Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD, assistant professor of medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, discusses important considerations when treating patients with multiple myeloma.

The treatment landscape of multiple myeloma continues to evolve, creating a space for the treatment of every patient, Susanibar-Adaniya says. Moreover, taking a multidisciplinary approach to treatment will result in a benefit to patients, Susanibar-Adaniya emphasizes. The early referral of patients to an academic center will also benefit patients, as they will have better access to stem cell transplant and an easier time being enrolled into clinical trials, Susanibar-Adaniya explains.

Moving forward, it is important to understand the significance of telemedicine for patients, Susanibar-Adaniya continues. Overall, when clinicians understand these important considerations, patients will benefit, Susanibar-Adaniya concludes.

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Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD, discusses important considerations when treating patients with multiple myeloma.


Dr. Susanibar on Important Considerations When Treating Multiple Myeloma

Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD, assistant professor of medicine, Penn Medicine,University of Pennsylvania, discusses 2 key trials in multiple myeloma that improved the treatment landscape for transplant-eligible and ineligible patients.

The phase 3 MAIA study (NCT02252172) evaluated the addition of daratumumab (Darzalex) to the previous standard-of-care doublet of lenalidomide (Revlimid) plus dexamethasone (DRd).

The introduction of the triplet regimen, DRd, has improved the treatment paradigm for transplant-ineligible patients, Susanibar-Adaniya states. However, the lack of head-to-head comparisons trials with modified bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (RVd) makes it difficult to determine which regimen is superior, Susanibar-Adaniya explains. The use of either regimen as a first-line treatment option can be beneficial, Susanibar-Adaniya says.

Moreover, the phase 2 GRIFFIN trial (NCT02874742) compares  daratumumab, lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (D-RVd) with RVd, Susanibar-Adaniya continues. The trial showed promising results with D-RVd for transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, Susanibar-Adaniya adds.

Future phase 3 studies aim to confirm these clinical benefits in larger patient populations and understand the benefits associated with these respective regimens, Susanibar-Adaniya concludes.

Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD, discusses 2 key trials in multiple myeloma that improved the treatment landscape for transplant-eligible and ineligible patients.
 

Dr. Susanibar-Adaniya on the Impact of the MAIA and GRIFFIN Trials in Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD, assistant professor of medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, discusses the current standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Advances in the therapeutic landscape of multiple myeloma over the last 2 decades have provided promising results and beneficial outcomes to patients, Susanibar-Adaniya says.

Treatment for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma begins with induction therapy with the goal of reducing the presence of multiple myeloma, followed by consolidation with stem cell transplantation if a patient is fit enough, Susanibar-Adaniya continues. Maintenance therapy is then utilized to preserve any response that has been obtained, and disease management is used in order to maximize the chances for patients to have a good quality of life, Susanibar-Adaniya concludes.

Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD, discusses the current standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.


Dr. Susanibar-Adaniya on the Standard of Care for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD, assistant professor of medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, discusses how advancements in triplet therapy have shifted the treatment paradigm for patients with newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma.

Current research indicates that most patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma will benefit from triplet therapy, Susanibar-Adaniya states. The previous standard of care for patients with transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma was a doublet of lenalidomide (Revlimid) plus dexamethasone. Data from the phase 3 MAIA study (NCT02252172) evaluating the addition of daratumumab (Darzlex) to this existing combination therapy showed that the resulting triplet therapy improved patient outcomes.

Existing data also support the combination of modified bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) in this patient population, Susanibar-Adaniya continues. The triplet therapy was well-tolerated in patients and reduces the likelihood of treatment discontinuation due to toxicity.

Additionally, the potential benefits of quadruplet therapy in patients with transplant-eligible disease have become an important area of focus for continuing research, Susanibar-Adaniya notes. Preliminary studies evaluating the addition of daratumumab to the existing standard of VRd have shown progression-free survival benefit compared with VRd alone, but the overall survival benefit of this therapeutic regimen has not yet been determined.

Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD, discusses how advancements in triplet therapy have shifted the treatment paradigm for patients with newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma.

Sandra P. Susanibar-Adaniya, MD

Articles

Dr. Susanibar on Important Considerations When Treating Multiple Myeloma

Dr. Susanibar-Adaniya on the Impact of the MAIA and GRIFFIN Trials in Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Dr. Susanibar-Adaniya on the Standard of Care for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Dr. Susanibar-Adaniya on the Evolution of Combination Therapies in Multiple Myeloma