Transplant-eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Research Articles

Navigating High-Risk and Ultrahigh-Risk Multiple Myeloma: Challenges and Emerging Strategies.

Despite significant improvement in the outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) with novel therapies, there is still an underserved high-risk (HR) population that experiences early disease progression and death. With the median survival crossing 10 years, we defined ultrahigh-risk (uHR)MM as MM leading to death within 24-36 months of diagnosis and HRMM as MM leading to death within 36-60 months. Several features have emerged as markers of uHRMM: the co-occurrence of two or more high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, extramedullary disease, plasma cell leukemia and a high-risk gene expression profiling signature. The heterogeneous risk definition across trials, the few trials available designed for HR patients, and the small HR subgroups in all-comers trials make it difficult to generate recommendations with high levels of evidence. Nevertheless, regardless of treatment administered, several studies consistently showed that achieving and maintaining measurable residual disease negativity is now considered the main factor able to mitigate the adverse prognosis related to baseline features. For fit patients with HR transplant-eligible (TE) NDMM, quadruplet induction/consolidation treatment with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors and dexamethasone, and autologous stem-cell transplant and maintenance with, if available, at least a doublet combination could be considered the option of choice. For non-TE NDMM, considering the recent data generated and carefully reviewing those upcoming, quadruplet treatment consisting of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, and dexamethasone should also be considered. Future trials integrating BCMA-directed novel generation immunotherapies hold great potential for further advancing the treatment landscape in all NDMM patients with HR disease.

Multiple Myeloma: The Role of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in the Era of Immunotherapy.

Upfront high-dose therapy with melphalan (HDM) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has established itself as a core treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients in the past 30 years. Induction therapy, HDM-ASCT, and subsequent consolidation and maintenance therapy comprise the current fundamental framework for MM treatment. The introduction of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab and isatuximab has changed the treatment paradigm for transplant-eligible NDMM patients in that quadruplets have become the new standard induction therapy. The treatment landscape of MM is undergoing a transformative shift with the introduction of potent new immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), which are currently used in the relapsed/refractory setting (RRMM) and are already being tested in the NDMM. This review will focus on the incorporation of immunotherapy in the treatment scenario of NDMM patients eligible for ASCT.

Daratumumab-based quadruplet therapy for transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with high cytogenetic risk

In the MASTER study (NCT03224507), daratumumab+carfilzomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (D-KRd) demonstrated promising efficacy in transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). In GRIFFIN (NCT02874742), daratumumab+lenalidomide/bortezomib/dexamethasone (D-RVd) improved outcomes for transplant-eligible NDMM. Here, we present a post hoc analysis of patients with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCAs; del[17p], t[4;14], t[14;16], t[14;20], or gain/amp[1q21]). Among 123 D-KRd patients, 43.1%, 37.4%, and 19.5% had 0, 1, or ≥2 HRCAs. Among 120 D-RVd patients, 55.8%, 28.3%, and 10.8% had 0, 1, or ≥2 HRCAs. Rates of complete response or better (best on study) for 0, 1, or ≥2 HRCAs were 90.6%, 89.1%, and 70.8% for D-KRd, and 90.9%, 78.8%, and 61.5% for D-RVd. At median follow-up (MASTER, 31.1 months; GRIFFIN, 49.6 months for randomized patients/59.5 months for safety run-in patients), MRD-negativity rates as assessed by next-generation sequencing (10–5) were 80.0%, 86.4%, and 83.3% for 0, 1, or ≥2 HRCAs for D-KRd, and 76.1%, 55.9%, and 61.5% for D-RVd. PFS was similar between studies and superior for 0 or 1 versus ≥2 HRCAs: 36-month PFS rates for D-KRd were 89.9%, 86.2%, and 52.4%, and 96.7%, 90.5%, and 53.5% for D-RVd. These data support the use of daratumumab-containing regimens for transplant-eligible NDMM with HCRAs; however, additional strategies are needed for ultra-high–risk disease (≥2 HRCAs).Video 935yYg7rG1hc1uCFy66-b8

Ixazomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone (IRD) Treatment with Cytogenetic Risk-Based Maintenance in Transplant-Eligible Myeloma: A Phase 2 Multicenter Study by the Nordic Myeloma Study Group.

Scarce data exist on double maintenance in transplant-eligible high-risk (HR) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. This prospective phase 2 study enrolled 120 transplant-eligible NDMM patients. The treatment consisted of four cycles of ixazomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (IRD) induction plus autologous stem cell transplantation followed by IRD consolidation and cytogenetic risk-based maintenance therapy with lenalidomide + ixazomib (IR) for HR patients and lenalidomide (R) alone for NHR patients. The main endpoint of the study was undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD) with sensitivity of <10-5 by flow cytometry at any time, and other endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We present the preplanned analysis after the last patient has been two years on maintenance. At any time during protocol treatment, 28% (34/120) had MRD < 10-5 at least once. At two years on maintenance, 66% of the patients in the HR group and 76% in the NHR group were progression-free (p = 0.395) and 36% (43/120) were CR or better, of which 42% (18/43) had undetectable flow MRD <10-5. Altogether 95% of the patients with sustained MRD <10-5, 82% of the patients who turned MRD-positive, and 61% of those with positive MRD had no disease progression at two years on maintenance (p < 0.001). To conclude, prolonged maintenance with all-oral ixazomib plus lenalidomide might improve PFS in HR patients.

Daratumumab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone with tandem transplant for high-risk newly diagnosed myeloma

AbstractHigh-risk (HR) cytogenetics are associated with poor outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), and dedicated studies should address this difficult-to-treat population. The phase 2 study 2018-04 from the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome evaluated feasibility of an intensive strategy with quadruplet induction and consolidation plus tandem transplant in HR transplant-eligible (TE) NDMM. HR cytogenetics were defined by presence of del(17p), t(4;14), and/or t(14;16). Treatment consisted of daratumumab-carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (D-KRd) induction, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), D-KRd consolidation, second ASCT, and daratumumab-lenalidomide maintenance. The primary end point was feasibility. Fifty patients with previously untreated NDMM were included. Median age was 57. Del(17p), t(4;14), and t(14;16) were found in 40%, 52%, and 20% of patients, respectively. At data cutoff, the study met the primary end point with 36 patients completing second transplant. Twenty patients discontinued the study due to stem cell collection failure (n = 8), disease progression (n = 7), adverse event (n = 4), or consent withdrawal (n = 1). Grade 3 to 4 D-KRd induction/consolidation–related adverse events (>5% of patients) were neutropenia (39%), anemia (12%), thrombocytopenia (7%), and infection (6%). The overall response rate was 100% for patients completing second transplant, including 81% complete response. Premaintenance minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate (10–6) was 94%. After a median follow-up of 33 months, the 30-month progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 80% and 91%, respectively. In conclusion, D-KRd with tandem transplant is feasible in patients with HR TE-NDMM and resulted in high response rates and PFS. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03606577.

