An observational study of once-weekly carfilzomib in patients with multiple myeloma in Japan (Weekly-CAR study).

Background: The ARROW study demonstrated that once-weekly carfilzomib and dexamethasone (wKd) therapy significantly prolonged progression-free survival compared with twice-weekly carfilzomib and dexamethasone therapy in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients. Aim: To describe the treatment patterns, effectiveness and safety of wKd therapy in real-world settings in Japan. Methods: We investigated data from the medical records of 126 Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Results: The overall response rate was 66.3%. The median progression-free survival was 9.5 months. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events of any grade and grade ≥3 were 45.8 and 20.8%, respectively. Conclusion: There were no new or unexpected safety signals in this study. This study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety profiles of wKd therapy in Japan.

Carfilzomib became available for daily clinical practice as a drug for cancer of bone marrow (multiple myeloma) that comes back or does not respond to previous drug (relapsed or refractory). This drug was approved in the USA in 2012, and in Japan in 2016. In this study, we looked at how once-weekly carfilzomib works and how safe it is in real-life situations in Japan. We screened 126 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in Japan. The median age of the patients was 70 years, with 25% being over 75 years. This study also included some patients who were not in the best overall health, had a history of many treatments or had heart complications. In 66.3% of patients, the cancer had disappeared or the extent of the cancer had reduced after treatment. Side effects and serious side effects occurred in 45.8 and 14.2% of patients, respectively. The most common side effects were low levels of blood platelets (9.2%), high blood pressure (5.8%), loose or watery stools (5.0%), fever (5.0%), and low levels of red blood cells (4.2%). Heart disorders occurred in five patients. But all patients recovered or improved with treatment such as blood pressure lowering drugs and diuretics. These results showed that once-weekly carfilzomib works well and is safe in real-world settings in Japan. This information can help us think about how to pick the right patients and handle heart disease risks when using carfilzomib treatment.

Plain language summary of the MonumenTAL-1 study of talquetamab in people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

WHAT IS THIS SUMMARY ABOUT?: This plain language summary describes the results of a phase 1 research study (or clinical trial) called MonumenTAL-1 published in the New England Journal of Medicine in December 2022. A phase 1 study is an early clinical trial where researchers evaluate how safe a medicine is at different doses in a small number of people. In the MonumenTAL-1 study, researchers looked at a new medicine under development called talquetamab, for people living with multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer) who did not respond (refractory), stopped responding (relapsed), or who had difficulty dealing with their previous treatments. HOW WAS THE STUDY CONDUCTED?: The phase 1 MonumenTAL-1 study was performed in 2 parts. Safety was the main focus of Part 1 in which side effects, and how serious they were, were assessed. The results of Part 1 were used to identify doses of talquetamab that were well tolerated, without a need to stop treatment or reduce the doses, for further study in Part 2. Part 2 of the study examined how well talquetamab worked to decrease signs of the cancer and what side effects, and their severity, people experienced at the doses identified in Part 1. WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?: In Part 1 of the study, researchers identified 2 doses of talquetamab for further study: 405 micrograms for every kilogram of body weight (µg/kg) given weekly and 800 µg/kg every other week. All participants experienced at least one side effect of treatment at these 2 doses. Less than half of participants (43% at 405 µg/kg weekly dose and 34% at the 800 µg/kg every other week dose) experienced serious side effects which are those side effects that led to hospitalization, death, or permanent or life-threatening damage). The most common side effects at both doses were a condition known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS); changes in blood cell levels (where different types of cells in the blood were measured); changes in skin such as itching, dry skin, eczema, ulcers or shedding; changes in nails such as discoloration or ridging (lines or dents); and changes in sense of taste such as food tasting sour or metallic. CRS is caused by the overactivation of the immune system (the body's natural defense system) and can result in fever, feeling sick (nausea), being tired (fatigue), low blood pressure, low blood oxygen levels and body aches. Most cases of CRS, as well as most other side effects, were mild or moderate. Most common serious events were CRS, fever and bone pain. Most people had fewer signs of the cancer after taking talquetamab, and the response was similar between the 2 doses. The median duration of response at the 2 identified doses was 8-10 months. WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?: Most of the side effects people experienced when taking talquetamab were mild or moderate. Most people who took talquetamab responded to the treatment even though they hadn't responded or stopped responding to previous multiple myeloma treatments or stopped taking those treatments because they were unable to tolerate them. These results demonstrate the potential of talquetamab as a treatment option in people who have used up other available therapy options. The 2 doses of talquetamab identified here are being examined in a larger group of participants to further test for safety and to test how well people respond.

