Combination Therapy for Multiple Myeloma

Recruiting at 613 trial locations

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 3

Recruiting

Sponsor: ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

Must not be taking: Concurrent chemotherapy

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Peripheral neuropathy, Asthma, others

No Placebo Group

Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Prior Safety Data

Breakthrough Therapy

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This phase III trial compares the combination of four drugs (daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone) to the use of a three drug combination (daratumumab, lenalidomide and dexamethasone). Bortezomib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Chemotherapy drugs, such as lenalidomide, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody that may interfere with the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as dexamethasone lower the body's immune response and are used with other drugs in the treatment of some types of cancer. Adding bortezomib to daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone may be more effective in shrinking the cancer or preventing it from returning, compared to continuing on daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not receive any other concurrent chemotherapy or investigational therapy while on this protocol, except for supportive care like bisphosphonates.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination therapy for multiple myeloma?

Research shows that combining lenalidomide with dexamethasone is effective for treating newly diagnosed elderly patients with multiple myeloma, suggesting that similar combinations in the trial may also be effective. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the combination therapy for multiple myeloma safe for humans?

The combination therapy involving daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and bortezomib has been studied in patients with multiple myeloma and is generally considered safe. Common side effects include low blood cell counts, fatigue, muscle cramps, rash, infections, and blood clots, but no new safety concerns were identified in recent studies. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

What makes the combination therapy for multiple myeloma unique?

This combination therapy for multiple myeloma is unique because it includes daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets CD38, enhancing the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. Additionally, the use of a subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab (Darzalex Faspro) offers a more convenient administration route compared to traditional intravenous methods, potentially improving patient comfort and adherence. ^{6 11 12 13 14}

Research Team

Shaji K Kumar

Principal Investigator

ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

Eligibility Criteria

Adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have completed initial treatment without progression, can undergo bone marrow tests, and have adequate organ function. They must not be pregnant or breastfeeding, agree to contraception if applicable, and have no severe allergies to trial drugs or their components.

Inclusion Criteria

Your liver function tests (ALT and AST) should be less than 3 times the upper limit of normal.

My multiple myeloma is considered standard risk, stage I or II.

Your kidneys are working well enough, with a certain amount of waste cleared from your blood every minute.

Exclusion Criteria

I am using effective birth control and do not plan to conceive.

I have not had treatments outside my initial therapy plan, including stem cell transplant.

I haven't had moderate or severe asthma, or uncontrolled asthma in the last 2 years.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Induction

Standard induction therapy with daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone

36 weeks

9 cycles, each 28 days

Consolidation

Consolidation therapy with either Btz-DRd or DRd

36 weeks

9 cycles, each 28 days

Maintenance

Maintenance therapy with daratumumab and lenalidomide

Up to 1 year

Cycles repeat every 28 days

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

Up to 15 years

Every 3 months if <2 years from study entry, every 6 months if 2-5 years, then annually

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Bortezomib (Proteasome Inhibitor)
• Daratumumab and Hyaluronidase-fihj (Monoclonal Antibodies)
• Dexamethasone (Corticosteroid)
• Lenalidomide (Immunomodulatory Agent)

Trial Overview The EQUATE trial is comparing a four-drug combo (daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide & dexamethasone) against a three-drug regimen (daratumumab, lenalidomide & dexamethasone) for effectiveness in shrinking or preventing the return of multiple myeloma.

Participant Groups

Group I: Arm B (bortezomib, daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) Experimental Treatment 5 Interventions

CONSOLIDATION: Patients receive bortezomib SC on days 1, 8, and 15, daratumumab SC on day 1, lenalidomide PO daily on days 1-21, and dexamethasone PO on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 9 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. MAINTENANCE: Patients receive lenalidomide PO daily on days 1-21 and daratumumab SC on day 1. Cycles repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Group II: Arm A (daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) Active Control 4 Interventions

INDUCTION: All patients receive standard induction therapy comprising the following: daratumumab subcutaneously (SC) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of cycles 1-2, days 1 and 15 of cycles 3-6, and day 1 of cycles 7-9, lenalidomide orally (PO) daily on days 1-21, and dexamethasone PO on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 9 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Group III: Arm C (daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) Active Control 4 Interventions

