A novel triplet therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients is now Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved.
Revlimid (lenalidomide), in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd), is now indicated for the treatment of patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma.
The medication is an immunomodulating agent that inhibits the proliferation of multiple myeloma plasma tumour cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines  hinder the development of new blood vessels and enhance T cell- and Natural Killer (NK) cell-mediated immune function.
The TGA’s positive recommendation of RVd was based on three randomised controlled clinical phase 3 studies; Swog-S0777, Pethema Gem2012 and IFM 2009.
Swog-S0777 data evaluated RVd in adult patients with previously untreated NDMM, without an intent for ASCT. The trial results revealed statistically significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with RVd, compared to those treated with Revlimid and dexamethasone alone (Rd).
In those who received RVd as initial therapy for NDMM, the following outcomes were observed: RVd extends median OS to more than seven years and PFS to more than 3.5 years; and RVd provides an initial therapeutic option for patients with NDMM, irrespective of their transplant eligibility.
According to Professor Miles Prince, clinical haematologist and Director of Cancer Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, choice of first-line therapy substantially impacts NDMM patient outcomes.