Subgroup analysis based on cytogenetic risk in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in the CANDOR study.

CANDOR compared the safety/efficacy of carfilzomib with dexamethasone and daratumumab (KdD) to carfilzomib with dexamethasone (Kd) in adults with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This CANDOR subgroup analysis evaluated outcomes based on cytogenetic risk. Overall response rates (KdD vs. Kd) were 81% versus 56% in high-risk and 87% versus 79% in standard-risk groups. Median progression-free survival was 11.2 versus 7.4 months in high-risk (hazard ratio, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.34, 0.93]) and not reached versus 16.6 months in standard-risk groups (0.56 [95% CI, 0.39, 0.80]). These data support the efficacy of KdD in RRMM treatment, including in patients with high-risk cytogenetics.

Pomalidomide plus dexamethasone for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: Final results of the non-interventional study POSEIDON and comparison with the pivotal phase 3 clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have relapsed on or become refractory to immunomodulators and bortezomib is poor, and treatment options are limited. While pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone (POM/DEX) has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, real-world evidence is scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: POSEIDON was a prospective non-interventional study designed to evaluate effectiveness, safety and quality of life (QoL) of POM/DEX in patients with relapsed or refractory MM (R/RMM) pretreated with at least two prior therapy lines including both lenalidomide and bortezomib in real world in Germany. Patients received POM/DEX according to physicians' choice. Data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2017, 151 patients were enrolled, 144 patients with a median of three prior therapy lines qualified for effectiveness analysis. Median age was 73.2 years. Median progression-free and overall survival were 6.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.2, 8.6] and 12.9 months [95% CI 10.6, 15.1]. Most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were leukopenia (8.2%), pneumonia (7.5%) and anemia (5.5%). QoL was maintained after start of POM/DEX. CONCLUSION: The results of POSEIDON support the effectiveness and safety of POM/DEX in R/RMM patients pretreated with lenalidomide and bortezomib and highlight the clinical value of the POM/DEX regimen in the real-world setting. Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02075996).

Practice patterns and outcomes for triple-class exposed patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in Japan.

Aim: Treatment options for triple-class exposed (TCE) patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in Japan are limited. Materials & methods: Retrospective observational study using the Medical Data Vision database (April 2008-April 2021). Eligible adults with MM received a new post-TCE treatment. Treatments, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs (per patient per month [PPPM]) were analyzed with subgroup analyses by prior stem cell transplantation (SCT vs No SCT). Results: Of 459 TCE patients, 216 (47%) had post-TCE treatment of whom 194 (90%) had no prior SCT. Median duration of the first post-TCE line of therapy (LOT) was 2 months; 49% of No SCT patients received a subsequent LOT. Total healthcare costs were comparable between No SCT and SCT groups (¥1.3 million PPPM each; US$12,328 and $12,391, respectively), driven by treatment costs. Median post-index overall survival (n = 216) was 15.8 months (95% CI: 10.5, 22.3). Conclusion: New treatments with better effectiveness are needed for patients with TCE MM in Japan.

