemia (n=8, 53.3%), decreased platelet count (n=4, 26.7%). The first patient in the 7.5×10 6 CAR-positive T cells/kg dose group had a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) event of grade 4 platelet count decrease, and no DLT event occurred in the other low-dose groups (2.5 and 5×10 6 CAR-positive T cells/kg). All 15 patients (100.0%) developed grade 1-2 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), no grade ≥3 CRS occurred, and the median time to CRS was 2.0 days (range: 1-13 days) , with a median duration of 7.0 days (range: 2 to 17 days). After the occurrence of CRS, all patients recovered without sequelae after supportive treatment, and 6 patients (40%) received tocilizumab (3 subjects received 2 doses, 3 subjects received 1 dose), 4 patients (26.7%) used glucocorticoids. There was no event of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and no death event occurred. The median time to the first response (TTR) of the patients was 0.953 months (range: 0.92 to 2.23 months). All 15 patients who received CART-BCMA infusion achieved remission, and the overall remission rate (ORR) ( At least achieve PR or better efficacy) was 100% (95%CI, 78.20%-100.00%), as shown in Figure 1, among which, the best response of 9 patients (60%) was strict complete remission ( sCR), 5 patients (33.3%) achieved very good partial response (VGPR), and 1 patient (6.7%) achieved PR. All sCR patients achieved MRD negativity. The ORR of 6 patients with extramedullary plasmacytoma was 100%, of which 2 achieved sCR and 4 achieved VGPR. Notably, gradual deepening of remission was observed in 12 patients (80%), of which 10 patients (66.7%) further deepened the depth of remission on days 60-90 after infusion, and 2 patients (13.3%) were assessed sCR at day 360. Conclusion:Data from this phase 1 clinical study showed that CART-BCMA is well tolerated and highly efficacious in patients with RRMM. Patients with extramedullary plasmacytoma had the comparable response to those without extramedullary diseases. Notably, 12 patients (80%) patients elicted deeper response after 3 months of CART-BCMA infusion

Cardiovascular Toxicity after Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Combination Chemotherapy in the Real-World 364 Asian Multiple Myeloma Patients on Behalf of the Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party (KMM2201 study)

Background: Carfilzomib, a selective and irreversible epoxyketone proteasome inhibitor (PI), in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd) significantly improved the survival of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients as well as newly diagnosed MM patients. The major dose-limiting toxicity of carfilzomib, cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE), have been reported in a variety of studies, which necessitates cautious risk management for patients who are treated with carfilzomib-based combination regimen. By far, the incidence and risk factors, as well as the outcome of CVAE in a large cohort of Asian patients after KRd regimen is lacking. Patient and method: Retrospective data of 364 RRMM patients who have received KRd regimen for RRMM in 21 centers participating in the Korean multiple myeloma working party (KMMWP) between February, 2018 and October, 2020, was analyzed. 41% of the patient was trial-ineligible, which was defined by patient-, disease-, and treatment-related features that were insufficient to meet the eligibility criteria for ASPIRE trial. CVAE was defined by dyspnea, hypertension (HTN), congestive heart failure (CHF), ischemic heart disease (IHD), arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Time to onset of CVAE was defined by the first date of KRd therapy to the onset date of first CVAE. Results: The median age was 63 years (range, 28-85). CVAEs were observed in 16% of total analyzed patients after a median 9 months (range, 0-36 months) of KRd treatment, among which 3 patients (1%) showed fatal CVAEs. More specifically, dyspnea, HTN, CHF, IHD, arrhythmias, and VTE occurred in 11%, 3%, 3%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of the patients after a median of 9, 21, 16, 31, 8, and 16 months after KRd therapy. CVAE resulted in dose reduction and discontinuation of carfilzomib in 13 (4%) and 14 patients (4%), respectively. 5 patients (1%) discontinued KRd treatment due to any CVAE. By univariate analysis, among the factors affecting the cardiovascular events, such as age ≥75 years, ECOG performance status ≥ 3, creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min, Hb < 8g/dL, diabetes mellitus, HTN, underlying heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, prior bortezomib, thalidomide, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide therapy, and autologous stem cell transplantation, HTN was the only factor that significantly affected the occurrence of CVAEs after KRd therapy (odds ratio 1.877, 95% confidence interval, 1.025-3.440, P=0.041). CVAEs after KRd regimen did not affect progression-free or overall survival in the study cohort (Figure1A, and 1B). Conclusion: The incidence of CVAE after KRd therapy in this large cohort of real-world Asian RRMM patients was comparable with previous prospective and retrospective studies. Cardiovascular event after carfilzomib-based regimen did not affect progression-free or overall survival in RRMM patients. The recognition and management of underlying HTN has the utmost importance amongst the CV risk factors to mitigate CVAE in the Asian RRMM patients treated with KRd regimen. Acknowledgement This study would not have been possible without the collaboration of the Korean multiple myeloma working party. We especially thank the patients, families, caregivers who participated in this study. This work was supported by Amgen.

