Dr. Lonial on Daratumumab Plus Pomalidomide in Multiple Myeloma

Sagar Lonial, MD, professor and chair, Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, chief medical officer, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, discusses the potential of the combination regimen of pomalidomide (Pomalyst) and daratumumab (Darzalex) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.

Clinical trial data of the combination demonstrates that two non-cross reactive agents can perform synergistically, Lonial explains. Studies have shown that in the relapsed/refractory setting, pomalidomide and dexamethasone demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 30%, while single-agent daratumumab elicited an ORR of 30% in a similar setting.

Together, pomalidomide and daratumumab demonstrated an ORR of approximately 70%, and a significant number of patients achieved a very good partial response or better, Lonial adds. The combination enhances the immune system's ability to make daratumumab more effective, he says.