Treatment options are limited for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in Japan who have received the 3 classes of drugs known as immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, and are considered to be 'triple-class exposed' (TCE). The objective of this study was to understand the characteristics of this patient population and the treatments they received after becoming TCE. The study evaluated healthcare resources and costs and considered whether patients had received stem cell transplant as their first treatment, where cells that may differentiate into blood cells are administered. This study analyzed a database of anonymous patients' medical records collected from April 2008 through April 2021 in Japan. A total of 216 patients were included, of whom 194 never received stem cell transplantation. Patients who received treatment after being considered TCE received that first treatment for a median of 2 months. All patients who received treatment after TCE had a median overall survival of 15.8 months meaning half the patients were still alive after receiving treatment at 15.8 months. Patients who did not have a stem cell transplant after diagnosis had a median overall survival of 17.4 months. Healthcare resources were similar between groups, except those who did not have stem cell transplantation after diagnosis needed more medications. Both groups had total healthcare costs of ¥1.3 million per patient per month. These findings support the need for new treatments and future studies to understand how new treatments would help TCE relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients in Japan.

Survival and treatment patterns of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in France - a cohort study using the French National Healthcare database (SNDS).

Over the past decade, several drugs have been approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This retrospective study, using the French National Healthcare database (SNDS), describes the treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with RRMM treated in real-world clinical practice in France. Patients were adults, with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, who initiated second-line (2L) treatment approved for use in France between 2014 and 2018; this included bortezomib, carfilzomib, daratumumab, ixazomib, lenalidomide, or pomalidomide. Data were analyzed overall, by first-line (1L) autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) status and by lenalidomide treatment status at 2L. In total, 12987 patients with RRMM were included in the study (mean age 69.5 years); 27% received an ASCT at 1L, and 30% received a lenalidomide-sparing regimen at 2L. Overall, and among the ASCT and non-ASCT subgroups, most patients received a bortezomib-based regimen at 1L, whereas lenalidomide-based regimens were most common at 2L. Among patients who received a lenalidomide-sparing regimen at 2L, this was most often a proteasome inhibitor-based regimen. Mortality rate was 26.1/100 person-years, and median (95% confidence interval) survival from 2L initiation was 32.4 (31.2-33.6) months. Survival differed by various factors, shorter survival was reported in the non-ASCT group, those receiving a lenalidomide-sparing regimen at 2L, older patients (≥ 70 years), and those with multiple comorbidities. This analysis provides insight into the real-world use of approved novel MM treatments and highlights an ongoing unmet need to improve outcomes, particularly for selected patient groups.

Changes in treatment landscape of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and their association with mortality: Insights from German claims database.

OBJECTIVES: Emerging treatments for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM) have led to increasing options for many patients. This study aimed to assess changes in utilization of these options in Germany with a focus on modern triplet regimens including new agents, such as carfilzomib, ixazomib, elotuzumab and daratumumab, and to evaluate whether this had an impact on rrMM-related outcomes over time. METHODS: The study population consisted of 1255 rrMM patients who were assigned to one of the following 6 treatment groups: immunomodulatory drug (IMiD)-based doublets, proteasome inhibitor (PI)-based doublets, daratumumab monotherapy, PI-IMiD-based triplets, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)-based triplets, or other treatment. RESULTS: Use of triplet-based therapy regimens increased from 5.9% in 2014 to 31.4% in 2017. In parallel, use of IMiD-based doublets decreased from 74.3% in 2014 to 37.6% in 2017. Over the same time period, the risk of death decreased by 32% and the risk of hospitalization which was reduced by 30%. The risk for serious adverse events remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Between 2014 and 2017, the use of triplet-based therapy regimens for rrMM in Germany has significantly increased and this was associated with a significant decline in deaths and hospitalizations without an increased incidence of serious adverse events.

Pomalidomide-bortezomib-dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: Japanese subset analysis of OPTIMISMM.

In the phase 3 OPTIMISMM trial, pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) significantly improved the progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall response rate (ORR) vs bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. All patients were previously treated with lenalidomide (70% refractory to lenalidomide) and had received one to three prior regimens. Here we report the first efficacy and safety analysis of PVd vs Vd in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Seventeen patients enrolled in the OPTIMISMM trial in Japan. With a median follow-up of 14.8 months, the median PFS was 17.6 months with PVd (n = 12) vs 4.4 months with Vd (n = 5), and the ORR was 100% vs 60.0%, respectively. The safety profile was as expected for PVd. Toxicities were managed with dose reductions and interruptions, and no patients discontinued PVd due to treatment-emergent adverse events. These results are consistent with those in the overall OPTIMISMM patient population and confirm the clinical benefit of PVd in Japanese patients.

