Daratumumab in combination with Bortezomib, Melphalan and Prednisone for Multiple Myeloma – first line

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 varies but some may include bone pain, fractures, body weakness, malaise, bleeding, anaemia and infections.
Daratumumab in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone is in development for multiple myeloma in patients who are newly diagnosed and ineligible for stem cell transplant and high dose chemotherapy. The combination of bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone is already licensed in the UK to treat MM in patients who are newly diagnosed and ineligible for stem cell transplant and high dose chemotherapy. The addition of daratumumab has been shown to lower the risk of disease progression or death. If licensed, this new combination, may offer an additional first line treatment option for this MM patient group who have few treatment options.