Dr. Berdeja Discusses Anticipated Research in Multiple Myeloma

Jesus Berdeja, MD, the director of Multiple Myeloma Research at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, discusses anticipated research in the field of multiple myeloma.

By the end of 2019, preliminary data from several randomized studies will be available, including findings from the GRIFFIN trial and an Italian trial looking at combining daratumumab (Darzalex) with bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and dexamethasone in transplant-eligible patients. Additionally, there are studies looking at incorporating carfilzomib (Kyprolis) instead of bortezomib in transplant-eligible patients, adds Berdeja. Although final data from these trials will not be available by the end of the year, this research will provide insight on any initial degree of benefit.

Other anticipated trials are looking at specific populations, such as venetoclax (Venclexta) in patients with t(11;14) disease, says Berdeja. Overall, targeted therapies are beginning to have more of an impact in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Venetoclax is the first drug that is targeting a specific subset of patients, he adds. Moreover, there will also be trials in the frontline setting that will be examining the addition of venetoclax to current backbone therapies in both transplant-eligible and -ineligible patients.