Bortezomib plus dexamethasone vs thalidomide plus dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

A randomized phase II selection design study (JCOG0904) was carried out to evaluate the more promising regimen between bortezomib (Bor) plus dexamethasone (Dex; BD) and thalidomide (Thal) plus Dex (TD) in Bor and Thal-naïve patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Patients ≥20 and <80 years old with a documented diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) who received one or more prior therapies were randomized to receive BD (Bor 1.3 mg/m2 ) or TD (Thal 200 mg/d). In both arms, 8 cycles of induction (3-week cycle) were followed by maintenance phase (5-week cycle) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or patient refusal. The primary end-point was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS). Forty-four patients were randomized and assigned to receive BD and TD (n = 22, each group). At a median follow-up of 34.3 months, the 1-year PFS in the BD and TD arms were 45.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 24.4%-64.3%) and 31.8% (95% CI, 14.2%-51.1%), respectively, and the overall response rates were 77.3% and 40.9%, respectively. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 70.0% (95% CI, 44.9%-85.4%) in the BD, and 48.8% (95% CI, 25.1%-69.0%) in the TD arm. Among grade 3/4 adverse events, thrombocytopenia (54.5% vs 0.0%) and sensory peripheral neuropathy (22.7% vs 9.1%) were more frequent in BD when compared with the TD arm. Patients treated with BD had better outcomes than those treated with TD with regard to 1-year PFS and 3-year OS. Thus, BD was prioritized over TD for further investigations in Bor and Thal-naïve RRMM patients. (Clinical trial registration no. UMIN000003135.).

Phase 1/1B trial of the heat shock protein 90 inhibitor NVP-AUY922 as monotherapy or in combination with bortezomib in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: NVP-AUY922 (AUY; Luminespib) with or without bortezomib showed preclinical activity against multiple myeloma (MM) cells. This phase 1/1B study assessed NVP-AUY922 alone and with bortezomib in patients with relapsed or refractory MM. METHODS: Dose escalation was guided by an adaptive Bayesian logistic regression model. In phase 1, patients who progressed after 2 to 4 prior therapies received NVP-AUY922 intravenously once weekly. In phase 1B, patients who progressed after 2 or fewer prior therapies received NVP-AUY922 plus bortezomib. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of NVP-AUY922. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients received NVP-AUY922 monotherapy at doses of 8 to 70 mg/m(2) . One dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed (grade 3 blurred vision at 70 mg/m(2) ); no MTD was reached. The recommended phase 2 dose was 70 mg/m(2) . The most frequent drug-related adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea, nausea, and ocular toxicities. Grade 3/4 AEs were uncommon (<10%). Eight patients discontinued treatment because of AEs; 5 had ocular toxicities (≥45 mg/m(2) ). The best response was stable disease in 66.7% of the patients. There were no partial or complete responses. Five patients received NVP-AUY922 (which was started at 50 mg/m(2) ) plus bortezomib (1.3 mg/m(2) ). Three of these patients experienced DLT. No further dose escalation was performed; the MTD for NVP-AUY922 plus bortezomib was not established. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed disease stabilization with NVP-AUY922 in patients with relapsed or refractory MM. The MTD for NVP-AUY922 was not reached, but reversible ocular toxicity has been reported at high dose levels. Bortezomib at the standard recommended dose plus NVP-AUY922 was not tolerated.

