Evaluating treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma who cannot have a stem cell transplant

This study evaluated the effectiveness of several treatment combinations for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who were not eligible for a stem cell transplant (SCT). This study found that DaraVMP and VMPT were the most effective treatments for these patients.

MM is a type of cancer of the bone marrow that can lead to abnormal immune cells. One common therapy for patients with MM is a stem cell transplant. This involves replacing the patient's cancer cells with healthy ones. Some patients may not be good candidates for a transplant. These patients need other treatment options.

There are several combinations of anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of MM. One of the most common regimens is VMP (bortezomib, melphalan, prednisone). DaraVMP (VMP plus daratumumab) is a new regimen that may be more effective than VMP for patients with MM. The effectiveness of these treatment combinations compared to others for patients with MM remains under investigation.

This study analyzed the results of 24 studies. These studies included patients with MM who were not eligible for SCT. Overall, 21 different treatment combinations for MM were examined.

Overall, the treatment combinations in this study were associated with a 10 – 81% lower risk of tumor growth or spread compared to dexamethasone alone.

Compared to dexamethasone alone, DaraVMP was associated with an 81% lower risk of tumor growth or spread. VMPT (VMP plus thalidomide) was associated with a 78% lower risk of tumor growth or spread.

MPT (melphalan, prednisone, thalidomide) was associated with a 53% lower risk of tumor growth or spread. Similarly, MPT followed by maintenance therapy with thalidomide was associated with a 54% lower risk of tumor growth or spread. Maintenance therapy is a low-dose treatment given over a long period of time to keep the cancer from coming back.

This study found that DaraVMP was the most effective treatment combination for patients with MM who were not eligible for SCT.

This study was retrospective, meaning it looked back in time to analyze data. Also, this study only included 21 different treatments. Therefore the results do not capture every treatment.

Talk to your care team if you have questions about which treatment options may be the best for you.