Maintenance Therapy for Myeloma: How Much, How Long, and at What Cost?

Author(s):  
Michel Attal ◽  
Murielle Roussel

Overview: Maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma has been under investigation for more than 3 decades and has been without evidence of clear advantage in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) until the mid-2000s. Neither conventional chemotherapy, prednisone, nor interferon-based maintenance regimens offered any benefit after conventional or high-dose therapy. Thalidomide was the first drug, mainly given as maintenance after high dose therapy, to demonstrate clinical benefits in terms of PFS and, in some studies, of overall survival (OS). The role of other novel agents such as lenalidomide and bortezomib as maintenance therapy is emerging. Lenalidomide has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse with longer follow-up needed to see if this will translate into a survival benefit. At present, a number of key questions remain unanswered. What are the optimal dose and duration of those treatments? Is the risk of toxicity and second primary malignancies acceptable? Will the disease be more aggressive at time of relapse? Is the clinical benefit predicted by initial prognostic factors and response to previous therapy? Does maintenance therapy work by further eradication of minimal residual disease or by immunological control of the malignant clone? Ongoing randomized trials are evaluating lenalidomide and bortezomib, both in the transplant and nontransplant settings, to better define the role of these drugs as maintenance in multiple myeloma.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 5108-5108
Author(s):  
Wanda M. Knopinska-Posluszny ◽  
Andrzej Hellmann ◽  
Michal Taszner ◽  
Anna Dmoszynska ◽  
Wiktor Jedrzejczak ◽  
...  

Abstract In recent years high-dose therapy with autoHSCT has become the treatment of choice for eligible patients with multiple myeloma. This disease is now one of the most common indications for autotransplantation. The aim of this study was the clinical assessment of patients who underwent autotransplantation of progenitor cells and an analysis of the results of conducted treatment. The Polish Myeloma Group collected results of auto HSCT from 12 transplantology centres in Poland conducted between 1995 and 2006. We analyzed retrospectively the prognostic influence of pre-transplant characteristics on response and survival in 498 patients. Virtually all the patients received peripheral blood stem cell support after conditioning with melphalan (95%). We evaluated the influence of age, type of myeloma, Durie-Salmon stage, presence of renal impairment, plasma cell infiltration, albumin and b2 microglobulin level at diagnosis, status prior to and post HSCT, time from diagnosis to HSCT on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) to define patients with better prognosis. 232 females and 266 males underwent auto HSCT, and these included 297 (59,6%) with IgG, 97 (19,5%) with IgA, 31 (6%) with B-J, 22 (4,4%) with non-secretory myeloma. Bone structure changes were ascertained in 355 patients (71%). Bone marrow involvement higher than 20% was found in 282 patients (56,6%) at diagnosis. A decreased level of albumin (<35g/l) was determined in 168 patients (33,7%), and b2microglobuline level above 3,5 mg/l in 124 patients (24,9%). Transplantation of progenitor cells was conducted as consolidation of first line treatment following chemotherapy according to VAD in the majority of patients (74,7%). This number increased to 246 (49,4%) following transplantation. Double transplantation was conducted in 132 patients (26,5%). Median OS and PFS obtained were 3272 (1391–4232) and 1158 (102–3767) days respectively. CR achieved before transplantation, normal renal function, albumin level above 35g/l, b2 mikroglobulin below 3,5mg/l and DS stage I, were associated with a longer OS and PFS (p<0,05). This retrospective, multicenter study confirms the efficacy and safety of autoHSCT in multiple myeloma patients. Additional confirmation is given of the increased rate of CR, and the significantly prolonged survival observed in complete responders. Taking the above into account the employment of new drugs, such as thalidomide or bortezomib, which allow the achievement of a higher percentage of remissions should in the future bring about an improvement of the efficacy of transplantation in multiple myeloma.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 1858-1858
Author(s):  
Benjamin Hebraud ◽  
Murielle Roussel ◽  
Gaelle Dörr ◽  
Anne Huynh ◽  
Jill Corre ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1858 Introduction: High dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard treatment option for eligible frontline myeloma patients (pts). However, almost all patients ultimately relapse. Thus, new strategies are required to control the residual disease after HDT. Consolidation therapy, given early after HDT, could enhance the depth of response and further improve progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We previously reported that either Thalidomide or Lenalidomide given after HDT was able to reduce this residual disease (IFM 99-02 and 2005-02 trials). During last EHA meeting (abstract #510)., Cavo M et al., updated results of their recently published phase 3 trial. Consolidation by Bortezomib-Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (VTD) after VTD induction and double ASCT improved response in 31 % of pts and 61 % of them achieved CR. This translated into a gain of PFS (62 % at 3 years) and a reduction of the relative risk of progression or death of 36 %. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early consolidation therapy and its impact on PFS. Patients and Methods: In this prospective monocenter study, pts were eligible to receive early consolidation if they had the following: 1) at least partial response (PR) after HD melphalan (HDM), 2) no grade ≥ 2 peripheral neuropathy (PNY). The consolidation regimen was: vTD 61%, Lenalidomide 23%, Lenalidomide plus Dexamethasone 13% and Bortezomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone (VRD) 3%. Consolidation had to be started within 3 months from HDM with no following maintenance. Response was assessed according to International Myeloma Working Group uniform response criteria 1 month after the last cycle of consolidation. The duration of PFS was calculated for all patients from time to HDT to time of progression, relapse, death from any cause or to last contact. PFS was analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: From February 2007 to December 2010, 100 frontline MM pts under 65 received HDM followed by ASCT. Seventy six pts were eligible for consolidation (conso group), 24 pts were not (no conso group). After HDT, response rates were: VGPR=29%, and CR=71% in the no conso group, vs PR=20%, VGPR=55%, and CR=25% in the conso group (p<0.001). Early consolidation upgraded response in 17% of pts with PR=11%, VGPR=49%, and CR=36%. Three pts had progressive disease after or during consolidation. Median follow up is similar for the 2 groups (20 months). Maybe due to unbalanced response repartition, there was no impact of consolidation on PFS (median 25 mos in the 2 groups). Nevertheless, estimated median PFS was not reached in pts achieving CR after consolidation vs 27 mos in pts in CR after HDT in the no conso group (ns). If we focus on response after consolidation, estimated median PFS was not reached in CR pts versus 20 mos in PR pts, and 21 mos in VGPR pts (p=·006; figure 1), irrespective of post HDT status (already in CR or not). Moreover, if we compare pts in VGPR after ASCT (42) we observe two groups: those who upgrade their response to CR (19%) and those who stay in VGPR. The first group achieve the same PFS than patients in CR post ASCT and staying in CR after consolidation (28 mos). Interestingly, those pts (pts upgrading their response) present a longer PFS than those staying in VGPR post consolidation 28 mos versus 20 mos (p=0,032). Conclusion: Our data suggest that achieving CR after consolidation therapy is a major end-point to improve PFS, maybe even in pts already in CR after HDT. So we could propose to treat pts with consolidation until they obtain CR, they achieve a plateau or they present toxicities. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Hematology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 (1) ◽  
pp. 306-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Luc Harousseau