Phase 2 study of dovitinib in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma with or without t(4;14) translocation.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 15% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) exhibit a t(4;14) translocation, which often results in constitutive activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dovitinib, an RTK inhibitor with in vitro inhibitory activity against FGFR, in patients with relapsed or refractory MM with or without t(4;14) translocation. METHODS: Adult patients with relapsed or refractory MM who had received ≥2 prior regimens were enrolled in this multicenter, 2-stage, phase 2 trial. Patients were grouped based on their t(4;14) status. Dovitinib (500 mg/day orally) was administered on a 5-days-on/2-days-off schedule. The primary endpoint was overall response rate by local investigator review (per International Myeloma Working Group criteria). In non-responding patients, treatment could continue with the addition of low-dose dexamethasone. RESULTS: In total, 43 patients (median age, 63 years) were enrolled (13 t(4;14) positive, 26 t(4;14) negative, and 4 t(4;14) status non-interpretable). Patients had received a median of 5 prior regimens. Median duration of treatment was 8.7 weeks in the t(4;14)-positive group and 3.7 weeks in the t(4;14)-negative group. None of the patients on dovitinib had objective responses. The stable disease rate was 61.5% in the t(4;14)-positive group and 34.6% in the t(4;14)-negative group. Overall, 39 patients (90.7%) had adverse events suspected to be related to study drug, most commonly diarrhea (60.5%), nausea (58.1%), vomiting (46.5%), and fatigue (32.6%). CONCLUSION: Dovitinib showed no single-agent activity in relapsed or refractory MM but may stabilize disease in some t(4;14)-positive patients.

Isatuximab with pomalidomide-dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: post-marketing surveillance in Japan.

This post-marketing surveillance assessed the safety and effectiveness of isatuximab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone (Isa-Pd) for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) during real-world use in Japan. Data from 211 individuals with RRMM treated with Isa-Pd in Japan between October 2020 and October 2021 were collected, with follow-up for up to 12 months after initiation of Isa-Pd or until treatment discontinuation. The incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), ADRs of special interest (infusion reactions, bone marrow suppression, infections, cardiac disorders, other ADRs of Grade ≥ 3), and serious ADRs was assessed. Best overall response and overall response rate (ORR) were determined. In the safety analysis set (n = 120), ADR incidence was 57.5%. Most ADRs were hematologic, and serious ADRs occurred in 28.3%. Bone marrow suppression occurred in 46.7% of participants (19.2% serious), infusion reactions in 18.3% (6.7% serious), infections in 11.7% (8.3% serious), and a serious cardiac disorder in one participant; other Grade ≥ 3 ADRs were reported in 3.3% (1.7% serious). In the effectiveness analysis set (n = 108), the most common best overall response was very good partial response (24.1%), and ORR was 51.9%. These findings support the safety and effectiveness of Isa-Pd for RRMM in real-life settings in Japan.

Comparative Effectiveness of Teclistamab Versus Real-World Physician's Choice of Therapy in LocoMMotion and MoMMent in Triple-Class Exposed Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

INTRODUCTION: Teclistamab is the first approved B cell maturation antigen × CD3 bispecific antibody with precision dosing for the treatment of triple-class exposed (TCE) relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We compared the effectiveness of teclistamab in MajesTEC-1 versus real-world physician's choice of therapy (RWPC) in patients from the prospective, non-interventional LocoMMotion and MoMMent studies. METHODS: Patients treated with teclistamab from MajesTEC-1 (N = 165) were compared with an external control arm from LocoMMotion (N = 248) or LocoMMotion + MoMMent pooled (N = 302). Inverse probability of treatment weighting adjusted for imbalances in prognostic baseline characteristics. The relative effect of teclistamab versus RWPC for overall response rate (ORR), very good partial response or better (≥ VGPR) rate, and complete response or better (≥ CR) rate was estimated with an odds ratio using weighted logistic regression transformed into a response-rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Weighted proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well balanced between treatment cohorts after reweighting. Patients treated with teclistamab had significantly improved outcomes versus RWPC in LocoMMotion: ORR (RR [95% CI], 2.44 [1.79-3.33]; p < 0.0001), ≥ VGPR (RR 5.78 [3.74-8.93]; p < 0.0001), ≥ CR (RR 113.73 [15.68-825.13]; p < 0.0001), DOR (HR 0.39 [0.24-0.64]; p = 0.0002), PFS (HR 0.48 [0.35-0.64]; p < 0.0001), and OS (HR 0.64 [0.46-0.88]; p = 0.0055). Teclistamab versus RWPC in LocoMMotion + MoMMent also had significantly improved outcomes: ORR (RR 2.41 [1.80-3.23]; p < 0.0001), ≥ VGPR (RR 5.91 [3.93-8.88]; p < 0.0001), ≥ CR (RR 132.32 [19.06-918.47]; p < 0.0001), DOR (HR 0.43 [0.26-0.71]; p = 0.0011), PFS (HR 0.49 [0.37-0.66]; p < 0.0001), and OS (HR 0.69 [0.50-0.95]; p = 0.0247). CONCLUSION: Teclistamab demonstrated significantly improved effectiveness over RWPC in LocoMMotion ± MoMMent, emphasizing its clinical benefit as a highly effective treatment for patients with TCE RRMM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: MajesTEC-1, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03145181 (phase 1) and NCT04557098 (phase 2); LocoMMotion, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04035226; MoMMent, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05160584.