Predictors of early morbidity and mortality in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: data from five randomized, controlled, phase III trials in 3700 patients

Early morbidity and mortality affect patient outcomes in multiple myeloma. Thus, we dissected the incidence and causes of morbidity/mortality during induction therapy (IT) for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), and developed/validated a predictive risk score. We evaluated 3700 transplant-eligible NDMM patients treated in 2005–2020 with novel agent-based triplet/quadruplet IT. Primary endpoints were severe infections, death, or a combination of both. Patients were divided in a training (n = 1333) and three validation cohorts (n = 2367). During IT, 11.8%, 1.8%, and 12.5% of patients in the training cohort experienced severe infections, death, or both, respectively. Four major, baseline risk factors for severe infection/death were identified: low platelet count (<150/nL), ISS III, higher WHO performance status (>1), and age (>60 years). A risk score (1 risk factor=1 point) stratified patients in low (39.5%; 0 points), intermediate (41.9%; 1 point), and high (18.6%; ≥2 points) risk. The risk for severe infection/death increased from 7.7% vs. 11.5% vs. 23.3% in the low- vs. intermediate- vs. high-risk groups (p < 0.001). The risk score was independently validated in three trials incorporating quadruplet IT with an anti-CD38 antibody. Our analyses established a robust and easy-to-use score to identify NDMM patients at risk of severe infection/death, covering the latest quadruplet induction therapies. Trial registrations: HOVON-65/GMMG-HD4: EudraCT No. 2004-000944-26. GMMG-MM5: EudraCT No. 2010-019173-16. GMMG-HD6: NCT02495922. EMN02/HOVON-95: NCT01208766. GMMG-HD7: NCT03617731.

Immune Profiling of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Treated with Quadruplet Induction and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) and Comparison with Achievement of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negativity

Background Incorporation of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to the triplet backbone of proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory agent and corticosteroid has resulted in unprecedented depth of response including MRD negativity in transplant eligible NDMM. While numerous immunological mechanisms of modern quadruplet combinations are proposed, the modulation of the immunoprofiles bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) with quadruplet therapy and ASCT are unknown. The baseline as well as longitudinal study of the composition and functionality of the immune microenvironment with treatment may have implications on disease response. Methods We prospectively collected clinically annotated patient (pt) samples from a phase II single institution clinical trial in transplant eligible NDMM (NCT04991103). Pts received quadruplet combination with daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone for six cycles followed by MRD adapted deferral of ASCT for pts who achieved MRD&amp;lt;10 -5. Pts deferring ASCT received three additional cycles of consolidation followed by maintenance. Pts who did not meet threshold for ASCT deferral received ASCT followed by maintenance therapy per protocol. We collected paired PB and BM samples at the time of screening (SCN), post-induction (I), and post-consolidation/ASCT (C). We purified and biobanked viable PB mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We thawed PBMCs, treated with FcR blocking Ab, stained with fluorochrome-labeled antibodies and a live/dead fixable stain, and then analyzed using the FACSymphony A5 SE flow cytometer. We identified immune cell subsets in PBMCs using FlowJo v10.2. We report data as percentage of each population within total live PBMCs. Results We collected 48 samples from 8 pts at three timepoints (SCN, I and C) and performed initial immunophenotyping analysis on the PBMCs. We observed no significant changes over time in the frequencies of peripheral CD45 +, CD3 +, NK T cells, monocytes or dendritic cells (not shown). We noted decreased frequencies of multiple B cell subsets, including naïve, transitional, memory and double negative cells (not shown), as well as CD56 +CD16 + NK cells (Fig. panel A) post-induction with no recovery following consolidation . While the frequencies of CD3 + T cells did not change with time, we observed a shift in the CD4:CD8 ratio, with an increase in the proportion of CD8 + T cells post-consolidation (Fig. panel B). Within the post-consolidation CD8 + T cell compartment, we noted increased frequencies of cells that presented with senescent (PD1 negCD57 +), exhausted (PD1 +CD57 neg) or anergic (PD1 +CD57 +) profiles. Consistent with this, the frequencies of terminally differentiated effector memory cells re-expressing CD45RA (TEMRA) CD8 + T cells increased at consolidation (Fig. panel C) and many of these cells exhibited an anergic profile (CD57 +PD1 +, Fig. panel D). Comparison of the baseline immune profiles and MRD levels post-induction revealed that the pt attaining MRD&amp;lt;10 -5 had the highest frequency of-NK cells as well as proportionally higher T CM/T EM and lower TEMRA/T Naive cells at diagnosis. This subject was able to defer ASCT per protocol and subsequently exhibited the lowest frequency of CD8 + TEMRA with an anergic phenotype (PD1 +CD57 +) post quadruplet consolidation. The subject with the least response to quadruplet induction and highest MRD post-induction had a high proportion of CD8 + T cells with an exhausted phenotype (PD1 +CD57 neg) at screening. Conclusion This is the first longitudinal analysis comparing MRD levels to the immune profiles of PB and BM cells derived from a cohort of NDMM patients prospectively treated with quadruplet induction and ASCT. We conclude that quadruplet induction negatively affects the NK cell and B cell compartment during induction and these compartments do not rapidly recover in the immediate post-transplant period. ASCT post quadruplet therapy is associated with preferential expansion of the effector CD8 + T cell compartments, including terminally differentiated TEMRA cells, which express markers associated with T cell exhaustion and anergy. Additional studies evaluating BM immune profile and T cell exhaustion are ongoing and shown at the meeting.

Initial Safety and Efficacy of Daratumumab (DARA) in Combination with Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Transplant-Eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (TE-NDMM) Patients with Standard Risk Who Refused to Accept ASCT As First Line in China