Vactosertib, a Novel TGFb Type I Receptor Kinase Inhibitor, Improves T-Cell Fitness:a Single-Arm, Phase 1b Trial in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

The prognosis for Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients (pts) has improved substantially over the past two decades with the success of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) that broke the circulus vitiosus of tumor-induced immunosuppression to reengage the immune system. Functional blockade of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF) signaling pathway improves the efficacy of cytotoxic and immune therapies, therefore we investigator the impact of TGF-inhibition in an steroid free regimn. Methods: We conducted a phase 1b study to determine the safety, efficacy, and maximal tolerated dose (200 mg po bid) of the potent, orally-available TGF type I receptor kinase inhibitor vactosertib in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) pts who had received -2 lines of chemoimmunotherapy in combination with standard dosage of Pomalidomide without any corticosteroids. Results: Twenty one pts were enrolled in the phase 1b dose escalation cohort and received vactosertib plus pomalidomide as indicated (Fig. 1A). Pts' characteristics are described in Table 1The summary of grade 1-4 adverse events is shown (Table 2). A single grade 4 elevated bilirubin (5%) and a single grade 4 elevated lipase (5%) were observed as well as four grade 4 events of decreased neutrophils (19%). Four pts demonstrated a PR, two had a MR, nine had SD and four had disease progression (Fig. 1B). The median time to response for all pts and the responders eight weeks and median duration of response was ~12 weeks. The best overall response for individual pts to treatment is shown (Fig. 1C). Clinical activity was observed across all four dose levels (Table 3). To probe the tumor intrinsic anti-myeloma activity of vactosertib, we first determined the relative effect of vactosertib compared to the IMiDs pomalidomide and lenalidomide (Fig. 2A, B). The effect of vactosertib was greater than that observed with either lenalidomide or pomalidomide. MMCLs and patient CD138 + cells were then treated with vactosertib in combination with pomalidomide, and importantly, vactosertib with pomalidomide synergistically reduced myeloma viability (Fig. 3A). We next probed the systemic, tumor extrinsic effects of vactosertib by analyzing cytokines immune and tumor cells present within patient BM samples. (Fig. 4A). (Fig. 4B). Therefore, we explored the immunophenotype of CD8 + T-cells isolated from patient BM prior to and at the EOT. The relative percentage of T-cells that expressed the immunosuppressive markers programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) was reduced following treatment relative to their expression prior to treatment (Fig. 4C). Results indicated that vactosertib and pomalidomide treatment in vivo reduced PD-1, TIM3, BTLA and CTLA-4 expression on patient CD8 + T-cells. Next, CD8 + T-cells were isolated from patient peripheral blood and cultured in the presence of TGF-1, vactosertib, pomalidomide, or vactosertib plus pomalidomide (Fig. 5B). Treatment of patient CD8 + T-cells with vactosertib decreased PD-1 expression up to 40% and decreased TIM3 expression up to 65%. Pomalidomide alone did not significantly reduce PD-1, TIM3, BTLA, or LAG-3 on patient CD8 + T-cells. Vactosertib and pomalidomide also reduced TIM3 levels on CD8 + T-cells from most pts. (Fig. 5C, D). (Fig. 5 G, H). Results indicated that vactosertib or pomalidomide did not increase CD138 + cell death (Fig. 5I). Conclusion: Vactosertib combined with pomalidomide was well-tolerated at all doses, had a manageable adverse event profile and induced durable responses with 80% progression-free survival (PFS-6) at 6 months, Vactosertib reduced TGF- in patient bone marrow and suppressed PD-1 expression on CD8 + T-cells and lead to reduction of PD-L1/PD-L2 expression on CD138 + cells and enhanced autologous T-cell cytotoxicity. Taken together, our results support the safety and efficacy of vactosertib to treat RRMM and revealed that vactosertib modulates the T-cell immunophenotype and reinvigorates T-cell fitness.