CONSOLIDATION: Patients receive daratumumab SC on day 1, lenalidomide PO daily on days 1-21, and dexamethasone PO on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 9 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. MAINTENANCE: Patients receive lenalidomide PO daily on days 1-21, and daratumumab SC on day 1. Cycles repeats every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Bortezomib is already approved in Canada, Japan for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Velcade for:

• Multiple myeloma
• Mantle cell lymphoma

Approved in Japan as Velcade for:

• Multiple myeloma
• Mantle cell lymphoma

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

Lead Sponsor

Trials

122

Recruited

160,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 1162 multiple myeloma patients, those treated with the combination of thalidomide, melphalan, and prednisone (MPT) showed significantly better overall survival (OS) rates compared to those treated with melphalan and prednisone (MP) alone, with median OS of 4.2 years for MPT versus 2.2 years for MP in the first line of treatment.

The relative risk of death was reduced by 39% in the MPT group compared to the MP group in the first line of therapy, indicating that MPT is a more effective treatment option for multiple myeloma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Addition of thalidomide to melphalan and prednisone treatment prolongs survival in multiple myeloma--a retrospective population based study of 1162 patients. Lund, J., Uttervall, K., Liwing, J., et al.[2013]

In a study of 75 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, the combination of carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd56) showed a 60% overall response rate and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 10 months, indicating its efficacy in a real-world clinical setting.

The treatment was well tolerated, with a low rate of adverse events, including no cases of neuropathy and only 10% of patients experiencing cardiovascular events above grade 3, suggesting a favorable safety profile for elderly and heavily pretreated patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Carfilzomib plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: A retro-prospective observational study. Del Giudice, ML., Gozzetti, A., Antonioli, E., et al.[2023]

In a study comparing lenalidomide-dexamethasone (len/dex) and melphalan-prednisone-lenalidomide (MPR) in 89 elderly patients with myeloma, both treatments showed similar efficacy in terms of time to progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival, indicating that either regimen can be effective for this patient group.

However, MPR was associated with significantly higher rates of severe hematologic toxicities, such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, suggesting that while both treatments are effective, len/dex may be a safer option with fewer severe side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone vs. lenalidomide plus melphalan and prednisone: a retrospective study in newly diagnosed elderly myeloma. Gay, F., Vincent Rajkumar, S., Falco, P., et al.[2018]

In a study of 999 rheumatoid arthritis patients over 52 weeks, methotrexate showed greater improvements in tender and swollen joint counts compared to leflunomide, indicating it may be more effective in the short term.

While both treatments had similar safety profiles, methotrexate was associated with more serious adverse events, including elevated liver enzymes and two drug-related deaths, suggesting that leflunomide may be a safer option for long-term use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of the efficacy and safety of leflunomide and methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Emery, P., Breedveld, FC., Lemmel, EM., et al.[2019]

The combination of the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3 and dexamethasone (DEX) effectively reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in CCR6+ T helper memory cells and inhibits synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by targeting both these immune cells and RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF).

Low doses of DEX and 1,25(OH)2D3 enhance the effectiveness of TNFα blockade (like etanercept) in suppressing inflammation, suggesting a potential new strategy to improve treatment outcomes for RA patients who do not respond adequately to current therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

1,25(OH)2D3 and dexamethasone additively suppress synovial fibroblast activation by CCR6+ T helper memory cells and enhance the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha blockade. Dankers, W., González-Leal, C., Davelaar, N., et al.[2023]

Daratumumab, when combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd) or bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd), showed an overall response rate of 80% in 171 heavily treated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, indicating its efficacy in this challenging patient population.

Patients receiving the DRd combination experienced better progression-free survival (PFS) compared to those on DVd, with PFS rates of 84% and 77%, respectively, while the treatment was generally safe, with common side effects including neutropenia and infections.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide or bortezomib in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients: Report from the multiple myeloma GIMEMA Lazio group. Fazio, F., Franceschini, L., Tomarchio, V., et al.[2022]

Lenalidomide combined with dexamethasone has been shown to be effective for treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, and it has received approval from both the FDA and EMA for patients who have undergone at least one prior therapy.

