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Leukemia & Lymphoma Apr 2013Although several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the activity of thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide in multiple myeloma (MM), including demonstrable... (Review)
Review
Although several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the activity of thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide in multiple myeloma (MM), including demonstrable anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory effects, the precise cellular targets and molecular mechanisms have only recently become clear. A landmark study recently identified cereblon (CRBN) as a primary target of thalidomide teratogenicity. Subsequently it was demonstrated that CRBN is also required for the anti-myeloma activity of thalidomide and related drugs, the so-called immune-modulatory drugs (IMiDs). Low CRBN expression was found to correlate with drug resistance in MM cell lines and primary MM cells. One of the downstream targets of CRBN identified is interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), which is critical for myeloma cell survival and is down-regulated by IMiD treatment. CRBN is also implicated in several effects of IMiDs, such as down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and T cell immunomodulatory activity, demonstrating that the pleotropic actions of the IMiDs are initiated by binding to CRBN. Future dissection of CRBN downstream signaling will help to delineate the underlying mechanisms for IMiD action and eventually lead to development of new drugs with more specific anti-myeloma activities. It may also provide a biomarker to predict IMiD response and resistance.
Topics: Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Gene Expression; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Interferon Regulatory Factors; Lenalidomide; Multiple Myeloma; Peptide Hydrolases; Teratogens; Thalidomide; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
PubMed: 22966948
DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2012.728597 -
Blood Nov 2015Treatment options for patients with heavily pretreated relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma remain limited. We evaluated a novel therapeutic regimen consisting of...
Treatment options for patients with heavily pretreated relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma remain limited. We evaluated a novel therapeutic regimen consisting of carfilzomib, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (CPD) in an open-label, multicenter, phase 1, dose-escalation study. Patients who relapsed after prior therapy or were refractory to the most recently received therapy were eligible. All patients were refractory to prior lenalidomide. Patients received carfilzomib IV on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 (starting dose of 20/27 mg/m(2)), pomalidomide once daily on days 1 to 21 (4 mg as the initial dose level), and dexamethasone (40 mg oral or IV) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of 28-day cycles. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the regimen. A total of 32 patients were enrolled. The MTD of the regimen was dose level 1 (carfilzomib 20/27 mg/m(2), pomalidomide 4 mg, dexamethasone 40 mg). Hematologic adverse events (AEs) occurred in ≥60% of all patients, including 11 patients with grade ≥3 anemia. Dyspnea was limited to grade 1/2 in 10 patients. Peripheral neuropathy was uncommon and limited to grade 1/2. Eight patients had dose reductions during therapy, and 7 patients discontinued treatment due to AEs. Two deaths were noted on study due to pneumonia and pulmonary embolism (n = 1 each). The combination of CPD is well-tolerated and highly active in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01464034.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dexamethasone; Female; Humans; Male; Maximum Tolerated Dose; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Oligopeptides; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Embolism; Recurrence; Thalidomide; Time Factors
PubMed: 26384354
DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-05-643320 -
Blood Aug 2017Daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone (pom-dex) was evaluated in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with ≥2 prior lines of therapy who were...
Daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone (pom-dex) was evaluated in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with ≥2 prior lines of therapy who were refractory to their last treatment. Patients received daratumumab 16 mg/kg at the recommended dosing schedule, pomalidomide 4 mg daily for 21 days of each 28-day cycle, and dexamethasone 40 mg weekly. Safety was the primary end point. Overall response rate (ORR) and minimal residual disease (MRD) by next-generation sequencing were secondary end points. Patients (N = 103) received a median (range) of 4 (1-13) prior therapies; 76% received ≥3 prior therapies. The safety profile of daratumumab plus pom-dex was similar to that of pom-dex alone, with the exception of daratumumab-specific infusion-related reactions (50%) and a higher incidence of neutropenia, although without an increase in infection rate. Common grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (78%), anemia (28%), and leukopenia (24%). ORR was 60% and was generally consistent across subgroups (58% in double-refractory patients). Among patients with a complete response or better, 29% were MRD negative at a threshold of 10 Among the 62 responders, median duration of response was not estimable (NE; 95% confidence interval [CI], 13.6-NE). At a median follow-up of 13.1 months, the median progression-free survival was 8.8 (95% CI, 4.6-15.4) months and median overall survival was 17.5 (95% CI, 13.3-NE) months. The estimated 12-month survival rate was 66% (95% CI, 55.6-74.8). Aside from increased neutropenia, the safety profile of daratumumab plus pom-dex was consistent with that of the individual therapies. Deep, durable responses were observed in heavily treated patients. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01998971.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Demography; Dexamethasone; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Recurrence; Thalidomide; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28637662
DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-05-785246 -
The Lancet. Oncology Oct 2013Few effective treatments exist for patients with refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma not responding to treatment with bortezomib and lenalidomide.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
Pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone versus high-dose dexamethasone alone for patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM-003): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial.
