Myeloma Treatment: Then and Now

Back in 2008, Velcade (bortezomib) was just being approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma. A combination called RVd — Revlimid (lenalidomide), Velcade and dexamethasone – eventually became standard of care for this patient population after it showed promising results in the SWOG S077 trial.

However, not everyone can tolerate this combination, so a new option, “RVd lite,” is being explored.

Since, 2018 has also had some major Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moves, pushing the field far beyond where it was a decade ago.

• In January, the FDA approved Xgeva (denosumab) to prevent skeletal-related events in patients who have myeloma.
• In May, the FDA approved Darzalex (daratumumab) plus Velcade, melphalan and prednisone for newly-diagnosed patients with myeloma who are ineligible for an autologous stem cell transplant.
• In October, the FDA approved a once-weekly dose of Kyprolis (carfilzomib) to use with dexamethasone for patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma.
• In November, the FDA approved Empliciti (elotuzumab) plus Pomalyst (pomalidomide) and low-dose dexamethasone — a combination known as EPd – for patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have already had two or more therapies, including Revlimid and a proteasome inhibitor.

The year has been an exciting one for the treatment of myeloma, and there is sure to be even more advances made in 2019. To read more and stay up to date with all myeloma news, visit https://www.curetoday.com/tumor/myeloma