Dr. Usmani on Potential of Checkpoint Inhibitors in Multiple Myeloma

Saad Z. Usmani, MD, Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Levine Cancer Institute/Carolinas HealthCare System, discusses the potential of checkpoint inhibitors as monotherapy and in combination.

Researchers can potentially utilize checkpoint inhibition in multiple myeloma in several different ways. For example, it might be effective in older patients, where immunomodulatory (IMiD)—based therapies, such as lenalidomide (Revlimid)/dexamethasone, are utilized for upfront treatment, Usmani explains. Therefore, combining that with a checkpoint inhibitor may make sense in providing a long-term progression-free survival and potentially overall survival benefit.

The checkpoint inhibition plus IMiD combinations are newer in the myeloma landscape, he adds. There are some relapsed/refractory data with the combination of pomalidomide (Pomalyst) and lenalidomide, but there is potential to use that regimen upfront. Checkpoint inhibitors plus IMiDs could also have potential in the maintenance setting.