Daratumumab in addition to Bortezomib, Thalidomide and Dexamethasone for newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare, incurable cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found at the centre of some bones, which produces blood cells for the body. Plasma cells are normally produced in a controlled way, but in cases of MM, large amounts of abnormal plasma cells are produced. These fill the bone marrow and interfere with the production of other cells, including red and white blood cells and platelets. The cause of MM is unknown. Symptoms of MM vary but may include bone pain, fractures, body weakness, malaise, bleeding, anaemia and infections.
Daratumumab in addition to current licenced treatments (bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone) is in development for adult patients with MM who are newly diagnosed and eligible for high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. Daratumumab is an antibody that inhibits the growth of the abnormal cells in MM and is already being used either alone or in combination with other therapies to treat some specific types of MM. The addition of daratumumab to bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone may provide an alternative treatment option to lower the risk of disease progression or death in newly diagnosed MM patients.