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DARZALEX + DARZALEX FASPRO - Use in Combination With Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone in Multiple Myeloma

Last Updated: 02/09/2026

Summary

  • DARZALEX for intravenous (IV) use and DARZALEX FASPRO for subcutaneous (SC) use are not approved by the regulatory agencies for use in combination with carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (D-KRd) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Johnson & Johnson does not recommend the use of DARZALEX or DARZALEX FASPRO in a manner that is inconsistent with the approved labeling.
  • Bhutani et al (2025)1 reported the results of an investigator-initiated single-arm, 2-stage, phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of D-KRd induction followed by minimal residual disease (MRD)-guided post-induction treatment in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). After induction treatment, complete response or better (≥CR) was achieved in 21 patients (53.8%; 90% confidence interval [CI], 39.6-67.7; P=0.375). The overall response rate (ORR) by the end of induction was 94.9%. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (23.1%) and hypophosphatemia (23.1%).
  • Landgren et al (2025)2 presented the results from the ADVANCE study, a multicenter, randomized, study evaluating induction with D-KRd vs carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (KRd) alone, followed by risk-adapted consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance in patients with NDMM independent of transplant eligibility. In the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, MRD negativity (10-5 sensitivity) after 8 cycles was significantly higher in the D-KRd arm vs the KRd arm (59% vs 33%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.29, P<0.0001). The most common grade 3/4 AE in the D-KRd vs KRd arms was neutropenia (10% vs 16%).
  • Touzeau et al (2024)3 reported the results from a multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of D-KRd induction and consolidation plus tandem transplant in patients with high-risk transplant-eligible patients with NDMM. The ORR by the end of induction was 95%, and 53% of patients achieved MRDnegativity after induction at 10-5 sensitivity threshold. At a median follow-up of 33 months, the 30-month overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 91% and 80%, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 D-KRd induction/consolidation-related AEs were neutropenia (39%), anemia (12%), thrombocytopenia (7%), and infection (6%).
  • Derman et al (2024)4 reported the efficacy and safety results of patients with NDMM treated with 24 cycles of D-KRd without autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) at a median follow-up of 27 months. The primary endpoint of stringent complete response (sCR) and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS) MRD-negative response (at a threshold of <10-5) after 8 cycles of DKRd was achieved in 75% of patients. Notable grade ≥3 AEs were lymphopenia (36%), thrombocytopenia (26%), and neutropenia (21%).
  • Costa et al (2023)5 reported the results from the final analysis of the MASTER study at a median follow-up of 42.2 months. The overall MRDnegative remission rate (NGS; <105 threshold) in MRD-evaluable patients at any point in treatment was 81% (95% CI, 73-88). The 3-year PFS rate was 88% (95% CI, 78-95) for patients with standard-risk (0 high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities [0 HRCA]), 79% (95% CI, 67-88) for patients with high-risk (1 HRCA), and 50% (95% CI, 30-70) for patients with ultra high-risk (≥2 HRCAs) cytogenetic abnormalities. The 3-year OS rate was 94% (95% CI, 88-98) for patients with 0 HRCA, 92% (95% CI, 86-96) for patients with 1 HRCA, and 75% (95% CI, 63-85) for patients with ≥2 HRCAs. The most common grade 3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (≥5%) were neutropenia (29%), lymphopenia (15%), hypertension (11%), anemia (9%), fatigue (9%), thrombocytopenia (7%), hypophosphatemia (7%), bone pain (6%), and leukopenia (5%).
  • Other relevant literature regarding the use of DARZALEX and DARZALEX FASPRO in combination with KRd in patients with MM has been identified in addition to the data summarized above.6-11

PRODUCT LABELING

CLINICAL DATA

Phase 2 Study of D-KRd in Patients with NDMM

Bhutani et al (2025)1 reported the results of an investigator-initiated single-arm, 2-stage, phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of D-KRd induction followed by MRD-guided post-induction treatment in patients with NDMM.

Study Design/Methods

  • Key inclusion criteria: age ≥18 years, NDMM per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) 2014 criteria, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0-2, and measurable disease.1 
  • Key exclusion criteria: nonsecretory MM, active central nervous system involvement, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, or >1 prior cycle of systemic chemotherapy.1 
  • Patients received 8 28-day cycles of the following induction treatment1:
    • DARZALEX FASPRO: per standard approved dosing and schedule.
    • Carfilzomib: 56 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, and 15 (except 20 mg/m2 on cycle 1 day 1).
    • Lenalidomide: 25 mg orally (PO) on days 1-21.
    • Dexamethasone: 40 mg PO or IV on days 1, 8, 15, and 22.
  • Patients received one of the following post-induction treatments based on MRD assessment at 10-5 sensitivity1:
    • Group A (MRD-negative): lenalidomide maintenance or no further treatment based on investigator discretion.
    • Group B (MRD-positive, ASCT eligible): ASCT treatment.
      • Patients could receive up to 12 cycles of KRd consolidation if still MRD-positive after ASCT.
    • Group C (MRD-positive, ASCT ineligible): KRd consolidation for up to 12 cycles
  • Primary endpoint: rate of ≥CR or sCR after D-KRd induction.1 
  • Secondary endpoints: MRD-negativity after induction, best response, PFS, OS, ORR, and safety.1 