Background: Despite the advent of numerously new drugs, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains an important first line treatment for MM. In China, rate of utility of ASCT in front line was as low as 10%. There are many transplant-eligible (TE) patients who refuse ASCT for a variety of subjective and objective reasons,. Bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRd) combination has been reported to demonstrate high efficacy in these patients (SWOG S0777), And recently, daratumumab combinations, such as D-VRd (GRIFFIN) and D-VTd (CASSIOPEIA), have shown good results in TE-NDMM patients who received ASCT as initial therapy. The observed benefits of these combination therapies have led us to explore the potential efficacy of D-VRd in standard risk TE-NDMM patients without ASCT. In addition, there were no studies assessing minimal residual disease (MRD) data after treatment with the D-VRd regimen in TE-NDMM patients who are unwilling to undergo ASCT in Chinese population , thus we chose MRD as the primary endpoint. This is the first open-label, single arm study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of D-VRd in TE-NDMM in standard risk without ASCT in China (NCT 05088330). Methods: This is a single-center prospective ongoing clinical study, planning to recruit 76 patients. NDMM patients as documented per IMWG criteria who were evaluated as transplant-eligible, but voluntary not to accept ASCT were enrolled. And t(4;14) or Del(17p) or t(14;16) or R-ISS stage III patients were excluded from this study. D-VRd regimen includes ‘daratumumab’ 16 mg/kg I.V. every week for 2 cycles, 16 mg/kg I.V. every 3 weeks for 6 more cycles, and then 16 mg/kg I.V. for 13 more cycles (Total: 21 cycles); ‘lenalidomide’: 25 mg, P.O., Days 1-14/1-8 cycles; ‘Bortezomib’: 1.3 mg/m2, SC, Days 1, 4, 8, 11/1-8 cycles; dexamethasone: 20 mg, P.O., Days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12/1-8 cycles. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the negativity of NGS MRD at 10-5 after 8 cycles of D-VRd. The secondary objectives of this study were to determine the ORR, sCR, ≥CR ≥VGPR, AE, TTR and DOR of treatment. Patients were recommended to have stem cells collection after 4 cycles of D-VRd treatment. Result: As of 30 June 2023, 24 patients including 6 safety-run-in patients were enrolled. The median (range) age of these 24 patients was 65 (50-74) years. 54.2% (13/24) were male. 62.5% of patients had a 1q gain. 16.7% (4/24) of patients had renal insufficiency with 30mL/min &amp;lt;CCR &amp;lt;60mL/min (Table 1). The median follow-up time was 3 (1-11) months, 8 patients completed 4 cycles and 2 patients completed 2 cycles. Among the 17 patients who had response evaluation, the ORR was 94.1%, 87.5% (7/8) of patients had VGPR or better after 4 cycles (Figure 1). All patients (6/6) above VGPR and CR had NGS MRD negativity. Both 2 patients who have completed the 8 cycles treatment achieved CR and MRD negativity. All patients had bone pain relief. The main treatment-related adverse events were hematological toxicity, which occurred in 22 patients including neutropenia (n=14, Grade 1-2 for 10 patients and Grade 3-4 for 4 patients), lymphopenia (n=13, Grade 1-2 for 10 patients and Grade 3-4 for 3 patients) and thrombocytopenia (n=19, Grade 1-2 for 15 patients and Grade 3-4 for 4 patients). One patient had to discontinue lenalidomide due to serious adverse event (SAE) of pulmonary embolism. Other toxicities to date include pneumonia (n=3, Grade 1 for 2 patients and Grade 2 for 1 patient), ALT/AST increase (n=10, all Grade 1), and rash (n=3). The infusion related reactions were reported in 25% of patients (n=6, Grade 1 for 4 patients and Grade 2 for 2 patients). Conclusion: In the safety-run-in phase, D-VRd induction therapy was well tolerated in the Chinese population in 6 patients. This preliminary study of D-VRd demonstrated excellent efficacy with rapid response even in a population with high 1q gain. The most common adverse events were hematological toxicities that were manageable after 2 cycles. The updated results will be presented in the following phase.

Efficacy and Tolerance of Isatuximab, Cyclophosphamide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (Isa-CBD) Induction Chemotherapy in Newly Diagnosed, Transplant Eligible Multiple Myeloma: Report of the Phase 2 Multi-Centre, Open Label Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG)-008 Prospective Clinical Trial

Background: The previous standard Canadian approach to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) included CyBorD induction and single-agent lenalidomide maintenance until progression (Cote J, et al. ASH 2022: abstract 117). In an effort to improve outcomes, the current Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG)–008 trial aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerance of a regimen of isatuximab-CyBorD (Isa-CyBorD) induction, stem cell mobilization/collection, high-dose melphalan with ASCT, followed by continuous maintenance with isatuximab and lenalidomide in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients eligible for transplant. We now report the first planned analysis of Isa-CyBorD induction and stem cell mobilization and collection. Methods: This is a multi-centre phase 2 prospective study conducted in 8 centres in which transplant-eligible NDMM (TE-NDMM) patients received isatuximab added to four cycles of standard induction CyBorD chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m 2 PO, bortezomib 1.5 mg/m 2 SC, and dexamethasone 40 mg PO, all given on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of a 28-day cycle along with isatuximab 10 mg/kg IV days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of cycle 1 and days 1 and 15 of cycles 2-4). Isatuximab premedication also included acetaminophen, H2-antagonist (ranitidine) or proton pump inhibitor and montelukast. No thromboprophylaxis required per protocol. After the completion of induction treatment, subjects achieving ≥ stable disease (SD) proceeded to mobilization and collection of hematopoietic stem cells (SCs) per local institutional standards. Eligible patients with successful SC collection then proceeded to high-dose melphalan 200 mg/m 2 followed by ASCT. Maintenance treatment commenced at 100 days (+/- 7 days) post-ASCT and continued until disease progression. Maintenance treatment consisted of 28-day cycles of isatuximab (10 mg/kg IV on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of cycle 1; days 1 and 15 of cycles 2-3; then day 1 of each subsequent cycle) administered with lenalidomide (10 mg daily on days 1-21). Results: Between December 2022-January 2023, 71 patients with ECOG ≤ 2 were enrolled: 25 females, 46 males; median age 61 years (range: 31-73); 46.5%, 35.2% and 18.3% were ISS stages I, II and III, respectively. High-risk cytogenetics were documented in 20.6% of evaluable patients (13/63). All completed Isa-CyBorD induction therapy. The treatment was well-tolerated with rare grade 3 - 4 adverse events: neutropenia (8.2%), anemia (8.2%) and febrile neutropenia (4.1%). Common side-effects (All grades combined, ≥20%) included nausea (50%), constipation (28%), fatigue (28%), peripheral neuropathy (27% - all ≤ grade 2 with no dose holds for neuropathy), insomnia (24%), diarrhea (22%), infusion-related reaction (22%). Response assessment at the end of induction was available for 57 pts by the data cut-off date (June 1 st, 2023). All patients had clinical improvement with no primary progressive disease. Complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR) and partial response (PR) were documented in 7%, 52.6% and 33.3%, respectively. Four patients (7%) had &amp;lt;50% improvement of M-protein (SD). Three patients did not proceed to stem cell transplantation due to patient / physician choices. SC mobilization utilized cyclophosphamide in 10 (15.4%) and plerixafor in 12 (18.5%) patients; mobilization was successful in all 65 patients mobilized so far with 1-3 apheresis (median 2). The median number of CD34+ cells collected was 5.3 x10^6/kg (range: 2.25-7.28). Conclusion: Isa-CyBorD with weekly bortezomib is an effective induction therapy in patients with NDMM (93% ≥ PR with no progression and no mobilization failures). The treatment was well-tolerated with a side-effect profile comparable to our Canadian prior experience with CyBorD alone. All patients who proceeded to mobilization had successful collection of adequate number of SCs. Further follow-up is ongoing to assess long-term outcomes with this approach.

Real-World Utilization of Daratumumab-Containing Induction Regimen in Transplant Eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma and Its Role in Patients Historically Excluded from Clinical Trials: A Single Institution Experience

