MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Treating High-Risk Multiple Myeloma

Daratumumab (Darzalex) in combination with bortezomib (Velcade), melphalan, and prednisone received FDA approval as a frontline regimen for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant.

In top-line results from part 2 of the phase IIb STORM trial, selinexor induced an overall response rate of 25.4% in patients with penta-refractory multiple myeloma, according to Karyopharm Therapeutics, the manufacturer of the oral SINE compound.

The FDA approved several indications throughout the month of April 2018. A number of drugs were granted priority review and Fast Track designation. The FDA also halted all clinical trials using tazemetostat as treatment, and new initiatives were introduced to help ease the development of genetic and genomic-based tests. Check out our list of all FDA happenings from April 2018.

Managing High-Risk Multiple Myeloma

New agents and combinations have been introduced to the treatment landscape of multiple myeloma, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, according to C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD. Regimens of 2- and 3-drugs have also proven successful for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Selinexor was recently granted a Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 3 prior lines of therapy, according to Karyopharm Therapeutics, the manufacturer of the oral SINE compound.

Joshua R. Richter, MD, a hematologist/oncologist at John Theurer Cancer Center, discusses results from the Living with Cancer patient-reported outcomes (PROs) tool, which is a survey to record self-reported symptoms from patients. Richter used this tool to survey 239 patients with multiple myeloma on their symptoms and psychological distress.

Based on data from the phase III 482 study, denosumab (Xgeva) has been approved for an expanded indication by the European Commission for the prevention of skeletal-related events in adult patients with multiple myeloma, according to Amgen, the developer of the RANK ligand inhibitor.

Agne Paner, MD, recently shared the treatment considerations and decisions she makes when treating patients with multiple myeloma. Paner, an assistant professor of medicine at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, explained her treatment decisions based on 2 case scenarios during a <em>Targeted Oncology</em> live case-based peer perspectives presentation.

C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, recently shared the treatment considerations and decisions he makes when treating patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Landgren, chief of the Myeloma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, explained how he would treat these patients based on the review of a case scenario during a <em>Targeted Oncology </em>live case-based peer perspectives dinner discussion.

Denise. L. Pereira, MD, recently shared the treatment considerations and decisions she makes when treating patients with multiple myeloma. Pereira, assistant professor of clinical medicine, University of Miami, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida, explained her treatment decisions based on 2 case scenarios during a <em>Targeted Oncology</em> live case-based peer perspectives presentation.

Ajai Chari, MD, associate professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, advises on the best way to choose treatment regimens for patients with multiple myeloma. Since 9 different drugs have been approved after many phase III trials, a community physician may be overwhelmed by this surplus of options, Chari says.

Shaji Kumar, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology at the Mayo Clinic, discusses the effects genetic abnormalities have on patients with high-risk multiple myeloma. Recent advancements have helped to identify these abnormalities in patients.

Patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with renal impairment who were treated with pomalidomide and&nbsp;low-dose dexamethasone had an overall response rate of up to 39%,&nbsp;according to findings of a phase II study published in the <em>Journal of Clinical Oncology.</em> &nbsp;

Denosumab was recently recommended for approval by the European Medicines Agency&rsquo;s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for the&nbsp;prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma, according to Amgen, the developer of the RANK ligand inhibitor.