Abstract
Introduction:
Despite the recent advancements in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), there is a constant need of newer therapies in order to treat the complex issue of the disease relapse and refractory disease. Isatuximab (ISA) is a non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody that acts through immune cell engagement and direct tumor targeting. We report efficacy & toxicity of ISA in newly diagnosed MM ((NDMM) as well as relapsed, refractory MM (RRMM) patients (pts).
Methods:
Following Prisma guidelines, we performed a comprehensive literature search on articles published after January 2012 using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Clinicaltrials.gov. On initial search, 246 articles were found and after a detailed screening, 6 completed and 11 ongoing phase I/II/III studies were included.
Results:
A total of 249 pts were included. Two hundred thirty-four pts had RRMM while 15 pts had NDMM, overall response rate (ORR) was 37.60% and 87% respectively. In a phase I trial involving 34 pts with RRMM, single-agent ISA (1-20 mg/kg) was given. The median age of pts was 64 years (y) [range (r) = 38-85]. The overall response rate (ORR) was 24% with a partial response (PR) in 18% pts. The most common adverse events (AEs) were nausea (34%), fatigue (49%), fever (29%) and headache (26%) and upper respiratory infection (23%). In a phase II trial, 97 pts with RRMM were stratified into 4 groups. Single-agent ISA [3mg/kg, every 2 week,(Q2W); 10 mg/kg, Q2W - every 4 weeks (Q4W); 10 mg/kg (Q2W), 20 mg/kg (QW-Q2W)] was given. The median age of pts was 62.5 y (r = 38-85). The ORR was 9%, 20%, 29% and 24% respectively. The cumulative ORR was 20.6%. The median time to first response was 1.4 months (M) while the median duration of response was 6.6 M. The most common AEs were nausea (33%), fatigue (30%), diarrhea (26%) and cough (24%). In a phase Ib trial, 57 pts with RRMM were stratified into 5 groups. ISA [3 mg/kg (Q2W); 5 mg/kg (Q2W); 10 mg/kg (Q2W); 10 mg/kg (QW-Q2W); 20 mg/kg (QW-Q2W)] in combination with lenalidomide (R) (25mg), and dexamethasone (D) (40 mg) was given. The median age of pts was 61 y (r = 42-76). The median time since the initial diagnosis was 4 y. The ORR was 33%, 67%, 63%, 50%, and 50% respectively. The cumulative ORR was 56% with complete response (CR) in 3.8 % pts, very good partial response (VGPR) in 32.7 % pts and PR in 19.2 % pts. The progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.5 M (r=4.73-16.59). The most common grade 3 and 4 AEs were neutropenia (60%), lymphopenia (58%), leukopenia (53%), anemia (25%), thrombocytopenia (38%), pneumonia (9%), fatigue (7%), and dyspnea (4%). In another phase Ib trial, 36 pts with RRMM were stratified into 3 groups. ISA (5 mg/kg; 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg) in combination with pomalidomide (P) (4 mg), and D (40 mg) was given. The ORR was 63%, 55%, and 50% respectively. The cumulative ORR was 55.5%. The median time to first response was 4.1 weeks (W) while the median duration of response was 33.1 W. The most common grade 3 AEs were neutropenia (81%), lymphopenia (75%), and leukopenia (75%). In another phase Ib trial involving 10 pts with RRMM, ISA (10-20 mg/kg) in combination with carfilzomib (CFZ) (27 mg) was given. The median number of prior lines of therapy was 4.5 (2-8). The ORR was 80% with VGPR in 20% pts and PR in 60% pts. The most common grade 3 and 4 AEs were lymphopenia (64%), anemia (9%), and neutropenia (9%). In a phase Ib trial involving 15 pts with NDMM, ISA (10 mg) in combination with bortezomib (V) (1.3 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (CY) (300 mg/m2) was given. The median age of pts was 71 y (r= 68-80). The ORR was 87% with CR in 33% pts, VGPR in 27% pts, and PR in 27% pts. The median time to first response was 1.5 M while the median duration of response was 11 M. The most common grade 3 and 4 AEs were lymphopenia (50%), leucopenia (18%), neutropenia (8%), anemia (6%) and thrombocytopenia (6%).
Conclusion:
In RRMM pts, ISA as a single agent has shown weaker efficacy when compared to combination regimens i.e. ORR 21% vs. 58%. The best result was seen when ISA was used in combination with CFZ demonstrating an ORR of 80%. In NDMM pts, combination regimens have shown excellent efficacy with an ORR of 87%. Nausea and fatigue were the major AEs reported with the monotherapy while neutropenia, leucopenia, and lymphopenia were the major AEs reported with the combination regimens. Further studies involving a larger population are required to gather evidence in favor of the improved efficacy and to evaluate AEs.
No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Author notes
Asterisk with author names denotes non-ASH members.
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