Dr. Biran Discusses Doublets Versus Triplets in Myeloma

Noa Biran, MD, physician, Multiple Myeloma Division, John Theurer Cancer Center, discusses doublets versus triplets in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.

Biran says that in the newly diagnosed setting, triplet therapy is better than doublet therapy, both in the transplant-eligible and transplant-ineligible patients. Triplets have shown very rapid and deep responses in these patients, which usually translates into a longer duration of remission, explains Biran.

The SWOG S0777 trial, which evaluated bortezomib (Velcade) with lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma without intent for immediate autologous stem cell transplant, showed a longer progression-free survival and overall survival in patients who received the triplet. Biran says that these findings show that it is important to keep those who are ineligible for transplant on a triplet regimen.