Elotuzumab in combination with pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma – third 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 vary but may include bone pain, fractures, body weakness, malaise, bleeding, anaemia and infections. People with MM will experience periods of time without symptoms followed by periods when they return (relapsed MM). Eventually the periods without symptoms will shorten and the illness will become immune to the drugs given to treat it (refractory MM).
Elotuzumab in combination with pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone is in development as a treatment option for relapsed and refractory MM. Administered into the vein, elotuzumab belongs to a group of immunotherapy treatments known as monoclonal antibodies. They are designed to recognise and attach to specific proteins found more commonly on the surface of myeloma cells, enabling the immune system to target and destroy them. In combination with oral pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone, elotuzumab may offer an additional treatment option for relapsed and refractory MM patients who have tried and failed to respond to current therapies.