Abstract In most hematologic malignancies the role of induction treatment is to achieve complete remission (CR). In multiple myeloma this has been possible only with the introduction of high-dose therapy plus autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). In the context of ASCT there is a statistical relationship between CR or very good partial remission (VGPR) achievement and progression-free survival or overall survival. High-dose therapy consists of 3 to 6 courses of a dexamethasone alone or combined with vincristine-adriamycin (VAD) to reduce the tumor burden and the plasma cell infiltration followed by 1 or 2 courses of high-dose melphalan plus ASCT. This treatment induces 20% to 40% CR and 40% to 55% CR/VGPR. The introduction of novel agents in the induction treatment is changing this scenario. The combinations of dexamethasone with thalidomide, bortezomib or lenalidomide increase the CR/VGPR rates compared to dexamethasone or VAD. Triple combinations are currently being evaluated, but preliminary results with not more than 3 or 4 cycles show post-ASCT CR/VGPR rates of 60% to 75% In elderly patients who are not candidates for ASCT, combinations of melphalan-prednisone with a novel agent (thalidomide, bortezomib or lenalidomide) yield CR/VGPR rates that are quite comparable to those achieved in younger patients with ASCT. Prolonged treatment with the combination of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone can be administered safely and appears to induce very high (up to 70%) CR/VGPR rates as well.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 3456-3456
Author(s):  
Gregory P Kaufman ◽  
Morie A Gertz ◽  
Angela Dispenzieri ◽  
Martha Q Lacy ◽  
Francis K Buadi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background FISH abnormalities including t(14;16), t(14;20), t(4;14) and the loss of P53 remain a common mechanism for classifying patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) as adverse risk. In contrast, trisomies in MM are associated with superior outcomes and may ameliorate the negative prognostic significance conferred by adverse FISH abnormalities. High dose therapy (HDT) consisting of high dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation with consideration of maintenance therapy is a common treatment strategy for transplant eligible MM pts. However, there is limited information regarding the impact of various cytogenetic abnormalities, alone or in combination with trisomies, in the context of HDT, and the efficacy of maintenance approaches in the novel agent era. Aim To determine the clinical significance of FISH abnormalities in MM pts undergoing HDT and subsequent consideration of maintenance therapy in recent years. Methods We retrospectively examined a cohort of all pts with MM who underwent first HDT at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 2008 and 2012. Medical records were reviewed under IRB approval in accordance with the principals of the Helsinki declaration. FISH results were obtained from within 6 months of diagnosis (Dx), and if unavailable pts were excluded. Pts were considered for maintenance therapy following response assessment by their treating hematologist, typically around day 100 following HDT, and were categorized based on the intent of that discussion; length of maintenance and dose reductions were not evaluated. PFS and OS were calculated from date of transplant and OS was also estimated from Dx. Timing of HDT was restricted to within one year of MM Dx (early HDT). Results 300 pts had available FISH and underwent early HDT. Median age at dx was 60 (23-75), and median follow up from Dx was 40 months (7.5-90) with 229 (76%) alive at time of analysis. The median time to HDT from Dx was 5.8 months (95% CI 5.4-8.0). At the time of HDT 249 pts (83%) were in a partial response or better. Overall, 73 pts (24%) had adverse risk FISH from dx as described, 154 pts (51%) had at least one trisomy, and 32 pts (10.7%) had a concomitant adverse FISH abnormality and a trisomy. Of all pts, 112 (37%) received maintenance therapy of some sort, most commonly single agent lenalidomide (n=67 pts) or bortezomib (n=36). Of the 73 pts with adverse FISH, 54 (74%) received maintenance therapy following initial HDT compared with 58 of 227 pts (26%) with non-adverse FISH. Among pts with adverse FISH, median PFS and OS was 21 months (95% CI 16-24) and 57 months (95% CI 41-NR) respectively, compared with 24 months (95% CI 21-26) and not met respectively for pts with no adverse FISH (p =0.08 and p=0.04). The OS from Dx was 63 months (95% CI 46-NR) and not met, respectively for pts with adverse FISH and no adverse FISH (p=0.04). Among adverse FISH pts, PFS following initial HDT was improved with any maintenance therapy (23 months (95% CI 18-33) versus 13 months (95% CI 6-22), p=0.0016). OS was not statistically different among pts with adverse FISH whether or not they received maintenance therapy, both from date of HDT as well as from Dx. For pts with non-adverse FISH at Dx similar findings were observed, with an increase in PFS following HDT with any maintenance therapy (30 months (95% CI 23-48) versus 22 months (18-24)), without a difference in OS. Further analysis of the group of pts with adverse FISH status revealed the PFS benefit seen with maintenance therapy was greatest for a subgroup of pts with concomitant trisomies (29 months (95%CI 18-38) versus 14 months (95%CI 8-16) p=0.0003) as compared to pts with adverse FISH without concomitant trisomies (19 months (95%CI 13-35) versus 12 months (95% CI 3-24) p=0.204) (figure 1). However, OS either from HDT or Dx did not differ for pts with adverse FISH with or without concomitant trisomies regardless of maintenance status. Conclusions Our data support an improvement in PFS with maintenance therapy following initial HDT amongst adverse risk FISH MM pts, however no OS benefit was observed with maintenance therapy irrespective of FISH status. Among pts with adverse FISH, maintenance strategies improve PFS for pts with a concomitant trisomy. No PFS benefit was seen with maintenance therapy in pts without concomitant trisomies. Future trials of maintenance therapy post HDT should consider evaluating and reporting on the subgroup of adverse FISH pts with concomitant trisomies. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Kumar: Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Co.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Skyline Diagnostics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Haematologica ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 92 (10) ◽  
pp. 1399-1406 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J.K. van de Velde ◽  
X. Liu ◽  
G. Chen ◽  
A. Cakana ◽  
W. Deraedt ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-88
Author(s):  
Helge Menzel ◽  
Katarzyna Hinmüller ◽  
Hans-Jochem Kolb ◽  
Tibor Schuster ◽  
Alexander Hoellein ◽  
...  

