Quadruple Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new drug combination to treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Researchers aim to determine if combining belantamab mafodotin (an antibody-drug conjugate) with standard medications can improve patient outcomes and identify any positive or negative effects. The study is open to individuals with relapsed or high-risk newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have experienced symptoms like anemia, bone pain, or kidney problems. Participants should have tried at least one previous treatment if they have relapsed. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to be among the first to receive this new drug combination.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires a washout period of at least 14 days from any prior chemotherapy before enrollment. However, the protocol does not specify if you need to stop other current medications, so it's best to discuss this with the trial team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that combining belantamab mafodotin, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone holds promise for treating multiple myeloma, though safety concerns exist. Earlier studies reported some side effects in patients, but the treatment also demonstrated positive effects against the cancer. Importantly, researchers have studied these drugs to assess their combined efficacy and minimize overlapping side effects.
Belantamab mafodotin, one of the drugs in this combination, has been tested in other studies. It showed a good response in fighting cancer, though some patients reported unwanted effects.
Overall, while this combination treatment remains under study, early results suggest it is generally well-tolerated. However, like any treatment, side effects are possible, and ongoing research is crucial to fully understand its safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about this quadruple therapy for multiple myeloma because it combines some of the latest advancements in treatment. Unlike standard treatments like bortezomib or thalidomide, this regimen includes belantamab mafodotin, an antibody-drug conjugate that delivers a toxic payload directly to cancer cells, sparing healthy ones. This precision targeting is promising for reducing side effects and improving effectiveness. Additionally, combining belantamab mafodotin with carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone could enhance the overall attack on cancer cells, offering hope for more durable responses in patients.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for multiple myeloma?
Research has shown that belantamab mafodotin, when combined with drugs like carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone, may help treat multiple myeloma. In one study, belantamab mafodotin, a drug that targets a protein on myeloma cells, helped about 32% of patients by shrinking or eliminating their cancer. Both lab and patient studies suggest that belantamab mafodotin works well with other medications, enhancing their effects without causing many additional side effects. Previous trials have demonstrated that drug combinations with belantamab mafodotin can be more effective than other similar treatments. Overall, these findings suggest that this combination could be a strong option for patients with multiple myeloma.12456
Who Is on the Research Team?
Shebli Atrash, MD, MS
Principal Investigator
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with multiple myeloma who've had at least one prior therapy can join this trial. They must have good organ function, agree to use effective contraception, and not be pregnant or breastfeeding. People with certain heart, lung, kidney conditions, active infections or other recent cancers aren't eligible. Participants need to avoid contact lenses and haven't received certain treatments recently.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Phase I Treatment
Dose escalation to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of the KRd-belantamab mafodotin combination
Phase II Treatment
Efficacy and safety assessment of the combination in newly diagnosed, high-risk multiple myeloma patients
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Belantamab Mafodotin
- Carfilzomib
- Dexamethasone
- Lenalidomide
Belantamab Mafodotin is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:
- Relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
- Relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Shebli Atrash
Lead Sponsor
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor
Amgen
Industry Sponsor
Robert A. Bradway
Amgen
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
MBA from Harvard Business School
Paul Burton
Amgen
Chief Medical Officer since 2023
MD from University of London, PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Imperial College London
GlaxoSmithKline
Industry Sponsor
Dame Emma Walmsley
GlaxoSmithKline
Chief Executive Officer since 2017
MA in Classics and Modern Languages from Oxford University
Dr. Hal Barron
GlaxoSmithKline
Chief Medical Officer since 2018
MD from Harvard Medical School