BACKGROUND
Few effective treatments exist for patients with refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma not responding to treatment with bortezomib and lenalidomide. Pomalidomide alone has shown limited efficacy in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma, but synergistic effects have been noted when combined with dexamethasone. We compared the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone with high-dose dexamethasone alone in these patients.
METHODS
This multicentre, open-label, randomised phase 3 trial was undertaken in Australia, Canada, Europe, Russia, and the USA. Patients were eligible if they had been diagnosed with refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, and had failed at least two previous treatments of bortezomib and lenalidomide. They were assigned in a 2:1 ratio with a validated interactive voice and internet response system to either 28 day cycles of pomalidomide (4 mg/day on days 1-21, orally) plus low-dose dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, orally) or high-dose dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1-4, 9-12, and 17-20, orally) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Stratification factors were age (≤75 years vs >75 years), disease population (refractory vs relapsed and refractory vs bortezomib intolerant), and number of previous treatments (two vs more than two). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01311687, and with EudraCT, number 2010-019820-30.
FINDINGS
The accrual for the study has been completed and the analyses are presented. 302 patients were randomly assigned to receive pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone and 153 high-dose dexamethasone. After a median follow-up of 10·0 months (IQR 7·2-13·2), median PFS with pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone was 4·0 months (95% CI 3·6-4·7) versus 1·9 months (1·9-2·2) with high-dose dexamethasone (hazard ratio 0·48 [95% CI 0·39-0·60]; p<0·0001). The most common grade 3-4 haematological adverse events in the pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone and high-dose dexamethasone groups were neutropenia (143 [48%] of 300 vs 24 [16%] of 150, respectively), anaemia (99 [33%] vs 55 [37%], respectively), and thrombocytopenia (67 [22%] vs 39 [26%], respectively). Grade 3-4 non-haematological adverse events in the pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone and high-dose dexamethasone groups included pneumonia (38 [13%] vs 12 [8%], respectively), bone pain (21 [7%] vs seven [5%], respectively), and fatigue (16 [5%] vs nine [6%], respectively). There were 11 (4%) treatment-related adverse events leading to death in the pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone group and seven (5%) in the high-dose dexamethasone group.
INTERPRETATION
Pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone, an oral regimen, could be considered a new treatment option in patients with refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.
FUNDING
Celgene Corporation.
Topics: Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dexamethasone; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Multiple Myeloma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Salvage Therapy; Survival Rate; Thalidomide
PubMed: 24007748
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70380-2 -
American Journal of Therapeutics
Topics: Dexamethasone; Humans; Lung Diseases; Multiple Myeloma; Thalidomide
PubMed: 33369914
DOI: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000870 -
Leukemia Aug 2018
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cohort Studies; Dexamethasone; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Oligopeptides; Prognosis; Survival Rate; Thalidomide
PubMed: 29479061
DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0024-1 -
Future Oncology (London, England) Sep 2016Pomalidomide, a very potent member of the immunomodulatory drug family, is considered a standard of care for patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma, who have... (Review)
Review
Pomalidomide, a very potent member of the immunomodulatory drug family, is considered a standard of care for patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma, who have previously been treated with bortezomib and lenalidomide. Pomalidomide induces both direct myeloma cell death, and indirect antimyeloma response through its impact on the microenvironment (modulation of immune response, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of bone resorption). Pomalidomide in combination with dexamethasone is an approved regimen in Europe and USA based on the results of a Phase III randomized trial. In order to improve response rate and patient survival, pomalidomide is currently being assessed in triplet combinations with other antimyeloma agents. The present review addresses current knowledge regarding the clinical use of pomalidomide in relapsed myeloma patients.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Thalidomide
PubMed: 27283457
DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0184 -
Drugs Nov 2017Pomalidomide (Imnovid; Pomalyst), an analogue of thalidomide, is an immunomodulatory agent, with several mechanisms of action (both direct and indirect) thought to be... (Review)
Review
Pomalidomide (Imnovid; Pomalyst), an analogue of thalidomide, is an immunomodulatory agent, with several mechanisms of action (both direct and indirect) thought to be involved in its anti-myeloma activity. Oral pomalidomide is available in several countries for use in combination with low-dose dexamethasone in adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. In multinational, phase II or III studies in patients with refractory, or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who had received ≥ 2 prior treatment regimens (including ≥ 2 cycles of both lenalidomide and bortezomib), pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone was associated with prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival and an improved overall response rate. Pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone had a manageable tolerability profile, with neutropenia, infections, anaemia and thrombocytopenia being the most frequently reported grade 3 or 4 treatment-emergent adverse events. In conclusion, pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone extends the treatment options available for the management of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in a patient population that has very limited treatment options.
Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dexamethasone; Disease-Free Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Male; Multiple Myeloma; Recurrence; Thalidomide; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 29110190
DOI: 10.1007/s40265-017-0833-y -
Drugs May 2013Pomalidomide (Pomalyst(®)) is a small molecule analogue of thalidomide under development with Celgene Corporation for the oral treatment of haematological and... (Review)
Review
Pomalidomide (Pomalyst(®)) is a small molecule analogue of thalidomide under development with Celgene Corporation for the oral treatment of haematological and connective tissue diseases. Pomalidomide has been approved in the USA and is awaiting approval in the EU for use with low-dose dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma that has progressed following at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and bortezomib. The efficacy and safety of pomalidomide as monotherapy in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma has also been evaluated in a phase III trial. The agent is in phase III clinical development for the treatment of myelofibrosis and in phase II development for systemic sclerosis. Pomalidomide is also being investigated in patients with amyloidosis, prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, graft-versus-host disease, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of pomalidomide leading to this first global approval for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Approval; Graft vs Host Disease; Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Thalidomide
PubMed: 23572409
DOI: 10.1007/s40265-013-0047-x -
The Lancet. Haematology Oct 2023The primary analysis of the APOLLO trial, done after a median follow-up of 16·9 months, showed that daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone significantly... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Subcutaneous daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone versus pomalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (APOLLO): extended follow up of an open-label, randomised, multicentre, phase 3 trial.
BACKGROUND
The primary analysis of the APOLLO trial, done after a median follow-up of 16·9 months, showed that daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone significantly improved progression-free survival versus pomalidomide and dexamethasone. Here, we report the final overall survival and updated safety results from APOLLO.
METHODS
APOLLO was an open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial conducted at 48 academic centres and hospitals across 12 countries in Europe, that included adults aged 18 years or older with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who had an ECOG performance status score of 0-2, had received at least one previous line of therapy, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor, had a partial response or better to one or more previous lines of antimyeloma therapy, and were refractory to lenalidomide if they had received only one previous line of therapy. An interactive web-response system was used to randomly assign patients (1:1) to receive daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone or pomalidomide and dexamethasone; patients were stratified by the number of previous lines of therapy and International Staging System disease stage. Oral pomalidomide (4 mg once daily; days 1-21) and dexamethasone (40 mg once daily; days 1, 8, 15, and 22) were given in 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Daratumumab (1800 mg subcutaneously or 16 mg/kg intravenously) was administered weekly (cycles 1-2), every 2 weeks (cycles 3-6), and every 4 weeks thereafter. The primary endpoint of progression-free survival, which has previously been reported, and the pre-planned secondary endpoint of overall survival were assessed in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03180736) and is no longer enrolling patients.
FINDINGS
Between June 22, 2017, and June 13, 2019, 304 patients were randomly assigned: 151 to the daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone group and 153 to the pomalidomide and dexamethasone group. The median age was 67 years (IQR 60-72); 143 (47%) patients were female and 161 (53%) were male, and 272 (89%) were White. At a median follow-up of 39·6 months (IQR 37·1-43·7), median overall survival was 34·4 months (95% CI 23·7-40·3) in the daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone group versus 23·7 months (19·6-29·4) in the pomalidomide and dexamethasone group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·82 [95% CI 0·61-1·11]; p=0·20). The most common grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (103 [69%] of 149 with daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone vs 76 [51%] of 150 with pomalidomide and dexamethasone), anaemia (27 [18%] vs 32 [21%]), and thrombocytopenia (27 [18%] vs 28 [19%]). Serious treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 80 (54%) of 149 patients in the daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone group and in 60 (40%) of 150 patients in the pomalidomide and dexamethasone group, the most common of which was pneumonia (23 [15%] of 149 vs 13 [9%] of 150). Treatment-emergent adverse events resulting in death occurred in 13 (9%) of 149 patients in the daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone group and in 13 (9%) of 150 patients in the pomalidomide and dexamethasone group, with 4 (3%) of 151 adverse events leading to death within 30 days of the last treatment dose thought to be related to study treatment in the daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone group (septic shock [n=1]; sepsis [n=1]; bone marrow failure, campylobacter infection, and liver disorder [n=1]; and pneumonia [n=1]) and none in the pomalidomide and dexamethasone group.
INTERPRETATION
Although the difference in overall survival observed between treatment groups was not significant, the safety profile results with long-term follow-up reported here continue to support the use of daratumumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
FUNDING
European Myeloma Network and Janssen Research & Development.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dexamethasone; Follow-Up Studies; Lenalidomide; Multiple Myeloma; Pneumonia; Middle Aged
PubMed: 37793772
DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(23)00218-1