Dr. Bahlis on Updated Data From the MAIA Trial in Multiple Myeloma

Nizar J. Bahlis, MD, associate professor at University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, discusses updated data from the phase 3 MAIA trial in multiple myeloma.

The MAIA trial evaluated daratumumab (Darzalex), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and dexamethasone (DRd) versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) alone in patients with transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma, approximately half of which were over the age of 75.

According to the updated findings, the progression-free survival (PFS) continued to favor DRd. The median PFS with DRd was still not reached with 68% of the patients remaining progression free, says Bahlis. This compared with a median PFS of 33 months in the control arm. The hazard ratio remains the same at 0.5, translating to a 44% reduction in the risk of death with DRd.

Notably, the complete response (CR) rate deepened with DRd with longer-term follow-up. Nearly 50% of patients achieved a CR or better. Additionally, minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at a sensitivity of 10-5 rose from 24% to 29%. Longer-term follow-up confirmed that 15% of patients experienced sustained MRD negativity at 6 months, adds Bahlis.

PFS2 also favored DRd with a median PFS2 that has yet to be reached versus 46 months in the control arm. No new toxicities or treatment-emergent adverse effects have been reported with longer term follow-up, adds Bahlis. The results for overall survival are eagerly anticipated this year, concludes Bahlis.