The most common serious side effects include cytopenias and infections, but an expert panel has provided management strategies to minimize these risks, ensuring that patients can receive the full benefits of the treatment without unnecessary dose reductions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Palumbo, A., Dimopoulos, M., San Miguel, J., et al.[2018]

In a study of 737 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, the addition of daratumumab to lenalidomide and dexamethasone significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death, with a hazard ratio of 0.56, indicating a 44% lower risk compared to the control group.

Patients receiving daratumumab had a higher rate of complete response (47.6% vs. 24.9%) and a greater percentage achieving minimal residual disease status (24.2% vs. 7.3%), although they also experienced more severe side effects like neutropenia and pneumonia.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Untreated Myeloma. Facon, T., Kumar, S., Plesner, T., et al.[2023]

In a large observational study of 2150 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with lower incidence rates of neuropathy and infections compared to other treatments like bortezomib and thalidomide.

The study confirmed that lenalidomide's safety profile in a real-world setting is consistent with previous clinical trial data, with no new safety concerns identified, although it did show a higher incidence of neutropenia compared to bortezomib and thalidomide.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Noninterventional, Observational, European Post-Authorization Safety Study of Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Treated With Lenalidomide. Gamberi, B., Berthou, C., Hernandez, M., et al.[2021]

In the POLLUX study, after 25.4 months of follow-up, the combination of daratumumab with lenalidomide and dexamethasone significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, with a hazard ratio of 0.41 compared to lenalidomide/dexamethasone alone.

The overall response rate was notably higher with the daratumumab combination (92.9%) compared to the control (76.4%), and a significant proportion of patients achieved minimal residual disease negativity (26.2% vs 6.4%), indicating a deeper response without new safety concerns.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: updated analysis of POLLUX. Dimopoulos, MA., San-Miguel, J., Belch, A., et al.[2019]

Intravenous daratumumab, when combined with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone, significantly improves treatment outcomes for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, leading to higher rates of stringent complete response and prolonged progression-free survival, as shown in the phase III CASSIOPEIA trial.

The addition of daratumumab has a minimal impact on overall toxicity, with the most common serious side effects being blood-related issues, indicating it is a relatively safe option for patients undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab: A Review in Combination Therapy for Transplant-Eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma. Lamb, YN.[2021]

The addition of daratumumab to bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd) or lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd) for treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma was shown to be effective, but the cost-effectiveness of these combinations is questionable due to high costs.

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for DVd was $284,180 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and for DRd was $1,369,062 per QALY, indicating that significant price reductions for daratumumab would be necessary for these treatments to be considered cost-effective in the US healthcare system.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cost-effectiveness of Daratumumab-based Triplet Therapies in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Zhang, TT., Wang, S., Wan, N., et al.[2019]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Addition of thalidomide to melphalan and prednisone treatment prolongs survival in multiple myeloma--a retrospective population based study of 1162 patients. [2013]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Carfilzomib plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: A retro-prospective observational study. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone vs. lenalidomide plus melphalan and prednisone: a retrospective study in newly diagnosed elderly myeloma. [2018]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of the efficacy and safety of leflunomide and methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. [2019]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

1,25(OH)2D3 and dexamethasone additively suppress synovial fibroblast activation by CCR6+ T helper memory cells and enhance the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha blockade. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide or bortezomib in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients: Report from the multiple myeloma GIMEMA Lazio group. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. [2018]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Untreated Myeloma. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Noninterventional, Observational, European Post-Authorization Safety Study of Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Treated With Lenalidomide. [2021]

10. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: updated analysis of POLLUX. [2019]

11. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab: A Review in Combination Therapy for Transplant-Eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma. [2021]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab plus Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone for Untreated Myeloma. [2021]

13. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab for the Management of Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Current and Emerging Treatments. [2021]

14. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cost-effectiveness of Daratumumab-based Triplet Therapies in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. [2019]