The Bi-specific antibody era has started full-force with impressive results and reasonable toxicities, in different hematological neoplasms. Community oncology adoption of Bi-specific antibody will be successful, once standard operating procedures are in place, and multidisciplinary training takes place insofar as management of CRS. I am optimistic as to the uptake of this class of drugs in 1-2 years, pending payer coverage issues.
Teclistamab is a T-cell–redirecting bispecific antibody that targets both CD3 expressed on the surface of T cells and B-cell maturation antigen expressed on the surface of myeloma cells. In the phase 1 dose-defining portion of the study, teclistamab showed promising efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
In this phase 1–2 study, we enrolled patients who had relapsed or refractory myeloma after at least three therapy lines, including triple-class exposure to an immunomodulatory drug, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody. Patients received a weekly subcutaneous injection of teclistamab (at a dose of 1.5 mg per kilogram of body weight) after receiving step-up doses of 0.06 mg and 0.3 mg per kilogram. The primary end point was the overall response (partial response or better).
Among 165 patients who received teclistamab, 77.8% had triple-class refractory disease (median, five previous therapy lines). With a median follow-up of 14.1 months, the overall response rate was 63.0%, with 65 patients (39.4%) having a complete response or better. A total of 44 patients (26.7%) were found to have no minimal residual disease (MRD); the MRD-negativity rate among the patients with a complete response or better was 46%. The median duration of response was 18.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.9 to not estimable). The median duration of progression-free survival was 11.3 months (95% CI, 8.8 to 17.1). Common adverse events included cytokine release syndrome (in 72.1% of the patients; grade 3, 0.6%; no grade 4), neutropenia (in 70.9%; grade 3 or 4, 64.2%), anemia (in 52.1%; grade 3 or 4, 37.0%), and thrombocytopenia (in 40.0%; grade 3 or 4, 21.2%). Infections were frequent (in 76.4%; grade 3 or 4, 44.8%). Neurotoxic events occurred in 24 patients (14.5%), including immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome in 5 patients (3.0%; all grade 1 or 2).
Teclistamab resulted in a high rate of deep and durable response in patients with triple-class–exposed relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Cytopenias and infections were common; toxic effects that were consistent with T-cell redirection were mostly grade 1 or 2. (Funded by Janssen Research and Development; MajesTEC-1 ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT03145181. opens in new tab and NCT04557098. opens in new tab.)
MRD at year 1 can be prognostic in pt who had AutoBMT followed by maintenance linolidomide. Please use MRD wisely … it can be expensive.
First line regimen, first quad for transplant INELIGIBLE patients, PFS at 5 years is 63% vs 45% for RVD. This will probably be the new standard of care for this population with manageable toxicity. Recall Dara RVD is for transplant eligible patients.
This regimen vs pomalidomie, bortezomib and dexma. 12-month estimated progression-free survival with BPd was 71% compared with 51% with PVd (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.52) Ocular toxicity Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 94% of the patients in the BPd group and 76% of those in the PVd group.
This regimen vs Daratumamab, bortezomib and dexa. Median progression-free survival was 36.6 months in the BVd group and 13.4 in the DVd Overall survival at 18 months was 84% in the BVd group and 73% in the DVd group. Again higher ocular toxicity but manageable with dose adjustment and supportive therapy. Those trials may be the come back for Belantamab.
Triplet second line therapy shows superiority over daratumumab bortezomib and dexamethasone. This regimen is now used in first line with lenalidomide in some patients as quadruplet therapy, hence this second line regimen with Blantamab could be a second line option. The eye exam is still a pain and it is also more toxic.
FCS Hematology Oncology Review creates a platform for our physician network to observe the most recent articles and studies available in the oncology and hematology world. By sharing these articles we are building our wealth of knowledge of new observations and treatments as they come available.
