There has been a surge in treatment advancements for multiple myeloma that have improved outcomes for patients in the front- and later-line disease settings, creating an eager need to keep abreast of these latest systemic therapy innovations. In an interview with Targeted Therapies in Oncology, Sagar Lonial, MD, program cochair for the upcoming 24th Annual International Congress on Hematologic Malignancies. hosted by Physicians Education Resource., LLC (PER.), detailed breakthroughs in the care of patients with multiple myeloma as well as other hematologic cancers, and offered a preview of what attendees might expect to hear at the meeting.
Particularly in the era of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] where so much information is continuing to come out but the live meeting opportunities are limited, [this meeting] provides an opportunity to hear from leading experts in their fields [giving] you the moment to moment changes that are occurring, said Lonial, who is also a professor and the chair of the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine, as well as chief medical officer at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. These changes are occurring so fast, its hard for the [community oncologist] to keep up.
Anti-BCMA Agents and Other Advances in Multiple Myeloma
Lonial detailed the FDAs August 2020 approval of the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) antibody-drug conjugate belantamab mafodotin-blmf (Blenrep; Bela-maf) for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory disease following at least 4 prior therapies, including an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, and an immunomodulatory agent.1 This marks the first time a systemic therapy agent aimed at inhibiting BCMA received approval in the United States.
We have periods of time where a lot happens. Were seeing BCMA-targeted therapies really come to the forefront, Lonial said. Right now, [there are] 3 different ways to target BCMA. You can use the antibody-drug conjugate bela-maf, you can use a bispecific T-cell engager, or you can use a CAR [chimeric antigen receptor] T-cell therapy.
One of the advantages of targeting BCMA is that it is expressed exclusively on plasma cells, leading to fewer off-target affects, Lonial said. Additionally, BCMA activation has been shown to promote drug resistance,2 so inhibiting it may provide the dual benefit of suppressing tumor growth as well as overcoming drug resistance.
Regarding bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapies, Lonial said clinicians may be familiar with this approach by looking at an established agent for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), blinatumomab (Blincyto). Here, the bispecific CD19-directed T-cell engager binds to CD19 expressed on tumor cells and CD3 expressed on T cells,3 bringing them in close proximity with one another. I was skeptical that this approach would work in myeloma because I thought that T cells would be exhausted, and I wasnt sure youd be able to get them to work. But certainly, at higher doses, it appears that youre getting response [rates above] 65% to 70%.
Two notable BiTEs in clinical development that are aiming at BCMA for the treatment of multiple myeloma include teclistamab (JNJ-7957) and AMG 420, which have both been explored in phase 1 clinical trials (NCT03145181 and NCT02514239, respectively) with results presented at recent medical meetings.
In CAR T-cell therapy, a modality that Lonial said clinicians are familiar with due to recent successes in ALL and large B-cell lymphoma, there are multiple agents in development that target BCMA for the treatment of multiple myeloma. One of the advantages that has come to light over the CD19-directed agents is the lower rates of cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity which account for the most troublesome adverse events of CAR T-cell therapy administration that lead to hospitalization. We dont know if thats a function of BCMA or of myeloma, Lonial said.
Of all BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapies, the most advanced in terms of FDA clearance is idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; BB2121), which just earned priority review in September 2020. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date has been set as March 27, 2021.4
Other advances in multiple myeloma that Lonial mentioned included the development of the novel cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD) iberdomide, which has demonstrated response rates of up to 30% in patients with heavily pretreated multiple myeloma when used in conjunction with dexamethasone.5 Additionally, Lonial noted that the use of minimal residual disease (MRD) status as a patient selection tool will become more prominent as more agents are approved across settings.
If somebodys MRD positive, is that where you treat with a BCMA-directed therapy early to try and eliminate that? Those, I think, are really exciting questions were going to be able to answer.
