Combination Therapy for Multiple Myeloma

Recruiting at 622 trial locations

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 3

Sponsor: ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

Must not be taking: Concurrent chemotherapy

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Peripheral neuropathy, Asthma, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Pivotal Trial (Near Approval) This treatment is in the last trial phase before FDA approval

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 49

1450 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if adding bortezomib (also known as Velcade) to a three-drug combination of daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone improves treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Bortezomib blocks cancer cell growth, while the other drugs kill cancer cells or prevent their spread. The trial will compare the effectiveness of these two drug combinations in shrinking the cancer or preventing its recurrence. Individuals newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who have not yet received extensive treatment might be suitable candidates for this trial. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, providing an opportunity to access potentially effective treatment early.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not receive any other concurrent chemotherapy or investigational therapy while on this protocol, except for supportive care like bisphosphonates.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that the combination of daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone is generally well-tolerated for treating multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Studies have found this drug combo effective for patients whose cancer has returned or not responded to other treatments, although some patients experienced serious reactions. Specifically, one study reported widespread reactions in some patients using daratumumab-containing products.

When bortezomib is added to create a four-drug combination, research also supports its safety. Studies involving 709 patients found this combination effective, with most side effects being manageable. However, some serious reactions, such as blood-related issues, have been reported.

Both treatment combinations are undergoing advanced trials, indicating a good level of safety confidence. However, as with all treatments, individual experiences may vary, so discussing potential side effects with a healthcare provider is important. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for multiple myeloma because they combine several powerful medications in a unique way. While standard treatments often include drugs like lenalidomide and dexamethasone, these investigational therapies add daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody, and bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, into the mix. Daratumumab targets a specific protein on myeloma cells, helping the immune system to attack them more effectively. Bortezomib disrupts the cancer cells' ability to manage waste, leading to their death. This combination aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and potentially improve patient outcomes compared to standard options.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for multiple myeloma?

Research has shown that combining the drugs daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone greatly improves outcomes for people with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Over 90% of patients respond well to this combination, significantly reducing the risk of the cancer worsening or leading to death. In this trial, some participants will receive this three-drug combination. Another group will receive an additional drug, bortezomib, which may further enhance survival rates and increase the chance of remission, where signs of cancer decrease or disappear. This four-drug treatment is now commonly used to slow the disease and improve patients' quality of life. Both treatment options in this trial show promise for effectively managing multiple myeloma. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Shaji K Kumar

Principal Investigator

ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have completed initial treatment without progression, can undergo bone marrow tests, and have adequate organ function. They must not be pregnant or breastfeeding, agree to contraception if applicable, and have no severe allergies to trial drugs or their components.

Inclusion Criteria

Your liver function tests (ALT and AST) should be less than 3 times the upper limit of normal.

My multiple myeloma is considered standard risk, stage I or II.

Your kidneys are working well enough, with a certain amount of waste cleared from your blood every minute.

Exclusion Criteria

I am using effective birth control and do not plan to conceive.

I have not had treatments outside my initial therapy plan, including stem cell transplant.

I haven't had moderate or severe asthma, or uncontrolled asthma in the last 2 years.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Induction

Standard induction therapy with daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone

36 weeks

9 cycles, each 28 days

Consolidation

Consolidation therapy with either Btz-DRd or DRd

36 weeks

9 cycles, each 28 days

Maintenance

Maintenance therapy with daratumumab and lenalidomide

Up to 1 year

Cycles repeat every 28 days

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

Up to 15 years

Every 3 months if <2 years from study entry, every 6 months if 2-5 years, then annually

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Bortezomib
• Daratumumab and Hyaluronidase-fihj
• Dexamethasone
• Lenalidomide

Trial Overview

The EQUATE trial is comparing a four-drug combo (daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide & dexamethasone) against a three-drug regimen (daratumumab, lenalidomide & dexamethasone) for effectiveness in shrinking or preventing the return of multiple myeloma.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Arm B (bortezomib, daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) Experimental Treatment 5 Interventions

CONSOLIDATION: Patients receive bortezomib SC on days 1, 8, and 15, daratumumab SC on day 1, lenalidomide PO daily on days 1-21, and dexamethasone PO on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 9 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. MAINTENANCE: Patients receive lenalidomide PO daily on days 1-21 and daratumumab SC on day 1. Cycles repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Group II: Arm A (daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) Active Control 4 Interventions

INDUCTION: All patients receive standard induction therapy comprising the following: daratumumab subcutaneously (SC) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of cycles 1-2, days 1 and 15 of cycles 3-6, and day 1 of cycles 7-9, lenalidomide orally (PO) daily on days 1-21, and dexamethasone PO on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 9 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Group III: Arm C (daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) Active Control 4 Interventions

CONSOLIDATION: Patients receive daratumumab SC on day 1, lenalidomide PO daily on days 1-21, and dexamethasone PO on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Treatment repeats every 28 days for 9 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. MAINTENANCE: Patients receive lenalidomide PO daily on days 1-21, and daratumumab SC on day 1. Cycles repeats every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Bortezomib is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Velcade for:

• Multiple myeloma
• Mantle cell lymphoma

Approved in United States as Velcade for:

• Multiple myeloma
• Mantle cell lymphoma

Approved in Canada as Velcade for:

• Multiple myeloma
• Mantle cell lymphoma

Approved in Japan as Velcade for:

• Multiple myeloma
• Mantle cell lymphoma

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

Lead Sponsor

Trials

122

Recruited

160,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In the POLLUX study, after 25.4 months of follow-up, the combination of daratumumab with lenalidomide and dexamethasone significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, with a hazard ratio of 0.41 compared to lenalidomide/dexamethasone alone.