Results

Patient Characteristics

Baseline Patient and Disease Characteristics1 
Characteristic
N=39
Age, median (range), years
62 (34-78)
Male, n (%)
28 (71.8)
Race, n (%)
   White
26 (66.7)
   Black
12 (30.8)
   Asian
1 (2.6)
Ethnicity, n (%)
   Hispanic/Latino
1 (2.6)
   Non-Hispanic
37 (94.9)
   Unknown
1 (2.6)
ISS stage, n (%)
   I
23 (59.0)
   II
10 (25.6)
   III
6 (15.4)
R-ISS stage, n (%)
   I
21 (53.8)
   II
14 (35.9)
   III
4 (10.3)
High-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, n (%)
   del17p
1 (2.6)
   t(4;14)
1 (2.6)
   t(14;16)
2 (5.1)
   t(14;20)
2 (5.1)
   gain1q or amp1q
14 (35.9)
Pre-study cycle of therapy, n (%)
21 (53.8)
Follow-up time, months, median (range)
30.1 (1.7-45.0)
Abbreviations: ISS, International Staging System; R-ISS, Revised International Staging System.
  • Of the patients enrolled, 37 completed induction therapy (1 patient died and 1 patient discontinued due to investigator discretion).1 
  • Following induction, 24 patients were assigned to Group A, 8 patients to Group B, and 4 patients to Group C.1 
  • At a median follow-up of 30.1 months (range, 1.7-45.0), 26 patients have continued treatment, 10 are in follow-up, and 3 are off study (2 deceased, 1 lost to follow-up).1 
Efficacy
  • After induction therapy with D-KRd, 21 (53.8%) patients achieved ≥CR (90% CI, 39.6-67.7; P=0.375), including 16 patients (41%) who achieved sCR. The ORR was 94.9%.1   
  • Following induction therapy, MRD-negativity by NGS was 59% at 10-5 and 41% at 10-6 sensitivity. There was no notable difference in MRD-negativity rates between patients with high-risk versus standard cytogenetics.1 
  • Patients who were MRD-negative (NGS; 10-5 threshold) after induction were able to be assessed for sustained MRD-negativity after 6 cycles (n=20) and 12 cycles (n=18) of maintenance therapy. MRD-negativity was sustained in 16 patients (80%) and 14 patients (77.8%) after 6 and 12 cycles, respectively.1   
  • Post-induction and best overall efficacy results are described below in Table: Post-Induction and Best Overall Response Rates and MRD Status.1 

Post-Induction and Best Overall Response Rates and MRD Status1 
Parameter
Post-Induction
(N=39)
Best Overall
(N=39)
ORR, %
94.9
94.9
   ≥CR
53.8
66.6
      sCR
41.0
61.5
      CR
12.8
5.1
   VGPR
38.5
28.2
   PR
2.6
0
NGS MRD-Negativity (10-5 sensitivity), n (%)
23 (59.0)
30 (76.9)
NGS MRD-Negativity (10-6 sensitivity), n (%)
16 (41.0)
28 (71.8)
NGF MRD-Negativity (10-5 sensitivity), n (%)
30 (76.9)
34 (87.2)
NGF MRD-Negativity (10-6 sensitivity), n (%)
12 (30.8)
28 (71.8)
Abbreviations: CR, complete response; MRD, minimal residual disease; NGF, next-generation flow cytometry; NGS, next-generation sequencing; ORR, overall response rate; PR, partial response; sCR, stringent complete response; VGPR, very good partial response.
  • The 2-year PFS was 82.5% (95% CI, 62.2-92.5) with the median PFS not reached. The 2-year OS was 97.4% (95% CI, 93.2-99.6) with the median OS not reached.1 
Safety
  • All patients experienced at least 1 TEAE.1 
  • The most common (≥25%) AEs were diarrhea (64.1%), constipation (38.5%), fatigue (35.9%), other infections and infestations (33.3%), upper respiratory infection (33.3%), cough (30.8%), nausea (30.8%), neutropenia (30.8%), hypophosphatemia (28.2%), hypokalemia (25.6%), and vomiting (25.6%).1 
  • For the most common grade ≥3 TEAEs, see Table: Most Common (≥10%) Grade 3 or Higher TEAEs.1 

Most Common (≥10%) Grade 3 or Higher TEAEs1 
Event, n (%)
N=39
Hypophosphatemia
9 (23.1)
Neutrophil count decreased
9 (23.1)
Hypertension
5 (12.8)
Syncope
5 (12.8)
Hyperglycemia
4 (10.3)
Platelet count decreased
4 (10.3)

Phase 2 Study of D-KRd in Patients with NDMM Independent of Transplant Eligibility

Landgren et al (2025)2 presented the results from the ADVANCE (NCT04268498) study, a multicenter, randomized, study evaluating induction with D-KRd vs KRd alone, followed by risk-adapted consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance in patients with NDMM independent of transplant eligibility.

Study Design/Methods

  • Key eligibility criteria: NDMM, age 18-75 years, ECOG PS ≤2.2
  • Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive induction with 8 cycles (28-day cycles) of D-KRd or KRd alone2:
    • DARZALEX FASPRO: 1800 mg SC on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 (cycles 1-2); on days 1 and 15 (cycles 3-6); and on day 1 (cycles 7-8)
    • Carfilzomib: 20 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and 56 mg/m2 IV on days 8 and 15 (cycle 1); 56 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, and 15 (cycles 2-8)
    • Lenalidomide: 25 mg PO on days 1-21
    • Dexamethasone: 20 or 40 mg PO or IV on days 1, 8, and 15
  • Stem cell collection was encouraged for eligible patients after 4 cycles of treatment.2
  • MRD was assessed after cycle 8 and patients who were MRD-positive (NGS; 10-5 sensitivity) were recommended to proceed with high-dose melphalan chemotherapy followed by ASCT.2
  • Patients received 28-day cycles of lenalidomide maintenance (10mg PO on days 1-21) until disease progression.2
  • Primary endpoint: overall MRD negativity rate very good partial response or better (≥VGPR).2
  • Key secondary endpoints: PFS, event-free survival (EFS), ≥CR, OS, safety, MRD negativity rate in peripheral blood.2

Results

Patient Characteristics

Baseline Characteristics2
Characteristic
D-KRd
(n=148)

KRd
(n=139)
Age, median (range), years
61.5 (36-76)
61 (35-75)
Male, n (%)
82 (55.4)
73 (52.5)
ECOG PS score, n (%)
   0
63 (42.6)
77 (55.4)
   1
63 (42.6)
55 (39.6)
   2
11 (7.4)
5 (3.6)
Ethnicity, n (%)
   Hispanic or Latino
41 (27.7)
27 (19.4)
   Not Hispanic or Latino
90 (60.8)
91 (65.5)
   Not reported
10 (6.8)
10 (7.2)
   Unknown
7 (4.7)
11 (7.9)
Race, n (%)
   Multiple
1 (0.7)
2 (1.4)
   Asian/Far East/Indian Subcontinent
1 (0.7)
3 (2.2)
   Black or African American
18 (12.2)
16 (11.5)
   White
109 (73.6)
104 (74.8)
   Other
2 (1.4)
0
   Unknown/not reported
12 (8.1)
10 (7.2)
   Participant refused to answer
5 (3.4)
4 (2.9)
ISS stage, n (%)
   I
90 (60.8)
88 (63.3)
   II
44 (29.7)
34 (24.5)
   III
14 (9.5)
17 (12.2)
High-risk cytogeneticsa, n (%)
54 (36.5)
43 (30.9)
Abbreviations: D-KRd, DARZALEX FASPRO+ carfilzomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone; FISH, fluorescence in situ hybridization; ISS, International Staging System; KRd, carfilzomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone.
aOne or more of the following FISH/cytogenetic abnormalities: t(4:14), t(14:16), t(14:20), gain1q, del17p.