BCMA-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma.

Recently, many new therapies have improved the outcomes of patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Nevertheless, recurrence is still unavoidable, and better treatment choices for RRMM are urgently needed. The clinical success of Chimera antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in many hematological diseases, including leukemia and lymphoma, has drawn considerable attention to RRMM. As CAR T cell therapy continues to mature and challenge traditional therapies, it is gradually changing the treatment paradigm for MM patients. The B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), expressed in malignant plasma cells but not normal ones, is an ideal target for MM treatment, due to its high expression. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved two BCMA-targeting CAR T cell products, idecabtagene vicleucel (Ide-cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Cilta-cel), for use in RRMM. In this review, we focus on data from RRMM patients involved in clinical trials of Ide-cel and Cilta-cel and discuss the present situation and future direction of CAR T cell therapy for this condition.

Real-world treatment outcomes of carfilzomib plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, focusing on the impact of trial-fitness: CAtholic REsearch network for Multiple Myeloma study (CAREMM-2203).

Carfilzomib plus dexamethasone (Kd) is widely used in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, the treatment outcomes of Kd, especially in trial-unfit patients, have not been extensively studied in the real-world setting. We analyzed the outcomes of 152 RRMM patients who received Kd at our hospitals from April 2018 to March 2022. At the commencement of Kd, patients received a median of two (range 1-7) lines of prior anti-myeloma therapy. According to the ENDEAVOR study criteria, 93 (61.2%) and 59 (38.8%) patients were classified as the trial-fit and the trial-unfit group, respectively. The overall response (OR) rate for the entire cohort was 71.1% (95% CI 63.2-78.1%). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 5.6months (95% CI 3.9-6.9months) and 24.0months (95% CI 13.4-38.0months), respectively. There was no significant difference in the OR rate between the trial-fit and the trial-unfit groups (76.3% vs. 62.7%; P = 0.105). However, the median PFS (3.6months vs. 7.3months; P < 0.001) and OS (15.0 vs. 36.8months; P = 0.009) were significantly shorter in the trial-unfit group. On multivariate analysis, trial-fitness (unfit vs. fit) remained a significant covariate influencing the TRM (HR: 4.84, 95% CI 1.66-14.06; P = 0.004) and PFS (HR: 1.82, 95% CI 1.27-2.62; P = 0.001). Our data suggest that the treatment outcomes of Kd are acceptable in the real-world setting with significant differences between the trial-fit and the trial-unfit groups, although they are relatively inferior to those of a pivotal trial.

P-047 Trial in progress: an open-label, multicenter, phase 1 study for IGM-2644 in participants with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)

P-047 Trial in progress: an open-label, multicenter, phase 1 study for IGM-2644 in participants with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)

Real-world effectiveness of ixazomib combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: the REMIX study

