Frontiers in Oncology (Apr 2023)

Carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma: a prospective real-life experience of the Regional Tuscan Myeloma Network

  • Elisabetta Antonioli,
  • Sofia Pilerci,
  • Irene Attucci,
  • Gabriele Buda,
  • Alessandro Gozzetti,
  • Veronica Candi,
  • Federico Simonetti,
  • Maria Livia Del Giudice,
  • Sara Ciofini,
  • Michela Staderini,
  • Sara Grammatico,
  • Alessandra Buzzichelli,
  • Maria Messeri,
  • Monica Bocchia,
  • Sara Galimberti,
  • Alessandro M. Vannucchi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2023.1162990
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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IntroductionCarfilzomib, a potent, irreversible, selective proteasome inhibitor has demonstrated consistent results in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd). No prospective studies are yet available that analyzed the efficacy of the KRd combination.MethodsHerein, we report a multicenter prospective observational study on 85 patients who were treated with KRd combination as the second or third line of treatment, according to standard practice.ResultsThe median age was 61 years; high-risk cytogenetic was found in 26% and renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min) in 17%. After a median follow-up of 40 months, patients received a median number of 16 cycles of KRd, with a median duration of treatment (DoT) of 18 months (range, 16.1–19.2 months). The overall response rate was 95%, with a high-quality response (≥very good partial remission [VGPR]) in 57% of the patients. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 36 months (range, 29.1–43.2 months). Achievement of at least VGPR and a previous autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) were associated with longer PFS. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached (NR); the 5-year OS rate was 73%. Nineteen patients underwent KRd treatment as a bridge to autologous transplantation, obtaining a post-transplant minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity in 65% of cases. The most common adverse events were hematological, followed by infection and cardiovascular events, rarely G3 or higher, with a discontinuation rate for toxicities of 6%. Our data confirmed the feasibility and safety of the KRd regimen in real life.

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