Trends in Cellular Therapy and Other Topics
Lonial said that cellular therapy for the treatment of hematologic diseases by way of allogeneic stem cell transplants, in his view, represented the first time immunotherapy was used for the treatment of any malignancy. Moving into the modern treatment era, investigators are striving to refine these approaches and incorporate new modalities, such as CAR T-cell therapy, for the treatment of patients with hematologic cancers.
Another focus of the meeting will include looking at precision medicine techniques of the solid tumor world and applying those principles to cancers of the blood.
Using genetics and genomics to identify lymphoma subsets is getting us into both an immune era and a precision medicine era, Lonial said. The challenge for us in hematologic malignancies is marrying the 2 concepts together. How do you take both precision medicine and immune therapy and make it one treatment approach for a patient?
Lonial said the CAR T-cell therapy workshop which will be moderated by fellow meeting cochair Andre H. Goy, MD, who is physician in chief of Hackensack Meridian Health Oncology Care Transformation Service, chairman & chief Physician Officer of the John Theurer Cancer Center, Lydia Pfund Chair for lymphoma Academic Academic Chairman Oncology of Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, and professor of medicine at Georgetown Universitymay be especially helpful for all clinicians hoping to learn more about this treatment modality, regardless of whether or not their centers are approved to administer it.
Knowing when to refer from the community [setting to an academic institution] for a CAR T-cell [administration] and what that can offer patients is critically important, he said. The advantage of CAR [T-cell therapy] from my perspective is it is a one-and-done therapy. And if that one-and-done really is done, then its a true victory. We dont want to limit [this only] to people who are seen in academic centers.
Finally, meeting cochair Jorge E. Cortes, MD, the director of Georgia Cancer Center and an Eminent Scholar of the Georgia Research Alliance at Augusta University in Georgia, will moderate sessions addressing the treatment of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes, among others.
Lonial concluded by describing what he hopes will be a broad overview for attendees who treat patients in the community and academic settings alike. You get experts in [the treatment of hematologic cancers]which I think is prone for rapid change, expansion, and discoveryto hear in one setting whats newest in lymphoma, whats newest in leukemia, whats newest in myeloma, and whats newest in CAR T-cell therapy. That opportunity is very important, and it provides people with a case-based learning approach.
References:
1. FDA granted accelerated approval to belantamab mafodotin-blmf for multiple myeloma. FDA. Updated August 6, 2020. Accessed October 27, 2020. https://bit.ly/37M2UDd
2. Tai YT, Acharya C, An G, et al. APRIL and BCMA promote human multiple myeloma growth and immunosuppression in the bone marrow microenvironment. Blood. 2016;127(25):3225-3236. doi:10.1182/ blood-2016-01-691162
3. Blincyto. Prescribing information. Amgen; 2020. Accessed October 27, 2020. https://bit.ly/2TsOL5d
4. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepts for priority review Bristol Bristol Myers Squibb and bluebird bio application for anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel, bb2121). News release. Bristol Myers Squibb. September 22, 2020. Accessed October 27, 2020. https://bit.ly/3kDhakH
5. Lonial S, Van de Donk N, Popat R, et al. A phase 1b/2a study of the CELMoD iberdomide (CC-220) in combination with dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2019;19(suppl 10):E52-E53. doi:10.1016/j.clml.2019.09.080
View original post here:
- Charles River Extends Gene Therapy Alliance with NUS Medicine - Contract Pharma - March 22nd, 2024
- Exciting opportunities in stem cell technology and regenerative biology in Indian healthcare industry - Express Healthcare - March 22nd, 2024
- Charles River Announces Extension of Gene Therapy Manufacturing Alliance with NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine - Yahoo Finance - March 22nd, 2024
- Opinion: The revolutionary sickle cell therapies - MSN - March 22nd, 2024
- 10 Years of Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center - KSAL - March 22nd, 2024
- BioCardia and StemCardia Announce Biotherapeutic Delivery Partnership - Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology - March 17th, 2024
