Multiple Myeloma: Fixed-Duration Therapy Advances
- New research presented at the American Society of Clinical oncology (ASCO) 2025 meeting highlights the potential of daratumumab in treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM).
- The CEPHEUS trial indicated that most patient subgroups benefit from a treatment regimen of daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DVRd).
- usmani emphasized that managing blood counts and adjusting doses of bortezomib and lenalidomide are crucial.
Fixed-duration therapy shows promise in multiple myeloma treatment. This innovative approach, highlighted in the CEPHEUS trial, leverages daratumumab-based regimens to achieve sustained minimum residual disease (MRD) negativity. Dr. Saad Usmani discusses how these treatments significantly improve outcomes,with nearly 70% of patients remaining progression-free after 4.5 years by using a quadruplet regimen. While benefits are broad, individualized care, especially for older or frailer patients, is key. Monitoring blood counts, adjusting dosages, adn providing supportive care are all critical.News Directory 3 provides you this insight into the potential of novel quadruplet induction regimens. Discover what’s next as ongoing studies refine these approaches to benefit a broader patient population.
Daratumumab Enhances Outcomes in Myeloma Treatment
Updated June 05, 2025
New research presented at the American Society of Clinical oncology (ASCO) 2025 meeting highlights the potential of daratumumab in treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Dr. Saad Usmani, a myeloma specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discussed findings from the phase 3 CEPHEUS trial, focusing on fixed-duration therapies and sustained minimum residual disease (MRD) negativity.
The CEPHEUS trial indicated that most patient subgroups benefit from a treatment regimen of daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DVRd). Nearly 70% of patients remained progression-free after 4.5 years. Usmani noted the importance of monitoring and supportive care, especially for older and frailer patients, despite similar toxicity profiles across treatment regimens.
usmani emphasized that managing blood counts and adjusting doses of bortezomib and lenalidomide are crucial. He also recommended using growth factor support for neutropenic patients and providing prophylaxis for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
When we compared the safety profile of the quadruplet versus triplet regimen in CEPHEUS for the transplant-ineligible patient population, we didn’t notice any differences in the rates of all treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) grade 3, 4, or higher,” Usmani said.
For older, frail patients, especially those over 75 with standard-risk disease, Usmani suggests daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd) may be preferable.However, for older patients with higher-risk disease, a dose-attenuated bortezomib regimen might be considered to optimize response and reduce disease burden.
What’s next
Ongoing real-world studies, such as those within the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Research-Collaborative Multiple Myeloma Data Hub Network, aim to refine the use of quadruplet induction regimens. These efforts seek to identify which patients benefit most and how to best implement these regimens in diverse patient populations.