Daratumumab is increasingly being used in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM). However, patients with severe anemia (hgb &amp;lt; 7.5), severe hypercalcemia (serum calcium &amp;gt; 14), creatinine clearance &amp;lt; 30 ml/min, and patients aged &amp;gt; 70 years were excluded from the pivotal clinical trials that investigated first line daratumumab. Here we report how daratumumab is utilized in the treatment of real-world transplant eligible (TE) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) and its safety and efficacy in these vulnerable patient populations. Method: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult Multiple Myeloma patients who had autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) at Vanderbilt University Stem Cell Transplant (VUSCT) program between January 2017 and April 2023. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize patient and disease characteristics. Patients with del 17p, t(4;14), t(14;16), 1q gain and 1p deletion were categorized as high risk. Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare variables. Kaplan-Meir curves and log rank tests were used to compare PFS and OS. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate patient and disease variables associated with daratumumab use. A p-value of &amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: A total of 508 charts were reviewed. Out of 508, 104 patients had daratumumab containing induction regimen, including 44 patients who took daratumumab starting with the first cycle and 60 patients who had daratumumab added or regimen switched to include daratumumab as part of the induction regimen. Patient, disease, and outcomes of these patients is summarized in table 1. Additional 149 patients received daratumumab post-ASCT during subsequent relapses. Occurrence of relapse was the only variable associated with increased risk of death (HR=4.45, (95% CI: 1.94,10.06) with p-value=0.0003). Having standard cytogenetic risk was associated with decreased utilization of daratumumab in the induction regimen (OR=0.49, (95% CI: 0.27, 0897) with p-value of 0.02). Out of the 104 patients induced with daratumumab, patients who had daratumumab added after the first induction cycle had longer diagnosis to ASCT time when compared with patients who take daratumumab starting from cycle 1 of induction (table 1). Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was not reached in either group. Among populations of interest, there were 7, 2 African American (AA) and 5 white(W), 5 female (F) and 2 male patients, aged between 54 and 67 years, who had hemoglobin &amp;lt; 7.5 (range: 5.4 -7 g/dL) at diagnosis among the patients who had daratumumab containing induction regimen. All 7 of the patients had improvement in their hemoglobin post-induction and they remain in remission post-ASCT. Their hemoglobin trend is depicted on figure 1. There were 11 TE NDMM patients above age 70 (mean: 74, range: 71-77 years) who received daratumumab containing induction regimen. Although there was no statistically significant difference with the rest of the population, all patients had G3 infection within 30 days of ASCT, but no ICU admission or mortality with follow up of up to 39 months (average 18.45 months). We identified 10 patients with mean age of 53.8 years (range 45-65), 30% F, 40% AA, and 50% high-risk patients who had serum calcium &amp;gt;14 mg/dL. Only 1 patient had daratumumab containing induction regimen. Unfortunately, this patient died of disease progress 3 months after ASCT. Four other patients in this group also died between 3 and 54 months (mean: 18 months) from ASCT. Among 54 patients with creatinine &amp;gt; 2 at diagnosis, 8 patients, aged between 45 and 68 (mean = 58.37) years, mean creatinine of 4.95 (range 2.1-13.05) were induced with daratumumab containing regimen. Average creatinine dropped to 2.15 post-induction and 1.91 at 100 days post-ASCT. Three out of 8 died within 11months of ASCT (mean: 7 months) due to COVID infection in 1standard risk and disease progress in 2 high-risk patients. Conclusion: Inclusion of daratumumab at the onset of induction is associated with shorter time between diagnosis and ASCT. Longer follow up is warranted to determine difference in PFS and OS among patients with early and late incorporation of daratumumab containing induction regimen. Our study suggests that daratumumab containing induction regimen is safe and effective for TE NDMM of all ages, including those with severe anemia and creatinine &amp;gt; 2 mg/dL.

Daratumumab, Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Induction and Consolidation with Tandem Transplant in High-Risk Newly Diagnosed Myeloma Patients: Final Results of the Phase 2 Study IFM 2018-04

Background: High-risk (HR) cytogenetic is associated with poor outcome in transplant eligible (TE) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). The triplet combination carfilzomib lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRD) plus transplantation demonstrated high efficacy with favorable safety profile in TE-NDMM patients (FORTE). The addition of daratumumab (Dara) to frontline therapy also improved response rate and progression free-survival in TE-NDMM patients (CASSIOPEIA, GRIFFIN). Double transplant also improved outcome of HR TE NDMM patients (EMN02). The phase 2 trial 2018-04 from the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM) evaluated an intensive strategy with Dara-KRD induction and consolidation plus double transplant in HR TE NDMM (NCT03606577). Methods: HR MM was defined by the presence of del17p, t(4;14) and/or t(14;16). Treatment strategy included Dara-KRD induction (6 cycles), autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), Dara-KRD consolidation (4 cycles), second ASCT, Dara-lenalidomide maintenance for 2 years. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of this intensive strategy. Results: Fifty patients with previously untreated NDMM were included from july 2019 to march 2021 in 11 IFM centers. Median age was 57 (range 38 -65). Based on inclusion criteria, all patients had HR cytogenetic, including 17p deletion (n=20, 40%), t(4;14) (n=26, 52%) or t(14;16) (n=10, 20%). Four (8%) patients had extramedullary disease. At data cut-off, the study met the primary endpoint with 36 (72%) patients completing second transplant. Twenty-one patients (42%) discontinued the study, due to stem-cell collection failure (n=8), disease progression (n=8), adverse event (n=4), consent withdrawal (n=1). Grade 3-4 Dara-KRD induction/consolidation related adverse event (&amp;gt;5% of patients) were neutropenia (44%), anemia (22%), thrombocytopenia (24%) and infection (14%). Four patients discontinued treatment due to severe adverse event (COVID-19 infection, drug-induced hepatitis, JC virus related encephalopathy, intracerebral hemorrhage). Seven patients died, 5 due to disease progression and 2 due to infection. Responses deepened over time with an overall response rate before maintenance of 100%, including 81 % complete response. Among evaluable patients (33/36), pre maintenance Minimal Residual Disease negativity rate (NGS, 10 -6) was 94%. After a median follow up of 32 months, the 24-months PFS is 87% (78-87%) and the 24-months OS is 94% (87-100%). Conclusions: Dara-KRD induction/consolidation with tandem transplant was feasible in TE NDMM patients with high-risk cytogenetic profile, and resulted in high MRD negativity rate and high progression free survival.

Survival of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Bortezomib-Based Triplets and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant As First Line in Latin America

Background In transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), triplet combinations including proteasome-inhibitors and immunomodulators are the backbone of induction therapy before autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Post-ASCT maintenance with lenalidomide is the standard of care. This approach yields deep responses and long overall survival. In Latin America (LATAM) there is scarce data about the outcome of bortezomib-based triplets and ASCT. The aim of this study was to evaluate overall survival (OS) in Latin American transplant-eligible NDMM patients induced with bortezomib-based triplets and ASCT. Methods Retrospective international multicenter cohort study. Patients older than 18 years with MM, who received bortezomib-based triplets followed by ASCT as first line, between 2010 and 2022 were analyzed. Data were collected from clinical records in a standardized report form. We analyzed clinical characteristics at diagnosis and frontline therapy outcomes. Descriptive statistics were performed. Comparisons of characteristics between groups were made using the Chi-square test, Student´s T-test and ANOVA, as appropriate. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves, comparisons between groups by Log Rank method, and calculations of the risk relationships by Cox regression. Statistical analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results A total of 279 patients with NDMM were included, 124 from Argentina, 20 from Chile, 30 from Mexico, 20 from Paraguay, 43 from Peru, 33 from Uruguay, and 9 from Venezuela. Median age was 57 years (range 29-75) with a male predominance (54.8%). Most patients (58%) were treated in private centers. 56.1% were IgG subtype, 24.8% IgA and 17.3% light chain MM. According to the ISS, 69.2% were classified as ISS II or III. Bone disease was the most frequent myeloma-defining events (75.9%), followed by anemia (61.4%), renal failure (24.2%), and hypercalcemia (20.1%). Fluorescence in situ hybridation (FISH) analysis was performed in 53.4% of patients (only 41% with plasma cell sorting), del17p was the most frequent anomaly found (17.4%), followed by t(4;14) (6%), and t(14;16) (2%). The most frequently used induction regimen was cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone (CyBorD) (38.7%), followed by bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone (VTD) (33.7%), and bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (VRD) (27.6%). Very good partial remission (VGPR) or better was achieved in 88.3% for VRD, 81.9% for VTD, and 76.8% for CyBorD (p=0.138). Median time from diagnosis to ASCT was 261.5 days. Only 7 patients received tandem ASCT as first-line consolidation. Maintenance treatment was administered to 88.2% of patients and was based on lenalidomide, thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide+bortezomib in 67.9%, 16.3%, 8.9% and 3.3%, respectively. Treatments and responses are shown in detail in Table 1. With a median follow-up of 45 months (range 7-140), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 33 months (95% CI, 26.7 - 39.3). Median PFS according to treatment was 21 months (95% CI, 14.3 - 27.7) for VRD, 35 months (95% CI, 22.2 - 47.8) for VTD, and 36 months (95% CI, 28 - 44) for CyBorD, p=0.004. Median OS of the whole cohort was not reached (NR), and 86% at 45 months; 75 months for VRD (95% CI, 44 - 106), and NR for CyBorD and VTD (p=0.284) (Figure 1). In the multivariate analysis hypercalcemia (p=0.01) and extramedullary disease (p=0.03) were the only independent risk factors. Discussion FISH was performed only in half of our patients, and the majority without plasma cell sorting. The main used regimen was CyBorD. Although better PFS was obtained with CyBorD, no significant differences in responses or OS were found between VRD, VTD or CyBorD. The reason why VRD PFS and OS were lower merits further study. We report a high rate of maintenance treatment.