The overall response rate was notably higher with the daratumumab combination (92.9%) compared to the control (76.4%), and a significant proportion of patients achieved minimal residual disease negativity (26.2% vs 6.4%), indicating a deeper response without new safety concerns.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: updated analysis of POLLUX. Dimopoulos, MA., San-Miguel, J., Belch, A., et al.[2019]

Intravenous daratumumab, when combined with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone, significantly improves treatment outcomes for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, leading to higher rates of stringent complete response and prolonged progression-free survival, as shown in the phase III CASSIOPEIA trial.

The addition of daratumumab has a minimal impact on overall toxicity, with the most common serious side effects being blood-related issues, indicating it is a relatively safe option for patients undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab: A Review in Combination Therapy for Transplant-Eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma. Lamb, YN.[2021]

In a phase 3 trial involving 706 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, the addition of daratumumab to the standard treatment of bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone significantly improved progression-free survival, with an 18-month rate of 71.6% compared to 50.2% for the control group.

While daratumumab enhanced treatment efficacy, it was associated with a higher incidence of grade 3 or 4 infections (23.1% vs. 14.7% in the control group), indicating a need for careful monitoring of patients receiving this combination therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab plus Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone for Untreated Myeloma. Mateos, MV., Dimopoulos, MA., Cavo, M., et al.[2021]

In a study of 75 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, the combination of carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd56) showed a 60% overall response rate and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 10 months, indicating its efficacy in a real-world clinical setting.

The treatment was well tolerated, with a low rate of adverse events, including no cases of neuropathy and only 10% of patients experiencing cardiovascular events above grade 3, suggesting a favorable safety profile for elderly and heavily pretreated patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Carfilzomib plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: A retro-prospective observational study. Del Giudice, ML., Gozzetti, A., Antonioli, E., et al.[2023]

In a study comparing lenalidomide-dexamethasone (len/dex) and melphalan-prednisone-lenalidomide (MPR) in 89 elderly patients with myeloma, both treatments showed similar efficacy in terms of time to progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival, indicating that either regimen can be effective for this patient group.

However, MPR was associated with significantly higher rates of severe hematologic toxicities, such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, suggesting that while both treatments are effective, len/dex may be a safer option with fewer severe side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone vs. lenalidomide plus melphalan and prednisone: a retrospective study in newly diagnosed elderly myeloma. Gay, F., Vincent Rajkumar, S., Falco, P., et al.[2018]

In a study of 1162 multiple myeloma patients, those treated with the combination of thalidomide, melphalan, and prednisone (MPT) showed significantly better overall survival (OS) rates compared to those treated with melphalan and prednisone (MP) alone, with median OS of 4.2 years for MPT versus 2.2 years for MP in the first line of treatment.

The relative risk of death was reduced by 39% in the MPT group compared to the MP group in the first line of therapy, indicating that MPT is a more effective treatment option for multiple myeloma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Addition of thalidomide to melphalan and prednisone treatment prolongs survival in multiple myeloma--a retrospective population based study of 1162 patients. Lund, J., Uttervall, K., Liwing, J., et al.[2013]

In a study of 999 rheumatoid arthritis patients over 52 weeks, methotrexate showed greater improvements in tender and swollen joint counts compared to leflunomide, indicating it may be more effective in the short term.

While both treatments had similar safety profiles, methotrexate was associated with more serious adverse events, including elevated liver enzymes and two drug-related deaths, suggesting that leflunomide may be a safer option for long-term use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of the efficacy and safety of leflunomide and methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Emery, P., Breedveld, FC., Lemmel, EM., et al.[2019]

The addition of daratumumab to bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd) or lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd) for treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma was shown to be effective, but the cost-effectiveness of these combinations is questionable due to high costs.

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for DVd was $284,180 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and for DRd was $1,369,062 per QALY, indicating that significant price reductions for daratumumab would be necessary for these treatments to be considered cost-effective in the US healthcare system.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cost-effectiveness of Daratumumab-based Triplet Therapies in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Zhang, TT., Wang, S., Wan, N., et al.[2019]

The combination of the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3 and dexamethasone (DEX) effectively reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in CCR6+ T helper memory cells and inhibits synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by targeting both these immune cells and RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF).

