Dr Dhakal on Notable Multiple Myeloma Trials Presented in 2024

Binod Dhakal, MD, associate professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, discusses key trials presented at the 21st International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting in patients with multiple myeloma.

The conference showcased several exciting developments in multiple myeloma management, with many promising data presentations, Dhakal begins. Notably, the phase 3 CEPHEUS trial (NCT03652064), which investigated treatment with daratumumab (Darzalex) and hyaluronidase-fihj (subcutaneous daratumumab; Darzalex Faspro) plus bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and dexamethasone (VRd) in patients with newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma, provided encouraging results with this combination therapy in this population, he reports. Notably, investigators reported that results were statistically significant in favor of the investigational arm, with a rate of complete response or better at 81.2% vs 61.6% with VRd (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.71-4.34; P < .0001).

Another key study is the phase 3 AURIGA study (NCT03901963), which focuses on patients with minimal residual disease (MRD)–positive, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in the post-transplant setting, Dhakal continues. This trial examines daratumumab combined with lenalidomide, evaluating its efficacy compared with alternative therapies. The CEPHEUS and AURIGA trials are vital, as their findings will help refine treatment strategies based on MRD responses, potentially leading to more personalized treatment approaches for patients, he emphasizes.

Other significant updates from the conference included overall survival data with ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti), as well as improvements in the safety and efficacy profiles of other CAR T-cell therapies, Dhakal elucidates. Bispecific antibodies, such as teclistamab-cqyv (Tecvayli), were also highlighted, with 1-year follow-up data providing insights into this agent’s long-term efficacy and safety, he notes. This collection of CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibody data demonstrates several myeloma treatment advances, he states.

These studies represent a robust expansion of therapeutic options for patients, with continued developments in targeted and personalized treatment approaches showing promise for improved outcomes and tolerability, Dhakal says. Overall, the new data discussed at the 21st International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting reflect exciting progress in optimizing myeloma care, offering meaningful benefits for various patient subgroups, he concludes.