Ixazomib (IXA) is an oral proteasome inhibitor (PI) used in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (IXA-Rd) for patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The REMIX study is one of the largest prospective, real-world analysis of the effectiveness of IXA-Rd in the setting of RRMM. Conducted in France between August 2017 and October 2019, the REMIX study, a non-interventional prospective study, included 376 patients receiving IXA-Rd in second line or later and followed for at least 24 months. Primary endpoint was the median progression-free survival (mPFS). Median age was 71 years (Q1-Q3 65.0 – 77.5) with 18.4% of participants older than 80 years. IXA-Rd was initiated in L2, L3 and L4 + for 60.4%, 18.1% and 21.5%, respectively. mPFS was 19.1 months (95% CI [15.9, 21.5]) and overall response rate (ORR) was 73.1%. mPFS was 21.5, 21.9 and 5.8 months in patients receiving IXA-Rd as L2, L3, L4 + respectively. Among patients receiving IXA-Rd in L2 and L3, mPFS was similar for patients previously exposed to lenalidomide (19.5 months) than for those lenalidomide naive (not exposed, 22.6 months, p = 0.29). mPFS was 19.1 months in patients younger than 80 years and 17.4 months in those 80 years or older (p = 0.06) with similar ORR (72.4% and 76.8%) in both subgroups. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 78.2% of patients including 40.7% of treatment-related AE. IXA discontinuation was due to toxicity in 21% of patients. To conclude, the results of the REMIX study are consistent with the results of Tourmaline-MM1 and confirm the benefit of IXA-Rd combination in real life. It shows the interest of IXA-Rd in an older and frailer population, with an acceptable effectiveness and tolerance.

Efficacy and safety of 40 mg vs 60 mg once weekly selinexor in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

e20006 Background: Selinexor (SEL) is an oral exportin 1 inhibitor approved with low-dose dexamethasone ± bortezomib in patients (pts) with previously treated multiple myeloma (MM). Prior studies have reported an overall response rate (ORR) of 28% and a median progression free survival (mPFS) of 3.7 mos to pomalidomide + low dose dexamethasone (Pd) in pts with MM refractory to both bortezomib and lenalidomide. Methods: We analyzed data of pts with RRMM treated with SEL + Pd (SPd) in the Phase 1b/2 STOMP and XPORT-MM-028 clinical trials. SEL 60 mg or 40 mg QW was given with pomalidomide 4 mg QD (days 1-21) and dexamethasone 40 mg weekly in 28-day cycles. Efficacy and safety of the combination were analyzed. Results: As of Sept 6, 2022, 28 pts with a median of 2.0 prior treatment lines (mLOT) and 20 pts with 2.5 mLOT were enrolled in the SPd-40 cohort and SPd-60 cohort, respectively. Among pts treated with SPd-40 and SPd-60, 93% and 75% had MM refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI), 75% and 85% had MM refractory to an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), and 43% and 20% had triple-class refractory MM refractory to an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (αCD38 mAb), a PI and an IMiD, respectively. Prior exposure to αCD38 mAbs was reported in 57% and 30% of pts in the SPd-40 and SPd-60 cohorts, respectively. Median duration of exposure in the SPd-40 vs SPd-60 cohorts was 28 vs 22 wks, respectively. Higher ORR and rate of pts with ≥very good partial response (VGPR) were observed for SPd-60 vs SPd-40 (ORR: 65% vs 50%; ≥VGPR: 30% vs 25%), but the PFS was numerically longer for SPd-40 vs SPd-60 (mPFS in mos: not reached [95% CI, 6.5-NE] after median follow-up of 1 year vs 9.5 mos [95% CI, 7.6-NE]; 9-mo PFS probability: 0.59 [95% CI, 0.41-0.85] vs 0.52 [95% CI, 0.29-0.94]. Across both doses among patients previously treated with αCD38 mAbs (n = 22), mPFS was 8.9 mos (95% CI, 6.5-NE). For the 27 responders across both doses, median time to response was 1.0 mo (95% CI, 1-2) and median duration of response was 21.8 mos (95% CI, 8.6-NE). Common hematologic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) included (all grades: SPd-40 vs SPd-60) neutropenia (68% vs 75%, with one case of grade 3 febrile neutropenia in each cohort), anemia (39% vs 65%) and thrombocytopenia (43% vs 45%). No high-grade hemorrhages were observed. Non-hematologic TEAEs were generally transient and reversible, including fatigue (43% vs 75%), nausea (32% vs 70%) and diarrhea (25% vs 35%). Conclusions: The all-oral combination of SEL + Pd in pts with RRMM showed signs of preliminary efficacy and was generally tolerable in these cohorts. Most TEAEs, including nausea, occurred at lower frequency in the 40 mg cohort. Although a higher 60 mg QW SEL dose may be associated with a higher ORR, mPFS correlated with longer duration of treatment and is numerically longer for pts treated with the 40 mg dose, suggesting that clinical benefit is optimized at the lower 40 mg dose. Clinical trial information: NCT02343042 , NCT04414475 .