Efficacy
  • In the ITT population, MRD negativity (10-5 sensitivity) after 8 cycles was significantly higher in the D-KRd arm vs the KRd arm (59% vs 33%; adjusted OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.29, P<0.0001).2
    • In patients <60 years and ≥60 years, MRD negativity at a sensitivity of 10-5 was higher in the D-KRd arm compared to the KRd arm, with rates of 66% vs 49% (P=0.00571) and 68% vs 42% (P=0.00571), respectively.
    • In patients with high risk and standard risk, MRD negativity at a sensitivity of 10-5 was higher in the D-KRd arm compared to the KRd arm, with rates of 59% vs 41% (P=0.170) and 71% vs 43% (P=0.00375), respectively.
  • At a median follow-up of 31.2 months, 92% of patients in the D-KRd arm vs 83% of patients in the KRd arm were progression-free (P=0.1400).2
Safety
  • Safety data was consistent with the established safety profile of each individual drug. Overall, treatment associated adverse events were comparable between both study arms, as summarized in Table: Most Common (≥10%) Adverse Events.2

Most Common (≥10%) Adverse Events2
Event, n (%)
D-KRd (n=148)
KRd (n=139)
Any-Grade
Grade 3/4
Any-Grade
Grade 3/4
Fatigue
64 (50)
4 (3)
58 (41)
2 (1)
Diarrhea
58 (45)
0
61 (43)
1 (<1)
Maculopapular rash 
41 (32)
4 (3)
43 (31)
4 (3)
Insomnia
37 (29)
2 (2)
41 (29)
2 (1)
Upper respiratory infection
34 (27)
3 (2)
48 (34)
3 (2)
Nausea
30 (23)
0
37 (26)
0
Constipation
27 (21)
0
32 (23)
0
Peripheral edema
26 (20)
0
35 (25)
0
Dyspnea
22 (17)
3 (2)
11 (8)
3 (2)
Influenza-like illness
21 (16)
1 (<1)
23 (16)
0
Headache
21 (16)
1 (<1)
19 (14)
0
Back pain
18 (14)
4 (3)
30 (21)
8 (6)
Pneumonia
18 (14)
12 (9)
16 (11)
7 (5)
Muscle spasm
17 (13)
2 (2)
29 (21)
0
Neutropenia
17 (13)
13 (10)
33 (23)
22 (16)
Anemia
17 (13)
8 (6)
12 (9)
3 (2)
Cough
16 (13)
0
19 (14)
0
Dizziness
15 (12)
0
24 (17)
1 (1)
Pyrexia
14 (11)
2 (2)
17 (12)
4 (3)
Peripheral neuropathy
14 (11)
0
22 (16)
0
Tremor
13 (10)
0
7 (5)
0
Pruritus
13 (10)
0
12 (9)
0
Reflux
13 (10)
0
7 (5)
0
Dysgeusia
12 (9)
0
17 (12)
0
Pain in extremity
12 (9)
2 (2)
20 (14)
1 (1)
Bone pain
12 (9)
2 (2)
19 (14)
1 (1)
Hypokalemia
10 (8)
3 (2)
15 (11)
3 (2)
Decreased appetite
9 (7)
0
23 (16)
2 (1)
COVID-19
9 (7)
0
15 (11)
2 (1)
Arthralgia
8 (6)
1 (<1)
16 (11)
1 (<1)
Vomiting
4 (3)
0
18 (13)
0
Abbreviations: D-KRd, DARZALEX FASPRO + carfilzomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone; KRd, carfilzomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone.
  • The most common serious AE was pneumonia (9% in the D-KRd arm vs 5% in the KRd arm); see Table: Any Grade Serious Adverse Events.2
  • There were 2 deaths in the D-KRd arm (both related to sepsis) and 1 death in the KRd arm due to progressive disease.2 

Any Grade Serious Adverse Eventsa2
D-KRd
(n=148)
KRd
(n=139)
Pneumonia
12 (9)
7 (5)
Acute kidney injury
4 (3)
2 (1)
Chest pain
3 (2)
0
Febrile neutropenia
3 (2)
2 (1)
Pyrexia
2 (2)
9 (6)
Embolism
2 (2)
0
Myocardial infarction
1 (<1)
2 (1)
Upper respiratory infection
1 (<1)
2 (1)
Skin infection
1 (<1)
2 (1)
Dyspnea
1 (<1)
2 (1)
Wound infection
0
2 (1)
Sepsis
0
3 (2)
Hip fracture
0
3 (2)
Back pain
0
4 (3)
Non-cardiac chest pain
0
2 (1)
COVID-19
0
2 (1)
Abbreviations: D-KRd, DARZALEX FASPRO + carfilzomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone; KRd, carfilzomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone.
aIncluding all serious AEs with ≥1% rate for any grade in either treatment arm.

Phase 2 Study of D-KRd in Transplant-Eligible Patients With NDMM

Touzeau et al (2024)3 reported the results from a multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase 2 (Intergroupe Francophone du Myelomé [IFM] 2018-04; NCT03606577) study evaluating the efficacy and safety of D-KRd induction and consolidation plus tandem transplant in patients with high-risk transplant-eligible patients with NDMM.