Low doses of DEX and 1,25(OH)2D3 enhance the effectiveness of TNFα blockade (like etanercept) in suppressing inflammation, suggesting a potential new strategy to improve treatment outcomes for RA patients who do not respond adequately to current therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

1,25(OH)2D3 and dexamethasone additively suppress synovial fibroblast activation by CCR6+ T helper memory cells and enhance the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha blockade. Dankers, W., González-Leal, C., Davelaar, N., et al.[2023]

Daratumumab, when combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd) or bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd), showed an overall response rate of 80% in 171 heavily treated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, indicating its efficacy in this challenging patient population.

Patients receiving the DRd combination experienced better progression-free survival (PFS) compared to those on DVd, with PFS rates of 84% and 77%, respectively, while the treatment was generally safe, with common side effects including neutropenia and infections.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab combined with dexamethasone and lenalidomide or bortezomib in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients: Report from the multiple myeloma GIMEMA Lazio group. Fazio, F., Franceschini, L., Tomarchio, V., et al.[2022]

In a large observational study of 2150 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with lower incidence rates of neuropathy and infections compared to other treatments like bortezomib and thalidomide.

The study confirmed that lenalidomide's safety profile in a real-world setting is consistent with previous clinical trial data, with no new safety concerns identified, although it did show a higher incidence of neutropenia compared to bortezomib and thalidomide.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Noninterventional, Observational, European Post-Authorization Safety Study of Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Treated With Lenalidomide. Gamberi, B., Berthou, C., Hernandez, M., et al.[2021]

Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD38, has shown significant anti-myeloma activity through various mechanisms, including direct apoptosis and immune system modulation, making it a key treatment for relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

Clinical trials, such as CASTOR and POLLUX, demonstrated that daratumumab in combination with other therapies (like bortezomib and lenalidomide) significantly improves overall response rates and progression-free survival compared to standard treatments, leading to its approval and integration into clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab for the Management of Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Current and Emerging Treatments. Offidani, M., Corvatta, L., Morè, S., et al.[2021]

Lenalidomide combined with dexamethasone has been shown to be effective for treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, and it has received approval from both the FDA and EMA for patients who have undergone at least one prior therapy.

The most common serious side effects include cytopenias and infections, but an expert panel has provided management strategies to minimize these risks, ensuring that patients can receive the full benefits of the treatment without unnecessary dose reductions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Palumbo, A., Dimopoulos, M., San Miguel, J., et al.[2018]

In a study of 737 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, the addition of daratumumab to lenalidomide and dexamethasone significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death, with a hazard ratio of 0.56, indicating a 44% lower risk compared to the control group.

Patients receiving daratumumab had a higher rate of complete response (47.6% vs. 24.9%) and a greater percentage achieving minimal residual disease status (24.2% vs. 7.3%), although they also experienced more severe side effects like neutropenia and pneumonia.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daratumumab plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Untreated Myeloma. Facon, T., Kumar, S., Plesner, T., et al.[2023]

Citations

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Study Details | NCT04775550 | DARA RVD For High Risk ...

The investigational drugs used in this research study are daratumumab (Darzalex Faspro), lenalidomide (Revlimid), bortezomib (Velcade) and dexamethasone.

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DRVd (Daratumumab + Revlimid® + Velcade® ...

DRVd is not given to cure multiple myeloma, but may lead to a complete remission in some patients. DRVd is given to slow the progression of myeloma and to ...

4.

myeloma.org

myeloma.org/frontline-treatment-options

First-Line Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma

This initial therapy aims to reduce the number of myeloma cells, relieve symptoms, and improve your overall health.

5.

emedicine.medscape.com

emedicine.medscape.com/article/2006866-overview

Multiple Myeloma Treatment Protocols

Daratumumab/lenalidomide/bortezomib/dexamethasone (Dara-RVD, Dara-VRD):. This is the most commonly used quadruplet induction regimen.

6.

fda.gov

fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-daratumumab-and-hyaluronidase-fihj-bortezomib-lenalidomide-and-dexamethasone-multiple

FDA approves daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj with ...

A total of 709 patients were randomized: 355 to the Darzalex Faspro with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (Darzalex Faspro-VRd) arm ...

7.

nejm.org

nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2312054

Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and ...

An evaluation of subcutaneous daratumumab combined with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) for the treatment of transplantation-eligible patients

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jnj.com

jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/darzalex-faspro-based-quadruplet-regimen-significantly-improves-minimal-residual-disease-negativity-for-newly-diagnosed-multiple-myeloma-patients-for-whom-transplant-is-not-planned

DARZALEX FASPRO®-based quadruplet regimen ...

Study of the first and only subcutaneous quadruplet regimen demonstrates 60.9 percent improvement in minimal residual disease (MRD)-negativity and 43 percent ...

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jheor.org

jheor.org/article/141714-cost-of-anti-cd38-monoclonal-antibodies-in-combination-with-bortezomib-lenalidomide-and-dexamethasone-for-the-frontline-treatment-of-transplant-ineli

Cost of Anti-CD38 Monoclonal Antibodies in Combination ...

The efficacy of the combination of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone with daratumumab (DVRd) or isatuximab (IsaVRd) for the frontline ...