- Cynata Therapeutics' breakthrough in regenerative medicine - Finance News Network - March 17th, 2024
- New Positive Data Presented on Briquilimab Conditioning in Patients with Fanconi Anemia - GlobeNewswire - March 17th, 2024
- Novel 3D stem cell therapy to treat critical limb ischaemia - Drug Target Review - March 15th, 2024
- Breaking Boundaries: Pharmicell's Bold Vision for Healthcare Transformation and Monumental Growth - The Worldfolio - March 15th, 2024
- CuSTOM Organoid Research Evolving From Tool to Treatment - Research Horizons - Research Horizons - March 15th, 2024
- BioCardia and StemCardia Announce Partnership to Deliver Cell-Gene Therapy for Remuscularization of Heart - Cath Lab Digest - March 15th, 2024
- Calidi Biotherapeutics and City of Hope Announce Funding from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine ... - Business Wire - March 13th, 2024
- Iron restriction keeps blood stem cells young, researchers find - Phys.org - March 13th, 2024
- Vitamin A could have a key role in both stem cell biology and wound healing: Study - Medical Dialogues - March 9th, 2024
- Trends in Stem Cell Transplantation Refusal for Myeloma Treatment - Targeted Oncology - March 7th, 2024
- Stem Cell Therapy Market (CAGR) of 31.1%, Future of Market Size Emerging Technologies and their Impact on ... - Taiwan News - March 7th, 2024
- This Swedish startup wants to reduce the cost, and controversy, around stem cell production - TechCrunch - March 6th, 2024
- Advancing stem cell therapy: The regulatory process to get to clinical trials - The Economic Times - March 6th, 2024
- Transitioning from traditional surgical methods to the innovative use of stem cells - pharmaphorum - March 6th, 2024
- 'Mini organs' are grown from human stem cells taken during the late stages of pregnancy for the first time - m - Daily Mail - March 6th, 2024
- Stem cell transplant cures man of HIV and leukemia, one of five to achieve full remission - Fox 28 - March 3rd, 2024
- Stem Cell Therapy Market to Boost USD 137.5 Billion by 2034 and Projected to grow at 32.10% CAGR with increasing ... - Yahoo Finance - March 1st, 2024
- Studies expand use of stem cell therapies - WPLG Local 10 - March 1st, 2024
- Innovative therapy targets and destroys leukemia stem cells - News-Medical.Net - February 27th, 2024
- Unlocking the Potential of Stem Cells: The Medical Revolution of the Century - EIN News - February 27th, 2024
- Pelage Pharmaceuticals Announces $16.75M Series A Financing led by GV to Revolutionize Regenerative Medicine ... - Yahoo Finance - February 27th, 2024
- Say Her Name - Henrietta Lacks, The Real Mother Of Stem - Her Campus - February 27th, 2024
- California Man Free of HIV And Cancer in Astonishing Medical Recovery - ScienceAlert - February 25th, 2024
- $93 million for research into improved health for children, young people and the aged, medical devices, mental health ... - Department of Health - February 25th, 2024
- Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine - PMC - National Center for ... - February 24th, 2024
- The Promise and Reality of Stem Cell Therapy: What You Need to Know - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Stem Cell Therapy: A Beacon of Hope for Patients with Untreatable Conditions - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Leading Experts in Stem Cell Therapy: A Global Overview - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Can Stem Cells Help Reverse the Effects of Aging? - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Stem Cell Therapy for Cancer: Hope on the Horizon? - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Stem Cells and Autism: A Closer Look at Innovative Treatments - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Regrowth and Restoration: The Science Behind Stem Cell Therapy for Hair - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Brain Recovery: The Role of Stem Cells in Stroke and Cerebral Palsy Treatments - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Turning Back the Clock: The Science of Stem Cells in Anti-Aging - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Insights into cellular therapies for cancer treatment - Drug Target Review - February 22nd, 2024
- The Role of Stem Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis Recovery - Corporate Wellness Magazine - February 22nd, 2024
- Dr Ernesto Romeros vision transforms immunotherapy regenerative medicine into a global leader in stem cell treatment - Khaleej Times - February 22nd, 2024
