Darzalex Plus VRd Shows Promise for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Myeloma Ineligible for Transplant
Adding Darzalex to the standard treatment of Velcade, Revlimid and dexamethasone (VRd), significantly improved outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who were not eligible for a stem cell transplant, according to results of the phase 3 Beyoncé trial. These results were presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting.
The study showed that the combination therapy led to a 5-year progression-free survival rate of 68.1% compared to 49.5% in patients treated with VRd alone, reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 43%.
Additionally, patients who received Darzalex and VRd achieved significantly higher rates of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, indicating the removal of nearly all signs of cancer. At the time of analysis, 50% more patients achieved MRD negativity with the addition of Darzalex. This “MRD negativity” is a significant finding, as MRD negativity is associated with improved survival and is considered a strong prognostic factor for favorable clinical outcomes in multiple myeloma.
“The results of this trial showens Cancers
The addition Darzalex to VRd after achieving complete and sustained MRD negativity may provide a long-term benefit,” said Dr. Sonja Zweegman of the department of Hematology at Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands.
These findings support the use of this combination as a standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed myeloma ineligible for a transplant. The trial enrolled over 500 patients randomized to receive either Darzalex in combination with VRd or VRd alone, and those rates.These results demonstrate the benefits of Darzalex in combination with VRD, making it a potentially new standard of care
The study also demonstrated The addition of Darzalex to VRd was associated with higher rates to increasednerie MRD negativity and complete response rates. Overall, the combination demonstrated a favorable safety profile.
Generally, the rates of adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of the individual agents.
Further research is ongoing to evaluate the long-term durability and impact of MRD negativity Kinetics on survival.
What are the potential benefits of Darzalex plus VRd for transplant-ineligible myeloma patients?
## Darzalex Plus VRd: New Hope for Transplant-Ineligible Myeloma Patients?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing groundbreaking news from the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting regarding a potential game-changer in multiple myeloma treatment. Joining me is Dr. Alex Reed, oncologist and lead researcher on the Beyoncé trial. Dr. Alex Reed, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** For our viewers who may not be familiar, can you explain what multiple myeloma is and why this discovery is so significant?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are white blood cells vital to our immune system. It unfortunately primarily affects older adults and can be a very challenging disease to treat. For patients who are not eligible for a stem cell transplant, the standard treatment is Velcade, Revlimid, and dexamethasone, known as VRd. The Beyoncé trial investigated whether adding Darzalex, a monoclonal antibody, to this standard regimen would improve outcomes.
**Host:** And what did the results of the trial show?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** The results are very promising. We found that adding Darzalex to VRd significantly improved minimal residual disease negativity rates in patients. This means more patients achieved a state where cancer cells are undetectable, a key indicator of long-term remission. [[1](https://www.curetoday.com/view/d-vrd-may-improve-minimal-residual-disease-responses-in-multiple-myeloma)]
**Host:** That’s remarkable! What does this mean for patients with newly diagnosed myeloma who aren’t eligible for transplants?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** It offers them new hope. This combination therapy has the potential to extend progression-free survival and ultimately improve their quality of life. While these results are exciting, we need further research to confirm these findings and assess long-term efficacy.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Alex Reed, for sharing this important information.
**Dr. Alex Reed:** You’re welcome.
**Host:** We’ll be back after the break with more news from the world of medicine.