Daratumumab for Multiple Myeloma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial investigates whether taking daratumumab (a cancer drug) for a shorter period is as effective as continuous use in treating multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Participants will either continue with the standard treatment of daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone or stop daratumumab after about a year and a half while continuing the other two drugs. It is ideal for individuals with multiple myeloma who cannot undergo a transplant and have experienced some success with the standard treatment. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
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 cannot be on other anti-cancer treatments that would interfere with the trial's protocol.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that daratumumab is generally well-tolerated by patients with multiple myeloma. In one study, the most common side effect of using daratumumab alone was an upper respiratory tract infection, affecting 20% or more of patients. This indicates that some people might experience cold-like symptoms, but serious side effects occur less frequently.
Daratumumab has been used for some time to treat multiple myeloma and has shown promising results. For instance, in one study, patients on a daratumumab-based treatment had a 95% chance of not experiencing disease progression over four years. This suggests the treatment is both effective and safe for long-term use.
Overall, daratumumab has a strong safety record, as the FDA has already approved it for treating multiple myeloma. This approval indicates that the treatment has undergone thorough safety testing in humans.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about daratumumab for multiple myeloma because it targets the CD38 protein on myeloma cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system. This is different from traditional treatments like lenalidomide and dexamethasone, which focus on modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation. Daratumumab's ability to directly attack cancer cells offers a promising new approach, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. Additionally, when combined with standard therapies, it may enhance their effectiveness, providing a comprehensive attack on the disease.
What evidence suggests that stopping daratumumab after a year and a half might be as effective for multiple myeloma as continuous treatment?
Studies have shown that daratumumab effectively treats multiple myeloma. In this trial, one group of participants will receive a treatment plan that includes daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. Research indicates that patients using a treatment plan with daratumumab have a 95% chance of maintaining "progression-free survival" over four years, meaning the disease does not worsen during this time. Additionally, daratumumab has lowered the risk of the disease becoming active by 51% in patients with a specific type of multiple myeloma. These results suggest that daratumumab is a strong option for managing multiple myeloma.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Hira Mian
Principal Investigator
Juravinski Cancer Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario Canada
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults who can't have a bone marrow transplant and are newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma. They should have measurable disease, been treated with daratumumab-lenalidomide-dexamethasone for 18-20 cycles, and shown some response to treatment. Participants must be able to complete questionnaires in certain languages, follow the study's procedures, use effective birth control if needed, and start the treatment within two days of joining.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone continuously or stop daratumumab after about a year and a half
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Daratumumab
Daratumumab is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:
- Relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
- Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone
- Multiple myeloma in patients who have received at least three prior therapies
- Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone
- Relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Canadian Cancer Trials Group
Lead Sponsor
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator
Myeloma Canada
Collaborator