Objective: Induction high-dose chemotherapy followed by myeloablative melphalan (HD-Mel) treatment and autologous hematopoietic stem-cell support (autoSCT) is a standard treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) either upfront or in relapse after conventional treatment. We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing a late repeat HD-Mel/autoSCT treatment for MM. Methods: Data from 24 consecutive patients with MM who underwent a myeloablative treatment with HD-Mel late after completion of upfront first high-dose therapy were assessed for toxicity, response, progression-free survival (PFS) and time to next treatment (TTNT). These data were correlated with the results obtained after the initial high dose therapy and autoSCT. Results: A total of 23 patients were treated with novel drugs (lenalidomide, thalidomide, bortezomib) after relapse to initial autoSCT. The median overall survival (OS) of all patients was 90 months. 19 patients (79%) achieved a very good partial remission (VGPR) or complete remission (CR) after initial autoSCT, compared with 42% after late autoSCT. PFS and TTNT were 19 and 24 months after initial compared with 13 and 21 months after late autoSCT. Univariate analysis identified initial response duration and the achievement of a CR/VGPR after the initial transplantation to be associated with prolonged response after repeat autoSCT. Conclusions: Our data indicate that late high-dose treatment followed by autoSCT is safe and effective after upfront intensive treatment, can bridge to allogeneic SCT, and encourage collection of an additional graft.


1992 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 451-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Paul Fermand ◽  
Sylvie Chevret ◽  
Yves Levy ◽  
Jean Michel Miclea ◽  
Andreas Tsapis ◽  
...  

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