Clinician and administrator perspectives on outpatient administration of ciltacabtagene autoleucel in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Introduction: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy (CAR T therapy) is a treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma that has led to unprecedented treatment outcomes. Among CAR T therapies available, ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is a good candidate for outpatient administration due to its generally predictable safety profile. There are multiple advantages of outpatient administration of cilta-cel, including reduced healthcare burden, expanded access, and patient autonomy. This mixed methods qualitative study aimed to identify key factors for outpatient administration of CAR T and best practice recommendations by combining a targeted literature review with expert interviews and panels. Methods: The targeted review (Phase 1) aimed to identify factors for outpatient CAR T administration in the US and determine key topics for the exploratory interviews (Phase 2) and expert panels (Phase 3), which aimed to inform on best practices and challenges of outpatient CAR T administration (focusing on cilta-cel). Participants in clinical and administrative positions based in treatment centers that had experience with real-world outpatient administration of cilta-cel were recruited. Results: Seventeen studies were identified in Phase 1. Key factors for outpatient administration included the development of protocols for CAR T complications, education for caregivers, outpatient specialists, hospital staff, and emergency services staff for identification and referral after possible adverse events, the creation of multidisciplinary teams for effective communication and management, straightforward patient intake processes encompassing financial eligibility review and provision of patient education materials, and close patient monitoring throughout the treatment journey. In Phase 2, 5 participants from 2 centers were interviewed. In Phase 3, 14 participants across 6 treatment centers were interviewed. Two 90-minute virtual panel discussions took place. All participants agreed that cilta-cel can be safely and effectively administered in an outpatient setting. Key recommendations included the creation of educational resources for patients and caregivers, the development of standard operating procedures, dedicated outpatient infrastructure and establishment of interdisciplinary teams, outpatient monitoring for toxicity management, and monitoring of the reimbursement landscape. Discussion: This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the feasibility of outpatient cilta-cel administration in participating CAR T centers and provides actionable recommendations while acknowledging existing challenges.

Corneal epithelial changes in a patient treated with belantamab mafodotin.

The aim of the study is to report a case of corneal epithelial changes in a patient with refractory multiple myeloma (MM) who was treated with belantamab mafodotin (BM). A 55-year-old man diagnosed with refractory MM was referred to our hospital for treatment with BM, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting B-cell maturation antigen. After 33 days of treatment, the patient experienced a bilateral reduction in visual acuity (VA), along with dry eye symptoms such as itchy eyes and a sensation of having a foreign body. Slit-lamp examination revealed the presence of diffuse microcystic epithelial changes throughout the cornea. BM treatment was discontinued by the oncologist. Sixty days after stopping belantamab, VA gradually improved and the microcystic epithelial alterations progressively diminished. Ninety days after discontinuation of therapy, only a few microcystic epithelial alterations remained, and the patient had 20/20 VA in both eyes. While BM is an effective therapy for refractory MM, corneal epithelial changes are among the most common side effects of this treatment. Close collaboration between ophthalmologists and oncologists is crucial for assessing ocular adverse effects and tailoring treatment accordingly.

