Unanswered questions regarding the sequencing of BCMA therapies, the prognostic value of CTCs & the growing role of quadruplets
Jan 18, 2024
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Experts discuss the challenges of sequencing BCMA therapies in multiple myeloma, the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells, and the growing role of quadruplet therapies. They explore optimal combinations and sequencing, the Perseus trial comparing DARA VRD and VRD treatments, and the use of Dara KRD for newly diagnosed myeloma patients.
Starting with bi-specific anti-BCMA therapy after CAR T cells may be more effective than starting with bi-specific antibodies and then CAR T cells in multiple myeloma.
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have significant prognostic value in multiple myeloma and can provide real-time information on tumor burden, dissemination, and proliferation, making them a valuable biomarker to include in routine staging for newly diagnosed active myeloma patients.
Deep dives
Sequencing BCMA targeting therapies in multiple myeloma
The speaker discusses the challenges of sequencing different options for BCMA targeting therapies in multiple myeloma. Patient preference plays a significant role, as some prefer CAR T cells, but their availability and timely infusion may be an issue. Observational data suggests that starting with bi-specific anti-BCMA after CAR T cells may be more effective compared to starting with bi-specific antibodies and then CAR T cells. The complexity increases when considering other targets and additional therapies, but with wider availability and more experience, a clearer understanding of sequencing and combinations may emerge.
Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in multiple myeloma
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shown to have significant prognostic value in multiple myeloma. Traditional assessment of tumor burden in bone marrow has limitations, while CTCs provide real-time information on tumor burden, dissemination, and proliferation. The assessment of CTCs through already available methods in clinical laboratories proves to be highly reproducible. This breakthrough discovery of a valuable and easy-to-measure biomarker opens the possibility of including it in routine staging for newly diagnosed active myeloma patients.
Growing role of quadruplet therapies in multiple myeloma
Quadruplet therapies are gaining importance in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Clinical trials and real-world data demonstrate the efficacy of different regimens, such as DARA VRD, ESA KRD, and DARA KRD, in improving progression-free survival (PFS) and achieving MRD negativity. Quadruplet therapies show promise for both transplant-eligible and -ineligible patients, with even standard-risk patients benefitting greatly. However, the risk of infections and the need for further follow-up to assess long-term outcomes, especially in older patients, should be considered.
The treatment and management of patients with multiple myeloma is continually evolving, giving rise to novel prognostic tools and therapeutic options, with associated benefits and challenges. Several ongoing clinical trials in the field are investigating potential treatment approaches and addressing many unanswered questions.
In this podcast, Mohamad Mohty, MD, PhD, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France, Bruno Paiva, PhD, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and Benjamin Derman, MD, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, discuss several interesting topics in myeloma, including the challenges associated with sequencing anti-BCMA therapies, the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and the growing role of quadruplet therapies in myeloma, with updates in this space from the 2023 ASH Annual Meeting.