Carfilzomib and dexamethasone maintenance following salvage ASCT in multiple myeloma: A randomised phase 2 trial by the Nordic Myeloma Study Group

Henrik Gregersen, Valdas Peceliunas, Kari Remes, Fredrik Schjesvold, Niels Abildgaard, Hareth Nahi, Niels Frost Andersen, Annette Juul Vangsted, Tobias Wirenfeldt Klausen, Carsten Helleberg, Kristina Carlson, Ulf Christian Frølund, Per Axelsson, Olga Stromberg, Cecilie Hveding Blimark, Jacob Crafoord, Galina Tsykunova, Henrik Rode Eshoj, Anders Waage, Markus HanssonNina Gulbrandsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the efficacy and safety of carfilzomib-containing induction before salvage high-dose melphalan with autologous stem-cell transplantation (salvage ASCT) and maintenance with carfilzomib and dexamethasone after salvage ASCT in multiple myeloma. Methods: This randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial included patients with first relapse of multiple myeloma after upfront ASCT who were re-induced with four cycles of carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. Two months after salvage, ASCT patients were randomised to either observation or maintenance therapy with iv carfilzomib 27 → 56 mg/sqm and p.o. dexamethasone 20 mg every second week. The study enrolled 200 patients of which 168 were randomised to either maintenance with carfilzomib and dexamethasone (n = 82) or observation (n = 86). Results: Median time to progression (TTP) after randomisation was 25.1 months (22.5-NR) in the carfilzomib-dexamethasone maintenance group and 16.7 months (14.4–21.8) in the control group (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30–0.71; P =.0004). The most common adverse events during maintenance were thrombocytopenia, anaemia, hypertension, dyspnoea and bacterial infections. Conclusion: In summary, maintenance therapy with carfilzomib and dexamethasone after salvage ASCT prolonged TTP with 8 months. The maintenance treatment was in general well-tolerated with manageable toxicity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)34-44
JournalEuropean Journal of Haematology
Volume108
Issue number1
Early online date2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Hematology
  • Cancer and Oncology

Free keywords

  • carfilzomib
  • induction chemotherapy
  • maintenance chemotherapy
  • multiple myeloma
  • salvage therapy

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