Dr. Kumar on the Evolving Role of Venetoclax in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Shaji K. Kumar, MD, a consultant in the Division of Hematology and a professor of medicine with Mayo Clinic, discusses the evolving role of venetoclax (Venclexta) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Although not FDA approved in myeloma, venetoclax has demonstrated activity in patients with relapsed/refractory disease who harbor 11;14 translocations, says Kumar. As such, single-agent venetoclax or venetoclax in combination with dexamethasone could be a valid treatment option for this subgroup of patients who have not responded to other standard combinations, Kumar explains.

Currently, venetoclax in combination with dexamethasone is being evaluated in the randomized phase 3 CANOVA trial (NCT03539744) vs pomalidomide (Pomalyst) and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, concludes Kumar.