Elozutumab in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

This paper reviewed the effect of elozutumab (Empliciti) in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This study concluded that elozutumab with lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone (Ozurdex) can be considered in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.  

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells (type of white blood cell). After initial treatment, many patients relapse (have a return of disease) or are refractory (do not respond to treatment). Elozutumab is a drug that kills cancer cells. It is used together with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. These patients should have received 1-3 previous therapies. 

There have been various studies of elozutumab. A phase 3 study looked at 646 patients. These patients had previously received 1-3 treatments.  They were randomly assigned to receive elotuzumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone or lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone. Elotuzumab was given at a dose of 10 mg/kg.

Patients who received elozutumab survived without worsening disease for an average of 19.4 months. Patients who did not receive elozutumab survived without worsening disease for an average of 14.9 months. There was a significant difference in survival without worsening disease.  

After 24.5 months, the overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause) was 70% in patients who received elozutumab. The overall survival was 63% in patients who did not receive elozutumab. The difference in overall survival was not significant. 46% of patients who received elozutumab had worsening disease. 49% of patients who did not receive elozutumab had worsening disease.  

There was no significant difference in change of pain between patients who received elozutumab or not. 10% of patients who received elotuzumab had an infusion-related reaction (reaction when drug is given).

The authors concluded that a combination of elozutumab, lenalidomide and dexamethasone is an alternative treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. 

Patients with impaired kidney function were not studied. Thus, the results for the trial cannot be applied to patients with reduced kidney function.