Dr. Shah on Novel Therapies for Multiple Myeloma

Jatin J. Shah, MD, an assistant professor in Lymphoma/Myeloma in the Division of Cancer Medicine at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, describes his excitement over novel therapeutics in development for patients with multiple myeloma.

In the past few years, several new agents have gained approval for the treatment of multiple myeloma, including carfilzomib and pomalidomide. Additionally, several monoclonal antibodies are currently in development and have demonstrated promising results, such as the agent elotuzumab, Shah notes.

Moreover, Shah states his excitement to see more data on monoclonal antibodies against CD38, such as daratumumab, which have demonstrated exciting efficacy in early-stage trials. Several companies are developing these agents, including GenMab, now Johnson & Johnson, Celgene, Sanofi, and Morphosys, Shah states.

Outside of these treatments, several novel therapies with unique mechanisms of action are currently being explored in multiple myeloma. The first-in-class agent filanesib (ARRY-520), a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, has demonstrated promising activity in early trials. Additionally, Shah believes, further research needs to be concentrated on the role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, which are currently in phase I trials.

Recently, Novartis released that a phase III trial exploring the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat in refractory multiple myeloma was positive. This agent is an exciting new option, Shah believes. Results from the trial are expected to be presented at a future medical congress.

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