Study Design/Methods

  • Key inclusion criteria: age ≤65 years, previously untreated symptomatic NDMM (measurable paraprotein in the serum [≥0.5 g/dL] or urine [>0.2 g/24 h]), transplant-eligible, ECOG PS ≤2, adequate renal function, and presence of at least 1 high-risk cytogenetics (t[4;14], del17p, t[14;16]).3 
  • Key exclusion criteria: human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus positivity, history of other malignancy (other than basal cell carcinoma and carcinoma of the cervix in situ), and grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy (National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [NCI-CTCAE] version 4.0).3
  • Patients received 28-day cycles of the following treatment3:
    • Induction phase (cycles 1-6, 28-day cycles each):
      • DARZALEX: 16 mg/kg IV once weekly (QW) during cycles 1-2 on days 1, 8, 15, and 22; and every 2 weeks (Q2W) during cycles 3-6 on days 1 and 15.
      • Carfilzomib: 20 or 36 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 of each cycle
      • Lenalidomide: 25 mg PO on days 1-21
      • Dexamethasone: 20 mg PO on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23
    • Stem cell harvest:
      • Stem cell harvest was planned following the completion of cycle 6.
      • Prior to the harvest, patients received high-dose cyclophosphamide (3 g/m²) in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) at a dose of 5 µg/kg, administered according to local practices. The target cell yield for collection was 5×106 CD34+ cells per kg
    • First transplant:
      • Patients who achieved adequate stem cell collection proceeded to ASCT using melphalan (200 mg/m²) as the conditioning regimen
    • Consolidation phase (cycles 7-10, 28-day cycles each):
      • DARZALEX: 16 mg/kg IV Q2W on days 1 and 15
      • Carfilzomib: 56 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, and 15
      • Lenalidomide: 15 mg PO for cycle 7 on days 1-21; and 25 mg on days 1-21 for cycles 8-10
      • Dexamethasone: 40 mg PO QW on days 1, 8, 15, and 22
    • Second transplant:
      • After the consolidation therapy, patients who remained progression-free underwent a second ASCT with melphalan 200 mg/m².
    • Maintenance phase (up to 2 years):
      • DARZALEX: 16 mg/kg IV every 8 weeks (Q8W)
      • Lenalidomide: 10 mg on days 1-21 (28-day cycle)
  • Primary objective: feasibility of the treatment regimen with rate of patients who completed second ASCT as primary endpoint.3
  • Key secondary endpoints: response rates (overall response [OR], partial response [PR], VGPR, CR, and sCR) and MRD at each step of the program, quality of stem cell harvest, PFS, OS, and safety.3

Results

Patient Characteristics
  • Overall, 50 patients with symptomatic transplant-eligible patients with NDMM were enrolled between July 2019 and March 2021 from 11 centers in France. The baseline patient and disease characteristics are presented in Table: Baseline Patient and Disease Characteristics.3

Baseline Patient and Disease Characteristics3
Characteristic
N=50
Median age (range), years
57 (38-65)
Male, n
28
Female, n
22
ECOG PS, n (%)
   0-1
47 (94)
   2
3 (6)
ISS stage, n (%)
   I
21 (42)
   II
17 (34)
   III
12 (24)
R-ISS stage, n (%)
   II
38 (76)
   III
12 (24)
EMDa
4 (9.3)
Primary plasma cell leukemia, n (%)
3 (6)
High-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, n (%)
50 (100)
   del17p
20 (40)
   t(4;14)
26 (52)
   t(14;16)
10 (20)
   gain1q
25 (50)
      1q duplication
20 (40)
      1q amplification
5 (10)
   del1p
6 (12)
   ≥2 HR cytogenetic abnormalities
30 (60)
Abbreviations: ECOG PS, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status; EMD, extramedullary disease; HR, hazard ratio; ISS, International Staging System; R-ISS, Revised International Staging System.
aAssessed in patients with baseline PET-CT (n=43)

  • Overall, 46 patients (92%) completed induction (2 patients had progressive disease, and 2 patients discontinued due to AE), and 42 patients (84%) underwent ASCT 1 (4 patients had stem cell collection failure).3
  • Forty patients (80%) completed consolidation (1 patient withdrew consent, and 1 patient discontinued due to AE), and 36 (72%) completed second transplant (4 patients due to stem cell collection failure). With at least 70% of patients completing second transplant, the study met its primary endpoint. Overall, 14 patients discontinued before maintenance, due to insufficient stem cell harvest (n=8), disease progression (n=5), or AE (n=1).3
Efficacy
  • MRD analysis (NGS, at 10-5 and 10-6 threshold sensitivity) was performed after induction in 39 of 48 patients, after first transplant in 37 of 42 patients, after consolidation in 32 of 41 patients, and after second transplant in 33 of 36 patients. MRD-negativity rates after induction and before maintenance have been presented in Table: Efficacy Outcomes.3 

Efficacy Outcomes3
Parameter
Patients
Response outcomes (n=48)
   ORR for patients completing second transplant, %
100
      CR for patients completing second transplant, %
81
   ORR by the end of induction, n (%)
46 (95)
   CR/sCR, n (%)
15 (31)
   CR/sCR before consolidation, n (%)
42 (48)
   CR/sCR by the end of yearly consolidation, n (%)
41 (70)
   CR/sCR before maintenance, n (%)
36 (81)
   VGPR, n (%)
29 (60)
MRD-negativity rate
   At 10-5 sensitivity threshold
      After induction , %
53
      Before maintenance, %
97
      Before maintenance in ITT population, %
64
   At 10-6 sensitivity threshold
      After induction , %
43
      Before maintenance, %
94
      Before maintenance in ITT population, %
62
Survival outcomes
   Median PFS
NR
      30-month PFS rate, % (95% CI)
80 (68-94)
   Median OS
NR
      30-month OS rate, % (95% CI)
91 (82-100)
Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; CR, complete response; ITT, intent-to-treat; MRD, minimal residual disease; NR, not reached; ORR, overall response rate; OS, overall survival; PFS, progression-free survival; sCR, stringent complete response; VGPR, very good partial response.
  • At a median duration of follow-up of 33 months, 9 patients had disease progression, including 2 patients who discontinued the study due to stem-cell collection failure (n=1) or AE (n=1).3
  • Two patients had disease progression during the induction phase, and 5 patients had disease progression during maintenance (4 patients achieved MRD negativity at 10–6 before maintenance).3
  • Stem cells were collected in 27 patients after cycle 6 of induction, with a median CD34+ cell yield of 6.1×106 per kg (range, 0-16×106).3
    • Of these, 6 patients had insufficient stem-cell harvest and proceeded to tandem transplant. Therefore, the study protocol was amended to collect stem-cells after cycle 3 of induction.
    • Twenty-one patients had a stem-cell collection after cycle 3, with a median CD34+ cell yield of 8.3×106 per kg (range, 4.1×106 to 26×106).
      • Of these, 2 patients had a stem-cell harvest insufficient for proceeding to tandem transplant.
Safety