Updated Results of a Phase I Open-Label Single-Arm Study of Dual Targeting BCMA and CD19 Fastcar-T Cells (GC012F) As First-Line Therapy for Transplant-Eligible Newly Diagnosed High-Risk Multiple Myeloma

Background High-risk (HR) newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) has poor outcomes with standard first-line therapies, even in transplant-eligible (TE) patients (pts). A CAR-T therapy with high efficacy and manageable safety profile would be a potential solution to this significant unmet need. GC012F is an autologous B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and CD19 dual-targeting CAR-T cells therapy developed on the novel FasTCAR-T enabling next-day manufacturing platform [J Clin Oncol 41, 2023 (suppl; abstr 8005)]. The phase I single-arm study has been conducted in frontline setting for TE high-risk NDMM pts to characterize the safety and feasibility of GC012F CAR-T cell therapy (NCT04935580). The data was presented at ASH 2022 for initial 13 pts (Blood (2022) 140 (Supplement 1): 889-890.). Here we present updated data with longer follow up and 9 additional pts treated (total N=22) in this study. Methods This is a single arm, open-label phase I investigator-initiated study (NCT04935580). TE NDMM pts, aged between 18-70, and with one or more of the following features were considered eligible for the study: R-ISS-II or-III; del17p, t (4;14), t (14;16), or 1q21amp ≥ 4 copies; extramedullary disease (EM); IgD or IgE subtype; LDH &amp;gt; the upper limit of normal; or any of the high-risk definition of mSMART3.0. As of the data cutoff date, 22 evaluable pts (median age 59, range 43-69) are reported here. The median time from diagnosis to infusion was 100 days (range 63-152). All patients had one or more high-risk features including 91% R-ISS stage II or III, 55% with EM, 32% 1q21≥4 copies, and 9% IgD type. Of the 22 pts, 21 pts received 2 cycles induction therapy of bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRd), and one patient received 1 cycle bortezomib, epirubicin, and dexamethasone (PAD) and 1 cycle VRd prior to the infusion. GC012F was administered as a single infusion at 3 doses levels (DL) of 1x10 5/kg (n=1), 2x10 5/kg (n=4), or 3x10 5/kg (n=17), after a standard 3-day lymphodepletion consisting of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine . Results As of June 9 th, 2023 data cutoff, 22 patients were enrolled and evaluable for safety and efficacy. Median follow-up was 13.6 months (range 2.1-23.9 months). Overall response rate (ORR) was 100% and stringent complete response (sCR) rate was 95.5%. All treated pts (100%) across all dose levels achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity assessed by Euroflow (sensitivity of 10 -6). All evaluable pts achieved MRD negativity at Month 1, and maintained MRD- at landmark analysis of Month 6 and Month 12. Median duration of response (DOR) and progression-free survival (PFS) were not reached. Only 6 pts (27%) experience low-grade cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including 23% grade 1 (n=5) and 4% grade 2 (n=1). No treatment-related grade ≥3 CRS, nor ICANS of any grade, and nor deaths occurred in the study. Robust CAR T-cell expansion was observed in all pts; the median peak expansion (Cmax) was 62,131 (range: 8,754-331,159) copies /μg DNA with a median Tmax of 10 days (range 9-14 d). Conclusion Consistent with the previous RRMM cohort treated with GC012F, initial data from this phase I study demonstrated that BCMA-CD19 dual-targeting FasTCAR-T GC012F resulted in deep and durable response in transplant-eligible newly-diagnosed high-risk pts with a very favorable safety profile. All three dose groups achieved 100% MRD negativity and 100% ORR and sCR. The promising preliminary results achieved with GC012F demonstrate potential of CAR-T therapy in newly-diagnosed MM pts. Further research with larger patient population and longer follow-up shall bring the hope to this unmet medical need.

A Phase II Study of Isatuximab, Once Weekly Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, Dexamethasone, in Newly Diagnosed, Transplant-Eligible Multiple Myeloma (The SKylaRk Trial)

