ASCO Expert Perspective
“Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer, and it is characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. Daratumumab in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd) is FDA-approved and used extensively for patients with multiple myeloma who have relapsed after at least one line of prior treatment. The findings of the DREAMM-7 trial are practicing-changing and suggest that BVd is poised to be a potentially new standard of care treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.”
– Oreofe O. Odejide, MD, MPH, ASCO Expert in Hematological Cancers
In a head-to-head study, the triplet therapy of belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) plus bortezomib, and dexamethasone (BVd) demonstrated a significantly improved progression-free survival compared to the current standard of care in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. These results will be presented during the February 2024 session of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Plenary Series.
Current treatment options for patients who have relapsed on or after their initial treatment for multiple myeloma includes the triplet combination of daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (DVd). Previous studies have supported the use of belamaf, a BCMA-targeted antibody drug conjugate, in combination with standard of care therapies to treat patients with relapsed or refractory – meaning their cancer has not responded to treatment – multiple myeloma.
In the DREAMM-7 study, 494 patients who have received at least one prior line of treatment were randomized to receive either BVd (n = 243) or DVd (n = 251). After a median follow-up period of 28.2 months, the median progression-free survival – or the length of time without the cancer progressing – was 36.6 months in the BVd arm and 13.4 months in the DVd arm. Half of the patients treated with BVd experienced serious adverse effects compared to 37% of those treated with DVd. Ocular adverse effects were experienced by 79% of the patients treated with BVd and 29% of the patients treated with DVd and were manageable.
“The DREAMM-7 findings demonstrate that BVd improved outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma while also having a manageable safety profile. These results support BVd triplet therapy as a potential new standard of care option for these patients,” said lead study author Maria-Victoria Mateos, PhD, from the Hospital Universitario de Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain.
Abstract and presentation will be available here on February 6, 2024 at 3:00 pm ET
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About ASCO:
Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) is committed to the principle that knowledge conquers cancer. Together with the Association for Clinical Oncology, ASCO represents nearly 50,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of high quality, equitable patient care, ASCO works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, supports ASCO by funding groundbreaking research and education across cancer’s full continuum. Learn more at www.ASCO.org, explore patient education resources at www.Cancer.Net, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.