Adverse Events Reported Through Induction and Consolidation3
Event, n (%)
Induction (n=50)
Consolidation (n=42)
Any-Grade
Grade 3/4
Any-Grade
Grade 3/4
Hematologic
   Anemia
13 (26)
9 (18)
3 (7)
0 (0)
   Neutropenia
18 (36)
16 (32)
9 (21)
6 (14)
   Thrombocytopenia
13 (26)
7 (14)
8 (19)
4 (9)
Nonhematologic
   Infections
21 (42)
2 (4)
15 (35)
2 (5)
   Diarrhea
13 (26)
1 (2)
9 (21)
0 (0)
   Fatigue
13 (26)
0 (0)
8 (19)
0 (0)
   Nausea
13 (26)
2 (4)
2 (4)
1 (2)
   Constipation
10 (20)
0 (0)
2 (5)
0 (0)
   Psychiatric
10 (20)
2 (4)
2 (5)
0 (0)
   Skin rash
8 (16)
0 (0)
3 (7)
0 (0)
   Peripheral neuropathy
7 (14)
0 (0)
3 (7)
0 (0)
  • Treatment discontinuation due to treatment-related toxicity were reported in 4 patients (8%) during induction (COVID-19 infection, n=1; tumor lysis syndrome, n=1), in 1 patient during consolidation (COVID-19 infection), and in 1 patient during maintenance (Human papilloma 2 or John Cunningham [JC] virus infection).3
  • Seven patients died; 5 patients due to myeloma progression and 2 patients due to D-KRd-related AEs (septic shock [n=1, during induction] and JC virus–related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [n=1, during maintenance]).3

Phase 2 Study of D-KRd in Patients With NDMM Without ASCT

Derman et al (2024)4 (NCT03500445) reported efficacy and safety results of patients with NDMM treated with 24 cycles of D-KRd without ASCT at a median follow-up of 27 months.

Study Design/Methods

  • Open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study.4
  • Patients ≥18 years old with NDMM who had received up to 1 cycle of therapy prior to enrollment were eligible to participate irrespective of ASCT, from two Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium sites in the United States.4
  • Patients received 24 cycles (28-day cycle) of D-KRd which consisted of the following4:
    • DARZALEX: 16 mg/kg IV QW cycles 1-2, Q2W cycles 3-8, and every 4 weeks (Q4W) cycles 9-24
    • Carfilzomib: 20/36 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 for cycles 1-8, and 36 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 2, 15, and 16 for cycles 9-24
    • Lenalidomide: 25 mg PO on days 1-21 for cycles 1-24
    • Dexamethasone: 40 mg PO (20 mg if age >75 years) QW for cycles 1-8, and 20 mg QW for cycles 9-24
  • Patients could opt for harvesting stem cells after 4-6 cycles of protocol therapy to permit ASCT in the future.4
  • Primary endpoint: rate of sCR, and/or MRD-negative response (at a threshold of <10-5 by NGS) after treatment cycle 8.4

Results

Patient Disposition and Characteristics
  • A total of 42 patients entered the treatment phase between March 2019 and January 2022. See Table: Patient Demographics and Baseline Characteristics.4 
    • Among the 42 patients who entered the treatment phase, 21 (50%) reached the end of therapy, 6 (14%) of whom were off all treatment at the data cutoff. See Table: Patient Disposition.12 
    • Thirty-seven patients (88%) underwent stem cell collection, all with G-CSF and upfront plerixafor with a median of 2 days (range, 1-3) of collection, for a median yield of 8.26×106 CD34+ cells/kg (range, 3.1×106 to 17.5×106).

Patient Demographics and Baseline Characteristics4
Characteristic
Total
(N=42)

Median age (range), years
58 (39-79)
   ≥65 years old, n (%)
12 (29)
Sex, n (%)
   Male
25 (60)
   Female
17 (40)
Race, n (%)
   White
23 (55)
   Black
13 (31)
   Asian
1 (2)
   More than 1 race
5 (12)
Ethnicity, n (%)
   Hispanic
5 (12)
   Non-Hispanic
37 (88)
ECOG PS, n (%)
   0
31 (74)
   1
11 (26)
ISS; R-ISS stage, n (%)
   I
21 (50); 14 (33)
   II
14 (33); 24 (57)
   III
7 (17); 4 (10)
IgG kappa monoclonal protein, n (%)
15 (36)
Extramedullary disease, n (%)
5 (12)
Cytogenetic risk by FISH, n (%)
   Unknown
1 (2)
   Standard
17 (41)
   High
24 (57)
      t(4;14)
10 (24)
      t(14;16)
3 (7)
      del17p
8 (19)
      1q copy number abnormalitiesa
14 (33)
      1q amplification
6 (14)
      2+ high-risk abnormalities
10 (24)
Number of cycles of therapy, median (range)
23 (1-24)
Abbreviations: ECOG PS, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status; FISH, fluorescence in situ hybridization; Ig, immunoglobulin; ISS, International Staging System; R-ISS, Revised International Staging System.
aEight patients had a 1q gain (no amplification); of these, only 2 had no other high-risk abnormalities.


Patient Disposition12
Outcome, n (%)
Total
(N=42)

Reached end of therapy
21 (50)
Currently receiving treatment per protocol
11 (26)
Had disease progression during treatment
6 (14)
Discontinued protocol therapy earlya
4 (10)
Proceeded to ASCT off protocol
4 (10)
   In response
1 (2)
   After progression
3 (7)
Post-protocol therapies of responders
   Dual maintenance
15 (36)
   Single-agent maintenance
6 (14)
   All therapy discontinued at later point
6 (14)
Disease progression
7 (17)
Death
2 (5)
Abbreviations: ASCT, autologous stem cell transplant; REMS, risk evaluation and mitigation strategyaOne due to geographic relocation, 1 due to psychological disturbance unrelated to treatment, 1 did not adhere to REMS program for lenalidomide, and 1 did not adhere to study protocol.
  • A total of 40 (95%) patients were evaluable for the primary endpoint by the end of cycle 8.4 
Efficacy
  • At a median follow-up duration of 27 months (range, 1.5-52) following 8 cycles of D-KRd (n=40), the rate of sCR and/or MRD-negativity (<10-5) was 75% (95% CI, 61-89), and ORR at the end of 8 cycles was 95%. See Table: ORRs vs MRD-Negativity Rates.4
    • Two (5%) patients had primary refractory disease: one had 2 HRCAs; the other had a sample insufficient for cytogenetic analysis but had 15% circulating plasma cells at diagnosis, which had not met the previously established criteria (≥20% plasma cells) for plasma cell leukemia.

