The safety of elotuzumab, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in unresponsive multiple myeloma.

This paper compared the safety and effectiveness of elotuzumab (Empliciti) plus lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone (Decadron) with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in unresponsive multiple myeloma. It was found that elotuzumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone was more effective than lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone.

Many patients respond well to treatment for multiple myeloma. However, some may lose response over time (relapse). Others may not respond at all (refractory). Lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone (Decadron) are commonly used together to treat patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Lenalidomide is an anti-cancer drug. Dexamethasone (Decadron) is a steroid drug. Elotuzumab (Empliciti) is a targeted treatment for MM. This means that it kills only cancer cells. Elotuzumab is more commonly being used in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. It is important to study the safety of this treatment.

Six hundred and forty-six patients with RRMM were included in this study. Three hundred and nineteen patients received elotuzumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Three hundred and sixteen patients received lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The safety and effectiveness of the different treatment plans were investigated for 4 years.

Patients treated with elotuzumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone were 29% more likely to survive or not experience disease worsening. The greatest benefit of elotuzumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment was observed on average after 3.5 years of diagnosis. At this stage, patients were 44% more likely to not experience disease worsening or to survive.

This study found that long-term treatment elotuzumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone was safe and effective for patients with RRMM.

This study included patients over the age of 18 only. Therefore the results may not apply to younger patients. 

If you have questions about the management of Multiple Myeloma, please consult your doctor.