Comparative Efficacy of Teclistamab Versus Current Treatments in Real-World Clinical Practice in the Prospective LocoMMotion Study in Patients with Triple-Class-Exposed Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with triple-class-exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (TCE-RRMM) have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Teclistamab, a B-cell maturation antigen × CD3 bispecific antibody, was studied in patients with TCE-RRMM in the single-arm MajesTEC-1 study. To assess the relative effectiveness of teclistamab versus real-world physician's choice of therapy (RWPC), adjusted comparisons were performed using individual patient data from MajesTEC-1 and LocoMMotion, a prospective study of patients with TCE-RRMM. METHODS: An external control arm for MajesTEC-1 was created from patients in LocoMMotion (n = 248; clinical cut-off: November 2, 2021) and compared with treated patients (n = 165) from MajesTEC-1 (teclistamab 1.5 mg/kg weekly; clinical cut-off: March 16, 2022). Inverse probability weighting was used to adjust for imbalances in baseline covariates. For binary endpoints [overall response rate (ORR), very good partial response or better (≥ VGPR) rate, complete response or better (≥ CR)], relative effect of teclistamab versus RWPC was estimated with an odds ratio and relative response rate and 95% confidence interval (CI), derived from weighted logistic regression. Weighted Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs for time-to-event endpoints [duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS)]. RESULTS: After weighting, baseline characteristics were balanced across cohorts. In adjusted comparisons, teclistamab-treated patients were 2.3-fold, 5.2-fold and 148.3-fold, more likely to reach ORR [response-rate ratio (RR) = 2.31, 95% CI 1.77-2.85, p < 0.0001], ≥ VGPR (RR = 5.19, 95% CI 3.26-7.12, p < 0.0001) and ≥ CR (RR = 148.25, 95% CI 20.63-1065.40, p < 0.0001), respectively, versus patients receiving RWPC. Following adjustment, DOR (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.19-0.54, p < 0.0001) and PFS (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35-0.65, p < 0.0001) were significantly longer with teclistamab versus RWPC. OS was numerically better with teclistamab versus RWPC [HR 0.77 (0.55-1.09), p = 0.1419]. CONCLUSION: Teclistamab demonstrated improved effectiveness versus RWPC, highlighting its clinical benefit as a novel and effective treatment for patients with TCE-RRMM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Majest TEC-1, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04557098; LocoMMotion, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04035226.

Updated results from a matching-adjusted indirect comparison of efficacy outcomes for ciltacabtagene autoleucel in CARTITUDE-1 versus idecabtagene vicleucel in KarMMa for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVE: This study used the latest available data cuts from the CARTITUDE-1 and KarMMa clinical trials to update previously published matching-adjusted indirect treatment comparisons (MAICs) assessing the comparative efficacy of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) versus the FDA-approved idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) dose range of 300 to 450 × 106 CAR-positive T-cells in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who were previously treated with a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (i.e. triple-class exposed). METHODS: MAICs were performed with the latest available individual patient data for cilta-cel (CARTITUDE-1) and published summary-level data for ide-cel (KarMMa). The analyses included treated patients from CARTITUDE-1 who satisfied the eligibility criteria for KarMMa. The MAIC adjusted for unbalanced baseline covariates of prognostic significance identified in the literature and by clinical expertise. Comparative efficacy was assessed for overall response rate (ORR), complete response or better (≥CR) rate, duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Cilta-cel was associated with statistically significantly improved ORR (odds ratio [OR]: 94.93 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.86, 412.25; p < .0001]; relative risk [RR]: 1.34), ≥CR rate (OR: 5.65 [95% CI: 2.51, 12.69; p < .0001]; RR: 2.23), DoR (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.52 [95% CI: 0.30, 0.88; p = .0152]), PFS, (HR: 0.38 [95% CI: 0.24, 0.62; p < .0001]), and OS (HR: 0.43 [95% CI: 0.22, 0.88; p = .0200]) compared with ide-cel. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses demonstrate improved efficacy with cilta-cel versus ide-cel for all outcomes over longer follow-up and highlight its therapeutic potential in triple-class exposed RRMM patients.