ORRs vs MRD-Negativity Rates4
Response
After 8 Cycles
Best Response
Evaluable for response, n
40
42
   ≥PR, n (%)
38 (95)
40 (95)
   ≥VGPR, n (%)
38 (95)
40 (95)
   ≥CR, n (%)
28 (70)
36 (86)
   sCR, n (%)
27 (68)
31 (74)
   PD, n (%)
2 (5)
2 (5)
   Early discontinuation, n (%)
2 (5)
-
   Early death, n (%)
2 (5)
-
MRD by NGS, n/n1 (%)
   MRD-negative (10-5)a
20/34 (59)
22/34 (65)
   MRD-negative (10-6)a
12/34 (35)
18/34 (53)
sCR and/or MRD-negative (10-5) by NGSa,n/n1 (%)
30/40 (75)
32/42 (76)
   95% CI, %
61-89
60-88
Mass spectrometry,n/n1 (%)
   EXENT® negativea
22/39 (56)
25/39 (64)
   LC-MS negativea
7/39 (18)
12/39 (31)
MRD kinetics,n/n1 (%)
   Sustained MRD-negative (10-5) by NGSb
NA
11/27 (40)
Converted after cycle 8c,n/n1 (%)
   MRD-positive at 10-5 to MRD-negative at 10-5
NA
1/10 (10)
   MRD-positive at 10-6 to MRD-negative at 10-6
NA
6/18 (30)
Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; CR, complete response; LC-MS, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; MRD, minimal residual disease; NA, not available; NGS, next-generation sequencing; ORR, overall response rate; PD, progressive disease; PR, partial response; sCR, stringent complete response; VGPR, very good partial response.
aPatients with no clone ID or baseline mass spectrum are excluded from the denominator. Missing MRD or mass spectra results at a timepoint for those with a baseline are MRD-positive.
bMRD <10-5 on 2 or more instances at least 1 year apart. The denominator includes patients with trackable MRD and at least 1 year of MRD follow-up if they had at least 1 MRD-negative result.
cDenominator includes patients still on protocol with trackable MRD who were MRD-positive at the end of cycle 8.

  • The rate of sCR and ≥CR as the best response in the ITT population (N=42) was achieved by 31 (74%) and 36 (86%) patients, respectively.4
    • The best response of sCR and/or MRD-negativity (10-5) was achieved in 32 (76%) patients.
  • At a median follow-up duration of 27 months (range, 1.5-52 months), there were 7 progression events and 2 deaths (both due to progression).4
  • The estimated 3-year PFS was 85% (0 HRCA, 100%; 1 HRCA, 92%; 2+ HRCAs, 60%).4
    • Of the 7 patients with progression, 6 had at least one of the following: extramedullary disease (n = 4), 2+ HRCAs (n = 4), or circulating plasma cells (n=1).
  • The estimated 3-year OS was 95%.4
  • Among 33 patients evaluable for MRD from cycle 8 onward4:
    • Six patients had 1 MRD result below 10-5 with less than 1 year of follow-up.
    • Eleven (41%) of the remaining 27 patients maintained MRD-negativity at the 10-5 threshold, defined as 2 consecutive MRD-negative results separated by at least 1 year.
Safety

TEAEs During D-KRd4
TEAE, n (%)
All-Grade
(N=42)

Grade ≥3
(N=42)

Hematologic
   Lymphopenia
29 (69)
15 (36)
   Thrombocytopenia
27 (64)
11 (26)
   Anemia
25 (59)
1 (2)
   Neutropenia
11 (26)
9 (21)
Nonhematologic
   Fatigue
37 (88)
1 (2)
Infection
   Upper respiratorya
28 (67)
3 (7)
   Skin/soft tissue
5 (12)
1 (2)
   Urinary tract
2 (5)
0 (0)
   Otherb
9 (21)
0 (0)
   Hyperglycemia
32 (76)
3 (7)
   Diarrhea
30 (71)
2 (5)
   Lower extremity edema
28 (67)
0 (0)
   Dyspnea
26 (62)
0 (0)
   Hypertension
24 (57)
7 (17)
   Liver enzyme elevations
17 (40)
4 (10)
   Peripheral sensory neuropathy
17 (40)
0 (0)
   Nausea
15 (35)
1 (2)
Cardiac events, any
   Chest pain
3 (7)
0 (0)
   Atrial fibrillation
2 (5)
1 (2)
   Sinus bradycardia
4 (10)
0 (0)
   Sinus tachycardia
3 (7)
0 (0)
   Reduced ejection fraction
4 (10)
1 (2)
Electrolyte imbalances, any
   Hyperkalemia
5 (12)
1 (2)
   Hypocalcemia
13 (31)
2 (5)
   Hypokalemia
23 (55)
4 (10)
   Hypomagnesemia
5 (12)
0 (0)
   Hypophosphatemia
9 (21)
1 (2)
   Hyponatremia
4 (10)
0 (0)
   Rash
13 (31)
2 (5)
   Blurred vision
11 (26)
0 (0)
   Acute kidney injuryc
8 (19)
2 (5)
   Infusion reactions
4 (10)
0 (0)
Abbreviations: COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; TEAE, treatment emergent adverse event.
aIncludes 16 patients with COVID-19 infection (1 grade 3 event).
bThree gastrointestinal infections, 2 fungal rashes, 2 mucositis, 1 bacterial pneumonia, and 1 ear infection.
cIncludes 1 case of thrombotic microangiopathy.

  • DARZALEX dose reductions were done in 2 patients (5%), primarily as temporary omissions to minimize exposure during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.4
  • Carfilzomib dose reductions occurred in 11 patients (26%; 1 instance of thrombotic microangiopathy).4
  • Lenalidomide dose reductions were done in 23 patients (55%).4
  • Dexamethasone dose reductions were done in 22 patients (52%).4
  • Grade 3 atrial fibrillation and heart failure each occurred in 1 patient; both conditions resolved.4
  • No patients discontinued treatment or experienced death attributable to toxicity.4

Phase 2 Study of D-KRd Followed by ASCT in Patients With NDMM

Costa et al (2023)5 reported the results from the final analysis of the MASTER study at a median follow-up of 42.2 months. Results from the final analysis are reported below.

