Linvoseltamab vs EPd for Multiple Myeloma
(LINKER-MM3 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new drug, linvoseltamab, to evaluate its effectiveness for people with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, compared to a combination of three other drugs: elotuzumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone. The research aims to determine if linvoseltamab can improve symptoms and outcomes for those whose cancer has returned after one to four previous treatments. Participants will receive either linvoseltamab or the three-drug combination to compare their effects. Individuals with multiple myeloma that has returned or not responded well to past treatments might be suitable candidates, especially if they have previously tried lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. 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 protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that you cannot have had any systemic anti-cancer therapy within 28 days before starting the study drug. It's best to discuss your current medications with the study team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that linvoseltamab has promising safety results from earlier studies. In patients with relapsed or hard-to-treat multiple myeloma, linvoseltamab was generally well-tolerated. Some participants experienced tumor shrinkage, and a few had complete responses where all signs of myeloma disappeared. The treatment had manageable side effects, meaning they were present but could be controlled. Importantly, no new safety concerns emerged during follow-up.
The EPd combination (elotuzumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone) is already used to treat multiple myeloma, so its safety is well-known and generally accepted. However, every treatment can have side effects, which can vary from person to person. Participants should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider before joining a trial.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Linvoseltamab is unique because it works differently from standard multiple myeloma treatments by targeting BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) on the surface of myeloma cells. This targeted approach allows it to directly attack cancer cells more effectively. Researchers are excited about Linvoseltamab because its novel mechanism could lead to better outcomes for patients who haven't responded well to other therapies like those involving Elotuzumab, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone. This could be a game-changer for patients with limited treatment options.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for multiple myeloma?
Research shows that linvoseltamab, one of the treatments tested in this trial for multiple myeloma, has promising results. In earlier studies, patients with advanced multiple myeloma who had tried many other treatments saw their tumors shrink with linvoseltamab. Some patients even experienced complete responses, with no signs of cancer remaining. The response rate reached 75% at the highest doses, and some patients remained cancer-free for an average of 29.4 months. These findings suggest that linvoseltamab could be a strong option for patients whose multiple myeloma has returned or is difficult to treat. Another treatment arm in this trial involves the combination of Elotuzumab, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone (EPd), serving as an active comparator.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Clinical Trial Management
Principal Investigator
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people with multiple myeloma that's come back or needs more treatment after 1-4 previous therapies. They must have measurable disease, be mostly active (ECOG ≤1), and have used lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor before. Their blood, liver, kidneys, heart, and bone marrow should work well enough to handle the treatments.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either linvoseltamab or the combination of elotuzumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (EPd)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dexamethasone
- Elotuzumab
- Linvoseltamab
- Pomalidomide
Dexamethasone is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Inflammation
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory diseases
- Skin conditions
- Eye diseases
- Immune system disorders
- Inflammatory conditions
- Allergic states
- Respiratory diseases
- Blood disorders
- Neoplastic diseases
- Nervous system disorders
- Inflammation
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory diseases
- Skin conditions
- Eye diseases
- Inflammatory conditions
- Allergic states
- Respiratory diseases
- Blood disorders
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Lead Sponsor
Leonard Schleifer
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Chief Executive Officer since 1988
MD and PhD in Medicine
George Yancopoulos
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Chief Medical Officer since 1997
MD from Harvard Medical School