Dr. Raje Compares Data for Triplet Regimens in Myeloma

Noopur Raje, MD, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Center for Multiple Myeloma at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, discusses data for the standard triplet regimens in the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

The data are promising with regard to the 3-drug combination of carfilzomib (Kyprolis), pomalidomide (Pomalyst), and dexamethasone, Raje says. Response rates are between 60% and 70%, with durations of response of approximately 8 or 9 months.

Moreover, combinations with daratumumab (Darzalex) have also been impressive. The triplet of daratumumab, dexamethasone, and pomalidomide also yields responses in approximately 60% of patients, with durations of response between 8 to 10 months. However, the field is shifting toward the use of quadruplets in this setting, with the goal of achieving minimal residual disease negativity and, ultimately, higher cure rates. Data show that treatment with 4-drug regimens is generating remissions lasting 3.5 to 4 years, says Raje.