Study Design/Methods

  • Key eligibility criteria: Patients of any age group with NDMM with measurable disease and ECOG PS of ≤2 who had measurable renal function (creatinine clearance [CrCl] ≥40 mL/min) and were either untreated or had received up to 1 cycle of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (VCd) were included. Patients with a concomitant or recent malignancy, or significant cardiopulmonary disease were excluded.5
  • Primary endpoint: Rate of MRD-negative responses (<10-5) by NGS (clonoSEQ®).5
  • Secondary endpoints: Toxicity of D-KRd, rates and kinetics of MRD resurgence upon treatment discontinuation, PFS, and OS.5

Results

Patient Characteristics
  • A total of 123 patients were enrolled, of whom 118 (96%) patients with MRD were evaluable. See Table: Patient Demographics and Baseline Characteristics (MASTER).5
  • The median duration of follow-up was 42.2 months (interquartile range [IQR], 34.5-46.0) overall (0 HRCA, 43.7 months [IQR, 36.3-47.4]; 1 HRCA, 42.1 months [IQR, 32.9-45.8]; ≥2 HRCAs, 35.4 months [IQR, 26.1-43.4]).5

Patient Demographics and Baseline Characteristics (MASTER)5
Characteristic
0 HRCA
(n=53)

1 HRCA
(n=46)

≥2 HRCAs
(n=24)

Total
(N=123)

Sex, n (%)
   Male
33 (62)
24 (52)
13 (54)
70 (57)
   Female
20 (38)
22 (48)
11 (46)
53 (43)
Age, years
   Median (IQR)
60 (50-69)
61 (57-68)
60 (56-66)
61 (55-68)
   ≥70, n (%)
12 (23)
10 (22)
2 (8)
24 (20)
Race/ethnicity, n (%)
   Non-Hispanic White
42 (79)
33 (72)
19 (79)
94 (76)
   Non-Hispanic Black
10 (19)
11 (24)
4 (17)
25 (20)
   Other
1 (2)
2 (4)
1 (4)
4 (3)
ECOG PS, n (%)
   0-1
42 (79)
40 (87)
17 (71)
99 (80)
   2
11 (21)
6 (13)
7 (29)
24 (20)
Cytogenetic abnormality, n (%)
   Hyperdiploidy
27 (51)
20 (44)
4 (17)
51 (41)
   del(13q)
19 (36)
20 (44)
18 (75)
57 (46)
   Gain/amp 1q
0
24 (52)
20 (83)
44 (36)
   del(1p)
3 (6)
4 (9)
5 (21)
12 (10)
   t(11;14)
14 (26)
7 (15)
0
21 (17)
   t(4;14)
0
8 (17)
13 (54)
21 (17)
   t(14;16)
0
2 (4)
4 (17)
6 (5)
   del17p
0
12 (26)
14 (58)
26 (21)
ISS disease stage, n (%)
   I
28 (53)
15 (33)
5 (21)
48 (39)
   II
20 (38)
19 (41)
8 (33)
46 (37)
   III
5 (9.4)
12 (26)
11 (46)
29 (24)
R-ISS, n (%)
   I
25 (47)
11 (24)
0
35 (28)
   II
27 (51)
23 (50)
13 (54)
63 (51)
   III
1 (2)
12 (26)
11 (46)
25 (20)
Therapy before enrollment,a n (%)
   Yes
26 (49)
25 (54)
10 (42)
61 (50)
   No
27 (51)
21 (46)
14 (58)
62 (50)
MRD trackable by NGS (clonoSEQ®), n (%)
   Yes
50 (94)
44 (96)
24 (100)
118 (96)
   No
3 (6)
2 (4)
0
5 (4)
Abbreviations: 0/1/≥2 HRCAs, standard-/high-/ultra high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities; ECOG PS, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status; Ig, immunoglobulin; IQR, interquartile range; ISS, International Staging System; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; MRD, minimal residual disease; NGS, next-generation sequencing; R-ISS, Revised International Staging System.
aOne cycle of bortezomib with or without cyclophosphamide and with or without dexamethasone was allowed according to the protocol.

Efficacy

MRD-Negative Response Rates (MASTER)a,5
0 HRCA
(n=50)

1 HRCA
(n=44)

≥2 HRCAs
(n=24)

Total
(N=118)

Rate of NGS MRD <10-5 (primary endpoint)
   At any point in treatment, n (%)
39 (78)
38 (86)
19 (79)
96 (81)
      95% CI
64-88
73-95
58-93
73-88
Rate of NGS MRD <10-6 (post hoc exploratory endpoint)
   At any point in treatment, n (%)
34 (68)
35 (80)
15 (63)
84 (71)
      95% CI
53-80
65-90
41-81
62-79
CR + MRD <10-5, n (%)
38 (76)
33 (75)
14 (58)
85 (72)
   95% CI
62-87
60-87
37-78
63-80
Sustained MRD <105, n (%)
32 (64)
32 (73)
11 (46)
-
   95% CI
49-77
57-85
26-67
-
Abbreviations: 0 HRCA, standard risk cytogenetic abnormalities; 1 HRCA, high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities; ≥2 HRCAs, ultra high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities; CR, complete response; MRD, minimal residual disease; MRD-SURE, MRD-surveillance; NGS, next-generation sequencing.
aHRCA included gain/amp 1q, t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), or del17p.


Final Analysis Survival Outcomes (MASTER)5
Characteristic
0 HRCA
(n=53)

1 HRCA
(n=46)

≥2 HRCAs
(n=24)