- World-Renowned Doctors Leading the Way in Stem Cell Research and Treatment - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Choosing the Best: A Guide to America's Premier Stem Cell Therapy Providers - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Navigating Through the Possibilities of Stem Cell Treatment for Eye Disorders - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Global Leaders in Stem Cell Therapy: Where Excellence Meets Innovation - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Excellence in Stem Cell Treatment: How the US is Pioneering Global Healthcare Solutions - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Clarifying Memory Loss Treatments: The Role of Stem Cells - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Battling Inflammation: Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Digestive Health and Stem Cells: Treating Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Top Stem Cell Clinics in the USA: Pioneering Treatments for Chronic Conditions - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Stem Cells and Autism: Understanding the Potential for Innovative Treatments - Medical Tourism Magazine - February 20th, 2024
- Stopping the awakening of sleeping Acute Myeloid Leukaemia stem cells to prevent disease relapse - University of Birmingham - February 20th, 2024
- City of Hope Achieves Ground Breaking Treatment for Blood Cancer and HIV - Medriva - February 18th, 2024
- Regenerative Medicine Market Size to Worth USD 95 Billion by 2032 - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- North America Organoids Market Projected to Reach US$ 5.35 Billion by 2030, Riding on a CAGR of 21.5% - GlobeNewswire - February 18th, 2024
- Chinese team tests lung treatment that may be first to reverse COPD damage - South China Morning Post - February 15th, 2024
- Why leukemic stem cells not harmed by chemotherapy begin to grow and produce AML cells after treatment - Medical Xpress - February 15th, 2024
- Regenerative Medicine Market is Expected to Reach $49.0 Billion | MarketsandMarkets - Yahoo Finance - February 15th, 2024
- Study finds interleukin-24 enhances CAR-T cell therapy's effectiveness against cancer stem cells - News-Medical.Net - February 15th, 2024
- Oldest Patient 'Cured' of HIV Still in Remission 5 Years After Transplant for AML - Medpage Today - February 15th, 2024
- Drug used for cocaine addiction may pave way for new treatment of advanced colon cancer - EurekAlert - February 15th, 2024
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Their Role in Development and Disease Therapy - The Scientist - February 15th, 2024
- Biomedical Researcher Seeks to Improve Outcomes in Stem Cell Treatments - University of Arkansas Newswire - February 13th, 2024
- Top 3 grants in regenerative medicine: January 2024 - RegMedNet - February 13th, 2024
- Scalise returning to Washington next week with cancer in complete remission - The Hill - February 13th, 2024
- Unlocking the power of stem cell therapy - Drug Target Review - February 9th, 2024
- Digging into the Dangers of Gene Therapy - The Medicine Maker - February 7th, 2024
- Treating and preventing abnormal heart beats with stem cell muscle grafts - Medical Xpress - February 7th, 2024
- Regeneration of the Retina Using Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Comprehensive Review - Cureus - February 3rd, 2024
- I thought I'll give it a chance - Liam Harrison reveals his thought process in getting crucial stem cell treatment - Sportskeeda - February 3rd, 2024
- Jennifer J. Raab named President and CEO of The New York Stem Cell Foundation - EurekAlert - February 3rd, 2024
- High-dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in older, fit patients with primary ... - The Lancet - January 31st, 2024
- Houston regenerative medicine company to IPO, move toward more human trials - InnovationMap - January 31st, 2024
- New study on promising stem cell-based therapy for Crohn's disease - Medical Xpress - January 31st, 2024
- Exploring pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and stem cell therapies for treatment of autism spectrum disorders - News-Medical.Net - January 29th, 2024
- Stem cell study shows how gene activity modulates the amount of immune cell production in mice - Medical Xpress - January 26th, 2024
- Regenerative Medicine Market Set to Surge with 25.36% CAGR, Projected to Reach US$122.381 Billion by 2028 - GlobeNewswire - January 26th, 2024
- Global Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD) Treatment Market Forecast, 2028: High Treatment Costs and Infection Risks ... - GlobeNewswire - January 26th, 2024
Recent Comments