Dr. Landgren on Using Daratumumab for Patients With Multiple Myeloma

C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, chief of Myeloma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses using daratumumab (Darzalex) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.

Daratumumab is a well-tolerated drug that Landgren says he prescribes to his patients often. One of the main issues with the agent, he adds, is that the first infusion can take a long time due to possible infusion-related adverse events, including shortness of breath, swelling in the mouth, itching, or a decrease in blood pressure.

However, Landgren says, as more practitioners and nurses get accustomed to administering the drug, it will be easier and quicker to start, slow down, and start again, Landgren explains. These reactions occur in approximately 30% to 50% of patients. Moreover, he adds, these reactions are not likely to occur in subsequent doses, citing clinical trial results and real-world settings.