A review of the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of selinexor in multiple myeloma

In recent years, the armamentarium of routinely available treatments for relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in Canada has dramatically expanded, but treatment gaps still exist. In early relapse (1-3 prior lines), monoclonal antibody (mAb) combinations on a backbone of lenalidomide or bortezomib (e.g. DRd, DVd) have been the mainstay, with combinations building on second generation backbones such as pomalidomide and carfilzomib (e.g. PCd, PVd, Kd) largely reserved for later relapse (after 2 prior lines). However, the increasing use of multi-class drug combinations in the frontline (e.g. DRd, RVd) and a shift towards ongoing therapy until progression, renders patients heavily drug-exposed and refractory at time of early relapse, needful of treatments with novel mechanisms of action. Selinexor is poised to fill an unmet need with a unique, non-overlapping mechanism of action to other available agents. XPOVIO® (selinexor) is indicated in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy. SVd received Health Canada approval May 31, 2022. This review will present data on selinexor’s mechanism of action, efficacy in combination with dexamethasone and bortezomib (Sd, SVd), dosing and scheduling, as well as the management of its common and distinct toxicities.

Matching-adjusted indirect comparison of isatuximab plus carfilzomib and dexamethasone with daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed multiple myeloma.

Lenalidomide-based regimens are commonly used for early relapse in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving at least one prior line of therapy. In the absence of head-to-head comparison, matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) was conducted to demonstrate efficacy and safety of isatuximab+carfilzomib+dexamethasone (Isa-Kd) versus daratumumab + lenalidomide + dexamethasone (Dara-Rd) in RRMM. Patient-level data from IKEMA trial (Isa-Kd, n=179) were matched to aggregate data from POLLUX (Dara-Rd, n=286). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were generated by weighted Cox proportional hazard models. Odds ratios (OR), 95% CI, and p-value were calculated for ≥very good partial response (≥VGPR) and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). After matching, no significant differences were observed between Isa-Kd and Dara-Rd in baseline characteristics except for patients with >3 prior lines (0.0% vs. 4.9%). Isa-Kd showed significantly better PFS (HR [95% CI]: 0.46 [0.24-0.86]; p=0.0155), statistically non-significant improvement favoring Isa-Kd in OS (0.47 [0.20-1.09]; 0.0798), and ≥VGPR (OR [95% CI]: 1.53 [0.89-2.64]; p=0.1252) than Dara-Rd. Odds of occurrence were significantly lower for some all-grade and grade 3/4 TEAEs with Isa-Kd than Dara-Rd. These results support Isa-Kd as an efficacious treatment for early relapse in non-lenalidomide refractory patients.

Survey of patients and physicians on shared decision-making in treatment selection in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a key component of patient-centered healthcare. SDM is particularly pertinent in the relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) setting, in which numerous treatment options can present challenges for identifying optimal care. However, few studies have assessed the extent and relevance of SDM and patient-centered communication (PCC) in RRMM. To describe treatment decision-making patterns between physicians and patients in the RRMM setting, we conducted online surveys of patients and physicians in the USA to compare their perspectives on the process of treatment decision-making. We analyzed the surveys descriptively. Two hundred hematologists/oncologists and 200 patients with RRMM receiving second-line (n = 89), third-line (n = 65), and fourth-line (n = 46) therapy participated. Top treatment goals for physicians and patients included extending overall survival (among 76% and 83% of physicians and patients, respectively) and progression-free survival (among 54% and 77% of physicians and patients, respectively), regardless of the number of prior relapses. Thirty percent of physicians believed patients preferred a shared approach to treatment decision-making, while 40% of patients reported most often preferring a shared role in treatment decision-making. One-fourth of patients most often preferred physicians to make the final treatment decision after seriously considering their opinion. Thirty-two percent of physicians and 16% of patients recalled ≥3 treatment options presented at first relapse. Efficacy was a primary treatment goal for patients and physicians. Discrepancies in their perceptions during RRMM treatment decision-making exist, indicating that communication tools are needed to facilitate SDM and PCC.