Background: Clinical data support the combination of a CD38 monoclonal antibody, an immunomodulatory drug, a proteasome inhibitor, and a glucocorticoid for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Isatuximab (Isa) is approved in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone (dex) for relapsed, refractory MM based on the results of the IKEMA study, as well as with pomalidomide and dex based upon ICARIA and is now being explored in novel combinations in the newly diagnosed setting. Our study evaluated the addition of isa to weekly carfilzomib (K), lenalidomide (len), and dex in all-risk, transplant-eligible patients with NDMM and stratifies maintenance based on cytogenetic risk. Study Design and Methods: Phase II study of isa-KRd in 50 transplant-eligible NDMM patients (NCT04430894). All patients received 4 cycles of isa-KRd followed by stem cell collection with option of upfront versus deferred stem cell transplant (SCT). Upfront SCT patients received 2 additional cycles then maintenance. Deferred SCT patients received 4 additional cycles then maintenance. Each 28-day cycle consisted of isa 10 mg/kg iv weekly cycles 1-2, Q2 weeks cycles 3-6, then Q4 weeks; K (20 mg/m 2 cycle 1, day 1 only) 56 mg/m 2 iv days 1, 8, 15; len 25 mg po days 1-21; and dex 20 mg po days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 (and days 22, 23 cycles 1-2). For maintenance, standard-risk received len 10 mg po days 1-21 and high-risk (del 17p, gain 1q, t(4:14), t(14;16), t(14;20)) isa 10 mg/kg iv day 1; K 56 mg/m 2 iv days 1, 15; len 10 mg po days 1-21. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary end point was complete response (CR + stringent CR) rate after 4 cycles by the IMWG response criteria. Secondary endpoints included safety and tolerability; minimal residual disease (MRD), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates, quality of life, body composition, and T cell repertoire. Results: Fifty patients enrolled between August 2020 and February 2022. Median age was 59 years (range 39-70) and 54% were male. Forty-six percent of patients had high-risk cytogenetics. Median follow-up is 26 months. Of 45 patients evaluable for response after 4 cycles, ORR was 100% and 89% (39/45) achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) or better and 36% (16/45) a CR. Of those, 43% (12/28) were MRD negative at 10 -5. After the completion of C6/C8, ORR was 100% and 64% (29/45) achieved a CR and 96% (43/45) achieved a VGPR or better. After C6/C8, 41 patients, 66% (27/41) were MRD negative at 10 -5. The 24-month PFS was 91.3% (95% CI 83.4% -99.8%) and OS was 95.8% (95% CI 90.2%-100%). SCT was deferred in most patients (40/45, 89%). Grade 3 or 4 side effects (≥2 patients) included neutropenia (24%), elevated alanine aminotransferase (10%), acute kidney injury (6%), and thrombocytopenia (6%). Grade 1-2 infusion-related reactions in 20%, no grade 3. Hypertension in 49% grade 1-2 and one grade 3; one grade 3 myocardial infarction. There was one death assessed as unrelated. Two patients withdrew for acute kidney injury. Two patients were not evaluable at C4 and C6/C8 because measurable disease could only be assessed by PET CT. There were statistically significant within-patient improvements in global health status ( p&amp;lt;.01), physical ( p&amp;lt;.01), role ( p&amp;lt;.01), emotional ( p=.01), and social functioning ( p&amp;lt;.01), body image ( p&amp;lt;.01), future perspective ( p&amp;lt;.01), fatigue ( p&amp;lt;.01), pain ( p&amp;lt;.01), loss of appetite ( p&amp;lt;.01), and symptoms ( p&amp;lt;.01). There were no statistically significant changes in body composition measurements between baseline and the completion of 4 cycles or consolidation/induction. There was a significant improvement in total lean mass ( p=0.01) between baseline and end of induction adjusted for SCT status. In terms of correlatives to-date, there were no significant differences in total T cells, total templates, total productive templates; total and productive rearrangements; or clonality, maximum productive frequency and T cell fraction between those patients achieving MRD negativity and those not and no significant differences between clonality at baseline and post-induction/consolidation. Conclusions: Isa-KRd induces deep and durable responses, with an ORR of 100% (including 96% VGPR or better, 66% MRD negative) as well as improved quality of life in transplant-eligible patients with NDMM, with or without SCT. The overall safety profile was favorable and consistent with similar regimens in this setting, with toxicities proving generally manageable.

Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Myeloma Patients &amp;gt;65 Years: A Population-Based Study from the Nordic Myeloma Study Group

Background Current guidelines recommend upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as part of first line treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). These recommendations are based on randomized controlled trials conducted in patients aged 18-65 years. While guidelines recommend the same approach for selected older patients, the use of ASCT in these patients is not well documented. The median age of NDMM is 71 years in recent population-based studies, and the prevalence of MM is increasing. Recent data from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation centers (EBMT), show that an increasing number of patients above the age of 65 receive ASCT. However, it is unknown whether this reflects an increasing number of transplant eligible NDMM, or a true change in clinical treatment practice. Methods We conducted a population-based, nationwide study from 6 countries in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Patients diagnosed with MM between January 1st 2008 and December 31st 2020 in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia and Iceland were included in the study. Data were collected from the Swedish and Danish Myeloma Registries, from chart review in the other 4 countries, and supplemented with data from the Norwegian and Icelandic nationwide Cancer Registries. Aggregated data on ASCT use and survival from the participating countries were combined for analysis. Patients were divided into 3 age groups: 18-65, 66-70 and 71-75 years, and compared with the total population of patients diagnosed with MM. Changes in the rate of ASCT over time were assessed by log-binomial regression. Because registration of date of death is virtually complete in these countries, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival were estimated using empirical survival at these time points with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated using bootstrapping with 1000 repeats. We chose the combined endpoint of very good partial response (VGPR) or better and surviving one year after ASCT, as a surrogate for a successful outcome of first line treatment. A similar statistical method was used for this endpoint as for survival. Results In total, 5,644 patients were treated with ASCT (18-65 (n=4,596), 66-70 (n=970) and 71-75 years (n=78)). Baseline characteristics of patients were similar for all the countries, with a mean age at diagnosis of 58.7 years. There were differences between the countries regarding induction regimens. In total 55% received PI-based induction, while 29% received both proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory agent. The mean proportion of patients in the age group 18-65 treated with upfront ASCT was 69% and did not change over the study period (relative risk (RR) of ASCT: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.89-1.01). In contrast, the mean proportion of NDMM patients in the age group 66-70 treated with upfront ASCT was 28%, and increased more than 2.5-fold during the study period (RR of ASCT: 2.64; 95% CI: 2.14-3.27). Only 1.2% of patients 71-75 years were treated with ASCT, with an increasing trend in the most recent years (Figure). The proportion of patients achieving VGPR or better and surviving one year after ASCT was similar in all three age groups: 18-65 years (71.6% (70.3-72.9)), 66-70 years (74.2% (71.5-76.8)), 71-75 years (76.7% (65.8-86.3)) (Table). The 3-year and 5-year survival in patients &amp;gt;65 years treated with ASCT was stable throughout the study period. Conclusion In conclusion, we find that the proportion of patients with NDMM aged 66-70 treated with ASCT is increasing. This is due to a change in clinical practice. The efficacy of ASCT in patients aged 18-65 and 66-70 was similar. Our real-world population-based data supports the clinical practice of an ambitious approach, including ASCT, in the treatment of selected NDMM patients up to the age of 70 and perhaps beyond.

Phase 3 Randomized Study of Daratumumab (DARA) + Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone (VRd) Versus Vrd Alone in Patients (Pts) with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Who Are Eligible for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT): Primary Results of the Perseus Trial