3-year PFS rate (N=123), %
88
79
50
   95% CI
78-95
67-88
30-70
3-year OS rate (N=123), %
94
92
75
   95% CI
88-98
86-96
63-85
3-year PFS rate for MRD-evaluable patients (n=118), %
88
80
50
   95% CI
78-94
68-90
30-70
3-year OS rate for MRD-evaluable patients (n=118), %
94
94
75
   95% CI
88-98
87-99
63-85
2-year PFS rate after cessation of therapy, %
88
85
53
   95% CI
77-95
73-94
28-78
2-year OS rate after cessation of therapy, %
97
93
100
   95% CI
91-100
85-99
NC-100
Abbreviations: 0 HRCA, standard risk cytogenetic abnormalities; 1 HRCA, high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities; ≥2 HRCAs, ultra high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities; CI, confidence interval; MRD, minimal residual disease; MRD-SURE, MRD-surveillance; NC, not calculated; OS, overall survival; PFS, progression free survival.
  • A total of 6 patients had disease progression while receiving protocol-directed therapy (induction, n=1; after AHCT and before consolidation, n=1; consolidation, n=4).5
    • All 6 patients had gain/amp 1q, 5 had del17p, and 5 had ≥2 HRCAs; all patients died of disease progression/complications of subsequent therapy within 1.3-10.8 months after initial progression.
  • Of the 118 MRD-evaluable patients, the 3-year PFS for those who reached sustained MRD-negativity (n=75 [64%]) vs those who did not reach sustained MRD-negativity (n=43 [36%]) was 89% (95% CI, 82-94) vs 55% (95% CI, 39-69). See Table: PFS and OS for Different Study Populations (MASTER).5,13

PFS and OS for Different Study Populations (MASTER)5,13
Characteristic
1 HRCA vs 0 HRCA
≥2 HRCAs vs 0 HRCA
PFS for entire population
   HR (95% CI)
2.27 (0.91-5.68)
6.29 (2.49-15.89)
   P value
0.81
<0.0001
OS for entire population
   HR (95% CI)
1.22 (0.30-4.88)
5.36 (1.53-18.75)
   P value
0.78
0.0085
PFS for MRD-evaluable patients
   HR (95% CI)
2.03 (0.80-5.16)
5.98 (2.37-15.09)
   P value
0.14
<0.0001
OS for MRD-evaluable patients
   HR (95% CI)
0.91 (0.20-4.08)
5.12 (1.46-17.97)
   P value
0.90
0.011
Abbreviations: 0 HRCA, standard risk cytogenetic abnormalities; 1 HRCA, high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities; ≥2 HRCAs, ultra high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities; CI, confidence interval; HR, hazard ratio; MRD, minimal residual disease; MRD-SURE, MRD-surveillance; OS, overall survival; PFS, progression free survival.
  • Of the 106 patients without disease progression at 18 months from enrollment, the 3year PFS for those who reached sustained MRD-negativity vs those who did not reach sustained MRD-negativity was 89% (n=75; 95% CI, 82-94) vs 70% (n=31; 95% CI, 5483), respectively.5
Safety
  • All patients had ≥1 TEAE.5
  • DARZALEX doses were neither reduced nor discontinued in any patient due to toxicity.5
    • Carfilzomib and lenalidomide each was discontinued in 2 patients due to toxicity.
  • The most common TEAEs reported in the MASTER study are presented in Table: Most Common TEAEs (MASTER).5

Most Common TEAEs (MASTER)5
Event, n (%)
Grade 1/2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
All events
123 (100)
69 (56)
22 (18)
3 (2)
Hematologic
   Neutropenia
8 (7)
36 (29)
7 (6)
0
   Lymphopenia
6 (5)
18 (15)
10 (8)
0
   Anemia
13 (11)
11 (9)
2 (2)
0
   Thrombocytopenia
11 (9)
9 (7)
3 (2)
0
   Leukopenia
10 (8)
6 (5)
6 (5)
0
Nonhematologic
   Fatigue
58 (47)
11 (9)
0
0
   Bone pain
61 (50)
7 (6)
0
0
   Maculopapular rash
45 (37)
5 (4)
0
0
   Nausea
49 (40)
0
0
0
   Constipation
48 (39)
0
0
0
   Upper respiratory tract infection
44 (36)
1 (1)
0
0
   Diarrhea
38 (31)
5 (4)
0
0
   Insomnia
32 (26)
3 (2)
0
0
   Dyspnea
32 (26)
2 (2)
0
0
   Cough
33 (27)
0
0
0
   Hypertension
19 (15)
13 (11)
0
0
   Dizziness
29 (24)
1 (1)
0
0
   Peripheral sensory neuropathy
24 (20)
2 (2)
0
0
   Dysgeusia
25 (20)
0
0
0
   Hyperglycemia
18 (15)
5 (4)
1 (1)
0
   Headache
22 (18)
2 (2)
0
0
   Fever
23 (19)
0
0
0
   Edema in limbs
21 (17)
1 (1)
0
0
   Increased ALT concentration
19 (15)
2 (2)
0
0
   Weight loss
17 (14)
1 (1)
0
0
   Hypophosphatemia
7 (6)
9 (7)
0
0
   Weight gain
13 (11)
1 (1)
0
0
   Increased ASP concentration
12 (10)
1 (1)
0
0
   Hypocalcemia
11 (9)
1 (1)
1 (1)
0
   Thromboembolic event
8 (7)
3 (2)
2 (2)
0
   Lung infection
4 (3)
3 (2)
2 (2)
1 (1)
   Acute kidney injury
8 (7)
1 (1)
0
0
   Sudden death
0
0
0
2 (2)
   Hemolytic uremic syndrome
0
0
1 (1)
0
   Heart failure
1 (1)
0
0
0
IRR
32 (26)
2 (2)
0
0
Abbreviations: ALT, alanine transaminase; ASP, aspartate aminotransferase; IRR, infusion-related reaction; TEAE, treatment-emergent adverse event.
  • The most common serious TEAEs were pneumonia (n=8) and thromboembolic events (n=3).5
  • No patient developed a secondary malignancy due to protocol-directed therapy.5
  • A total of 15 patients died among the 123 enrolled patients.5
    • Three patients died during protocol-directed therapy (not judged to be treatment-related), of whom 2 had a sudden death and 1 died from metapneumovirus pneumonia.
    • Three patients died after therapy while on MRD-SURE without disease progression due to sudden death, COVID-19 pneumonia, and accidental fall (n=1 each).
    • Nine patients died of MM progression, of whom 6 died while receiving protocoldirected therapy and 3 died after completion of therapy.
  • A total of 4 patients died among 118 MRD-evaluable patients.5

LITERATURE SEARCH

A literature search of MEDLINE®, Embase®, BIOSIS Previews®, and Derwent Drug File (and/or other resources, including internal/external databases) was conducted on 10 September 2025.

 

References

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13 Costa LJ, Chhabra S, Medvedova E, et al. Supplement to: Minimal residual disease response-adapted therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MASTER): final report of the multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial. [published online ahead of print september 27, 2023]. Lancet Haematol. doi:10.1016/s2352-3026(23)00236-3.