Anti­BCMA CAR­T cell immunotherapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

The present study aimed to study the efficacy and adverse effects of anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Patients were divided into three dose groups based on cell therapy concentration. After CAR-T cell therapy for 10 patients with recurrent or refractory multiple myeloma, the patients were monitored and evaluated regularly to observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of CAR-T cell therapy. At a median follow-up of 337 (253-504) days, one patient succumbed 24 days due to rapidly progressing disease. The overall response rate of nine patients was 88.9%, including 77.8% (7/9) with minimal residual disease negative complete remission (CR) and 11.1% (1/9) with partial remission. A total of three patients were maintained in remission state for more than a year and eight were maintained for more than six months. Among the three patients with extramedullary invasion, two extramedullary lesions disappeared and one was stable. The highest copy number of CAR-T cells in seven patients with CR was >1x105 copies/µl gDNA, and the best therapeutic effect can be achieved within 30 (7-30) days after the copy number of CAR-T cells reached 1x105 copies/µl genomic DNA. The median onset time in the nine patients was 43 (22-169) days, and the median progression-free survival was 337 (253-504). Among the 10 patients, nine (90%) had cytokine release syndrome, all of which were below grade II. There were nine (90%) patients with hematological adverse reactions, six (60%) patients with severe anemia, five (50%) patients with grade III and above leukopenia, five (50%) patients with granulocytopenia, four (40%) patients with grade III and above thrombocytopenia, and three (30%) patients with grade III and above pancytopenia. It was concluded that anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy is a promising treatment method for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and extramedullary invasion, with stable efficacy and controllable adverse effects.

Analysis of patient-reported experiences up to 2 years after receiving idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel, bb2121) for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: Longitudinal findings from the phase 2 KarMMa trial.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the long-term experience of patients receiving ide-cel chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in the pivotal phase 2 KarMMa trial. METHODS: This qualitative study analyzed semi-structured patient interviews 6-24 months after ide-cel infusion. Thematic analysis with quantitative and longitudinal analyses explored patient perceptions of ide-cel treatment experience, advantages and disadvantages, and long-term health-related quality of life impact. Patient journeys were developed from narrative analysis of perceived treatment benefits with known remission length. RESULTS: Interviews with 45 patients 6-24 months postinfusion were analyzed; all reported ≥ 1 ide-cel treatment advantage, most often related to efficacy (n = 42/45, 93%), few or no side effects (n = 35/45, 78%), and avoidance of other treatments (n = 34/45, 76%). Patients generally reported 6-month improvements in physical health, functioning, emotional well-being, social life, and outlook on the future; these improvements mostly remained "stable" through 18 and 24 months. The most common patient journeys comprised physical, functioning, or emotional benefit with remission < 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal analysis of patient experiences showed sustained benefits and preference for ide-cel up to 24 months after treatment. Trial Registration Number and Date: NCT03361748. December 5, 2017.

Pomalidomide, dexamethasone, and daratumumab in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after lenalidomide-based treatment.

In cohort C of the phase 2 MM-014 trial, the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide, dexamethasone, and daratumumab therapy were investigated in 18 Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) after their most recent regimen of lenalidomide-based therapy (NCT01946477). Patients received oral pomalidomide (4 mg daily), oral dexamethasone (20-40 mg weekly), and intravenously infused daratumumab (16 mg/kg). Median age was 67.5 years. All patients received prior lenalidomide per protocol; 89% received prior bortezomib. Twelve patients (67%) had lenalidomide-refractory disease, and 6 (33%) had lenalidomide-relapsed disease. Ten patients (56%) had only 1 prior treatment line. As of August 3, 2020, 15 patients (83%) were still on treatment; median follow-up was 8.1 months. Three patients (17%) discontinued treatment (2 for adverse events; 1 for major protocol deviation). Overall response rate (primary endpoint) was 83% (very good partial response or better, 61%). All patients had ≥ 1 grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events, most commonly neutropenia (78%; febrile, 6%), leukopenia (28%), and lymphopenia (22%). Grade 3/4 infections occurred in 17%; 11% had pneumonia. In Japanese patients with RRMM, a triplet regimen of pomalidomide, dexamethasone, and daratumumab after early-line lenalidomide treatment failure showed high efficacy and safety consistent with the known safety profile.