Introduction: DARA plus bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (D-VTd) quadruplet therapy has shown clinical benefit versus VTd alone and is approved for transplant-eligible pts with NDMM. VRd induction followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), VRd consolidation, and lenalidomide (R) maintenance is also considered a standard of care for transplant-eligible NDMM. In the phase 2 GRIFFIN study, intravenous DARA combined with VRd (D-VRd) induction/consolidation followed by D-R maintenance improved depth of response and progression-free survival (PFS) versus VRd induction/consolidation and R maintenance in transplant-eligible pts with NDMM after &amp;gt;4 years of follow-up. The phase 3 PERSEUS study is evaluating subcutaneous DARA (DARA SC) in combination with VRd induction/consolidation followed by D-R maintenance versus VRd induction/consolidation and R maintenance in transplant-eligible NDMM. Here we report the primary analysis of PERSEUS. Methods: Pts with NDMM who were aged 18-70 years and eligible for high-dose therapy and ASCT were randomized 1:1 to D-VRd or VRd, stratified by International Staging System (ISS) stage and cytogenetic risk. All pts received up to six 28-day cycles (4 pre-ASCT induction, 2 post-ASCT consolidation) of VRd (V: 1.3 mg/m2 SC on Days [D] 1, 4, 8, 11; R: 25 mg PO on D 1-21; d 40 mg PO/IV on D 1-4, 9-12) followed by R maintenance therapy (10 mg PO on D 1-28 until progressive disease [PD]). Pts in the D-VRd arm also received DARA SC (DARA 1,800 mg co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 [rHuPH20; 2,000 U/mL; ENHANZE® drug delivery technology, Halozyme, Inc.]) weekly in Cycles 1-2, every 2 weeks in Cycles 3-6, and every 4 weeks during maintenance until PD. The primary endpoint is PFS; key secondary endpoints include overall complete response or better (≥CR) rate, overall minimal residual disease (MRD)-negativity rate (10-5 threshold; clonoSEQ®), and overall survival. Response and disease progression were assessed using a computerized algorithm based on IMWG response criteria. Overall MRD-negativity rate was defined as the proportion of pts who achieved MRD negativity and ≥CR at any time. Results: 709 pts were randomized (D-VRd, n=355; VRd, n=354). Median (range) age was 60 (31-70) years; 14.8% had ISS stage III disease, and 21.7% had high cytogenetic risk (t[4;14], t[14;16], or del[17p]). At clinical cutoff, 314 pts in the D-VRd arm and 299 pts in the VRd arm had completed all 4 induction and 2 consolidation cycles, 309 and 294 pts had undergone ASCT, and 322 and 300 pts entered maintenance. At a median follow-up of 47.5 months, PFS was significantly improved with D-VRd versus VRd (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30-0.59; P &amp;lt;0.0001 [crossing the prespecified stopping boundary of 0.0126]; Figure). Median PFS was not reached in either arm; estimated 48-month PFS rates were 84.3% for D-VRd versus 67.7% for VRd. Prespecified subgroup analyses showed a consistent PFS improvement with D-VRd versus VRd across clinically relevant subgroups, including pts with ISS stage III disease and pts with high cytogenetic risk. Overall rates of ≥CR (87.9% vs 70.1%; P &amp;lt;0.0001) and MRD negativity (75.2% vs 47.5%; P &amp;lt;0.0001) were significantly higher with D-VRd versus VRd. Overall survival was immature, with 78 deaths on study (D-VRd, 34 [9.6%]; VRd, 44 [12.4%]). Overall, 7 deaths due to COVID-19 occurred (D-VRd, 4; VRd, 3). The most frequent (≥10%) grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) for the D-VRd/VRd arms were neutropenia (62.1%/51.0%), thrombocytopenia (29.1%/17.3%), diarrhea (10.5%/7.8%), pneumonia (10.5%/6.1%), and febrile neutropenia (9.4%/10.1%). For D-VRd and VRd, serious TEAEs occurred in 57.0% versus 49.3% of pts, and TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 8.8% versus 21.3% of pts. Conclusions: DARA SC combined with VRd in transplant-eligible pts with NDMM significantly improved PFS and increased depth of response (≥CR and MRD negativity), with consistent PFS benefit across clinically relevant subgroups. The safety profile was consistent with the known safety profiles for DARA SC and VRd. These data, together with results from the phase 2 GRIFFIN study, demonstrate the consistent and clinically meaningful benefit of quadruplet DARA plus VRd followed by D-R maintenance versus triplet VRd followed by R maintenance and support the combination of DARA plus VRd followed by D-R maintenance as a new standard of care for transplant-eligible NDMM.

Results of the Phase III Randomized Iskia Trial: Isatuximab-Carfilzomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone Vs Carfilzomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone As Pre-Transplant Induction and Post-Transplant Consolidation in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients

Background. The current standard treatment for transplant-eligible (TE) patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) consists of quadruplet induction with proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, dexamethasone and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody followed by high-dose melphalan and autologous stem-cell transplant (MEL200-ASCT), with subsequent consolidation. The phase III IsKia trial assessed efficacy and safety of isatuximab-carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (IsaKRd) as pre-ASCT induction and post-ASCT consolidation vs KRd. Methods. TE NDMM pts aged &amp;lt;70 years were enrolled and randomized. IsaKRd pts received 4 28-day cycles of Isa: 10 mg/kg IV days 1, 8, 15, 22 cycle 1, followed by 10 mg/kg days 1, 15 cycles 2-4; K: 20 mg/m 2 IV day 1 cycle 1, followed by 56 mg/m 2 IV days 8, 15 cycle 1 and days 1, 8, 15 cycles 2-4; R: 25 mg PO daily days 1-21; d: 40 mg PO days 1, 8, 15, 22; MEL200-ASCT and 4 consolidation cycles with IsaKRd at the same schedule. KRd pts received 4 KRd induction cycles; MEL200-ASCT and 4 KRd consolidation cycles (K, R and d at the same schedule as in the IsaKRd arm). The primary endpoint was the rate of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity by next-generation sequencing (NGS; 10 -5) after consolidation in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. MRD was tested in all pts who achieved at least a very good partial response (≥VGPR). Key secondary endpoints were the rate of NGS MRD negativity (10 -5) after induction and PFS. MRD rates were evaluated in an ITT analysis (pts with missing MRD data or who achieved ≤PR were considered as MRD positive). The data cut-off for the analysis was May 22, 2023. Results. 302 pts were enrolled and randomized (151 in both the IsaKRd and KRd arms). Pt characteristics were well balanced between the two arms: median age was 61 vs 60 years, respectively; 18% vs 19% of pts had high-risk (HiR) cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) [del(17p) and/or t(4;14) and/or t(14;16)]; 9% vs 8% had ≥2 HiR CA [double hit; including del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16) and gain/amp(1q)]. In ITT analysis, the rates of MRD negativity at the 10 -5 cut-off after consolidation (primary endpoint) were 77% vs 67% (OR 1.67; p=0.049) with IsaKRd vs KRd; the respective rates of MRD negativity at the 10 -6 cut-off were 67% vs 48% (OR 2.29; p&amp;lt;0.001); consistent MRD results were detected by next-generation flow. ≥VGPR after consolidation was 94% in both arms; ≥CR 74% vs 72% and sCR 64% vs 67% in the IsaKRd vs KRd arms. The MRD negativity advantage, both at 10 -5 and 10 -6, was retained in all subgroups analyzed ( Figure), with similar benefit in pts with standard-risk (SR) and HiR features. In particular, the 10 -5 MRD negativity rates with IsaKRd were 76% in HiR and 77% in double-hit pts, comparable to the one in SR pts (79%). In the KRd arm, the 10 -5 MRD negativity rates were 58% in HiR and 53% in double-hit pts, inferior to the one in SR pts (70%). The 10 -6 MRD negativity rates with IsaKRd were 72% in HiR, 77% in double-hit pts and 67% in SR pts. The MRD negativity rate after induction (first key secondary endpoint) was also significantly higher with IsaKRd vs KRd (10 -5: 45% vs 26%, OR 2.34, p&amp;lt;0.001; 10 -6: 27% vs 14%, OR 2.36, p=0.004), with a consistent benefit in all subgroups. After induction, the MRD negativity rates in HiR and double-hit pts treated with IsaKRd were: 10 -5, HiR 60%, double-hit 54%; 10 -6, HiR 40%, double-hit 31%. The MRD negativity rates after ASCT were also significantly better with IsaKRd vs KRd (10 -5: 64% vs 49%, OR 1.93, p=0.006; 10 -6: 52% vs 27%, OR 3.01, p&amp;lt;0.001), with a consistent advantage in all subgroups. At the current follow-up (median, 20 months, IQR 18-23), there was no difference in PFS (95% at 1 year in both arms). 55% of pts had ≥1 hematologic adverse events (AEs) with IsaKRd vs 43% with KRd; main grade 3-4 hematologic AEs in IsaKRd vs KRd were neutropenia (37% vs 22%) and thrombocytopenia (15% vs 17%). 41% of pts had ≥1 non-hematologic AEs with IsaKRd vs 37% with KRd, including infections (16% vs 12%), gastrointestinal (7% vs 5%), vascular (2% vs 7%) and cardiac events (1% vs 4%). Discontinuation for toxicity was 6% in IsaKRd vs 5% in KRd arms; treatment-related deaths were 4 with IsaKRd (2 COVID, 1 pneumonia, 1 pulmonary embolism) and 1 with KRd (septic shock). Conclusion. In TE NDMM pts, the addition of isatuximab to KRd induction and consolidation significantly increased MRD negativity rates in every treatment phase as compared to KRd, with no new safety concerns. This benefit was retained in HiR pts.

