Preliminary results from a clinical trial called IKEMA point to a promising new combination treatment for multiple myeloma patients who've had their first relapse. The study demonstrates an increase in progression-free survival for the group given a new, triple-drug therapy versus a double therapy already in use.
In the phase III study, patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma who had undergone one to three prior lines of therapy were randomized to receive either a combination of two drugsKyprolis and dexamethasone (called Kd), already used as a treatmentor a new combination of three drugs in which a new medicationisatuximab (brand name Sarclisa)was added to the Kd regimen. The new combination is called Isa-Kd.
Read MoreThe complete study results haven't been published yet, but once they are it's almost certain that Sanofi, the drug's manufacturer, will approach the FDA for approval to use isatuximab as part of the Isa-Kd triple therapy for patients who've had at least one relapse.
"This is something people can ask their doctors about, particularly if they're having their first relapse," says Dr. Shah.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
