In a nutshell
This study evaluated isatuximab, pomalidomide (Imnovid) and dexamethasone (Decadron) for recurrent or non-responsive multiple myeloma (MM). This study concluded that this treatment combination was safe and effective for these patients.
Some background
There are several treatment options for patients with MM. Most initial treatments are effective. However, some patients eventually experience relapse (cancer comes back) while others develop refractory disease (cancer stops responding to treatment). These patients need alternative treatment options.
Isatuximab is a new targeted therapy which may be effective for patients with relapsed or refractory MM. This type of treatment specifically targets cancer cells. Targeted therapies are often combined with other anti-cancer drugs to enhance effectiveness. Whether isatuximab combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone is effective and safe for relapsed or refractory MM is unclear.
Methods & findings
45 patients with relapsed or refractory MM were included in this study. Patients received an average of 3 prior lines of therapy. Patients received isatuximab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone. Patients received treatment for an average of 9.6 months.
Overall, 62% of patients responded to treatment. On average, patients responded to treatment for an average of 18.7 months. On average, patients remained alive without tumor growth or spread for an average of 17.6 months.
Overall, all patients experienced at least 1 side effect. The most common included tiredness (62.2%) and infections in the nose, sinuses or throat (42.2%, upper respiratory tract infection). Skin reactions at the site of injection were also reported (42%). 17.8% of patients reported severe pneumonia.
Up to 98% of participants experienced decreased blood cell production. 93% of patients reported low white blood cell count.
The bottom line
This study concluded that isatuximab combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone was safe and effective for patients with relapsed or refractory MM.
The fine print
This was a phase 1 study. Also, this study did not include a control group. This means that there was no group to serve as a comparison for the study treatment. More studies are needed to determine the role of isatuximab in the treatment of relapsed or refractory MM.
What’s next?
If you have questions about different treatment combinations for RRMM, please consult a doctor.
Published By :
Blood
Date :
Mar 12, 2019
