Blog

Dec 18, 2023, 13:10

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

Vincent Rajkumar, Editor-in-Chief at Blood Cancer Journal, recently posted on X/Twitter:

“Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data.

What’s changed?

I’m okay with quadruplet induction for standard risk based on the 2 phase IIIs at ASH23.
– Better PFS and MRD-
– Limited duration induction.
– OS will take a long time to emerge and risk/benefit is reasonable to incorporate Quads.

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

Which Anti CD38?

Either Daratumumab or Isatuximab are ok as the Anti-CD38 antibody to add to VRd for the Quad.
Decide based on cost and access.

We had data on both at ASH23.

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

Why not KRd?

No data that KRd is better than VRd in randomized trials. No data that Anti-CD38 KRd is better than AntiC-D38 VRd in randomized trials.
Bortezomib is generic. KRd will add substantial cost and there is a concern of cardiac toxicities in a small percentage of patients.

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

Why is VRd also a reasonable alternative for standard risk induction?

Despite the PFS/MRD- benefits with Quads, real-world VRd, transplant, risk adapted maintenance has excellent outcomes. In many countries, Anti CD38 Moabs are not available or are prohibitively expensive.

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

Why not Dara maintenance?

No data that Dara maintenance adds significant benefit if Dara was given at induction. See Cassiopeia below.

Given the cost and long-term risks, we need clear data that patients who received quad induction get benefits from Dara maintenance.

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

What is risk-adapted maintenance?

Len alone for standard risk and Len plus bortezomib for high risk. As advocated for a long time in msmart and by Emory.

Note: No steroids in maintenance.

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

Is frontline transplant needed for everyone?

No. I let standard-risk patients make an informed decision. Early transplant is preferred— but late is ok if feasible and is strongly preferred by patients. No data that OS is better with early versus late in multiple RCTs.

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

What about patients not eligible for transplants?

No changes in approach.

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

Risk stratification that I use is from msmart.org

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data

Important to note that many countries do not have access to major drugs. While we strive to get access, it’s good to remember that simple triplet induction (even VCd), transplant, and maintenance provides outstanding benefit. Real-world Canadian data.”

Vincent Rajkumar: Updated treatment approach to newly diagnosed myeloma based on new ASH23 data