Integrated analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating bortezomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone or bortezomib + thalidomide + dexamethasone induction in transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Providing the most efficacious frontline treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) is critical for patient outcomes. No direct comparisons have been made between bortezomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone (VRD) and bortezomib + thalidomide + dexamethasone (VTD) induction regimens in transplant-eligible NDMM. An integrated analysis was performed using patient data from four trials meeting prespecified eligibility criteria: two using VRD (PETHEMA GEM2012 and IFM 2009) and two using VTD (PETHEMA GEM2005 and IFM 2013-04). The primary endpoint was met, with VRD demonstrating a noninferior rate of at least very good partial response (≥ VGPR) after induction vs VTD. GEM comparison demonstrated improvement in the ≥ VGPR rate after induction for VRD vs VTD (66.3% vs 51.2%; P = .00281) that increased after transplant (74.4% vs 53.5%). Undetectable minimal residual disease rates post induction (46.7% vs 34.9%) and post transplant (62.4% vs 47.3%) support the benefit of VRD vs VTD. Treatment-emergent adverse events leading to study and/or treatment discontinuation were less frequent with VRD (3%, GEM2012; 6%, IFM 2009) vs VTD (11%, IFM 2013-04). These results supported the benefit of VRD over VTD for induction in transplant-eligible patients with NDMM. The trials included are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01916252, NCT01191060, NCT00461747, and NCT01971658).

Real-world analysis of D-RVd v. RVd at induction for newly diagnosed transplant eligible multiple myeloma patients.

e20024 Background: Daratumumab with lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (D-RVd) induction chemotherapy (IC) has recently been shown to improve depth of treatment response for transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients (pts) compared to RVd alone. The aim of this real-world data (RWD) retrospective study is to assess the efficacy and depth of response of D-RVd IC compared to RVd in transplant-eligible pts with NDMM. Methods: HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma (PMID: 35271305) an online portal for pts with plasma cell dyscrasias, was used to analyze validated RWD of 59 pts who received D-RVd to 121 pts with similar clinical characteristics but who received RVd at IC. Of the total 180 pts, 84 had completed IC and were at the initiation of maintenance (MT) at the time of this analysis. Patients that progressed prior to reaching MT or whose treatment deviated from the line of therapy (D-RVd/RVd IC, autologous stem cell transplant [ASCT], and MT, with or without consolidation) were also excluded. Response during MT was assessed using IMWG criteria. Results: From the 180 pts reviewed, 98 were excluded, 5 D-RVd and 10 RVD pts progressed before reaching MT, 11 D-RVd and 31 RVd pts deviated from the line of therapy, and 41 pts had not reached the MT phase at the time of the analysis. The remaining 84 pts (18 D-RVd pts and 64 RVd pts) were analyzed. Demographics and clinical characteristics were well-balanced between groups. The median age of both groups was 65 (range, 42-81), and over half were female (51%). The majority of pts (87%) had R-ISS stage I or II, and 45 pts (25%) had high-risk genetics (by mSMART 3.0). The overall response rate (ORR) was significantly higher for the D-RVd group compared to the RVd group at the initiation of MT (100% vs 62%; odds ratio, 22.4; P = 0.03). As assessed prior to the start of MT the depth of response was more favorable with D-RVd, with the odds ratio of achieving a VGPR or better at MT being significantly higher than RVd (89% to 58%; odds ratio (OR), 5.8; P = 0.03), complete response (CR) (78% to 47%; OR, 3.97; P = 0.03), stringent CR (sCR) (22% to 16%; OR, 1.5; P = 0.51), and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity (17% to 11%; OR, 1.6; P = 0.51). With a median follow-up of 17 months for the D-RVd group (n = 18) and 29 months for the RVd group (n = 64), 0 events of disease progression occurred in the D-RVd group compared to 23 events in the RVd group. Median PFS was not reached in the D-RVd group and a Kaplan-Meier probability indicated a median PFS of 41 months for the RVd group. Conclusions: These data document improved response rate in transplant-eligible NDMM pts who received daratumumab with RVd as an IC therapy. D-RVd also improved PFS with significant differences between the two groups seen at 12 and 18 months. These results add to the accumulating data that the addition of daratumumab with RVd may be the new standard of care for the aforementioned patient population.

Survival analysis of transplant-eligible newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma patients harboring t(4;14), t(14;16), and/or del(17p) in the real-world setting

Cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) such as t(4;14), t(14;16), and del(17p), are associated with a poor prognosis in Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients. However, there is scarce information regarding the Latin-American population. This study aims to analyze the impact of t(4;14), t(14;16), and del(17p) on the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of transplant-eligible newly-diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients in Latin America. Retrospective survival analysis based on the Grupo de Estudio Latinoamericano de MM (GELAMM) registry, including all adult patients with NDMM harboring CA t(4;14), t(14;16), and/or del(17p). Fifty-nine patients were included; the median age was 57 years, 55.9% males, 22% ISS-I, 25.4% ISS-II, and 47.5% ISS-III. The majority (89.8%) had one alteration, whereas 10.2% had del(17p) and t(4;14). The frequencies of CA were del(17p) in 61.0%, t(4;14) in 25.4%, and t(14;16) in 3,4%. Autologous stem cell transplantation was performed in 36 cases, 20 patients did not use this consolidative strategy, and this data was missed in three cases.Five-year OS for the entire cohort was 60.8% and 5-year PFS was 28.1%. Bortezomib-based induction regimen (BBR) (p=0.029), consolidation with ASCT (p<0.001), and maintenance therapy (p=0.004) were associated with an improved 5-year OS. In the multivariate analysis, ASCT was the only variable with a positive impact on OS (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.033 to 0.34, p<0.001). The median PFS presented a non-statistically significant benefit in BBR, ASCT, and maintenance therapy groups. BBR induction, ASCT, and maintenance therapy were associated with improved OS in high-risk NDMM patients.