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The latest results of the Phase 3 IKEMA trial demonstrate the longest median progression free survival (mPFS) on a proteasome inhibitor backbone in patients who relapsed after a prior therapy, including lenalidomide. The median progression free survival increased from 19.2 months to 35.7 months when Sarclisa® (isatuximab) was added to carfilzomib and dexamethasone. Further analysis, following U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendations on censoring rules, showed mPFS increased from 20.8 to 41.7 months when Sarclisa was added to carfilzomib and dexamethasone. These results, presented at the Controversies in Multiple Myeloma World Congress, represent the longest mPFS among studies investigating a proteasome inhibitor backbone in the second-line setting for the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). These data will also be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology on May 19. To learn more, read Sanofi’s press release. 

In the Spring 2022 Edition of Myeloma Today, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael writes about bispecific antibodies—a unique combination of two strategies: a monoclonal antibody that targets myeloma cells and induces the immune system to destroy it; and a monoclonal antibody that engages a local immune cell to directly kill the myeloma cell. He also speaks about its many advantages as compared to other humoral and cellular approaches, such as dual treatment, “off the shelf,” different targets, and broader use. To learn more about bispecific antibodies, read the full publication of the 2022 Spring Edition of Myeloma Today.  

The IMF Patient and Family Webinar on “New Frontiers in Myeloma Care” was held on Saturday, May 14. IMF Chairman Dr. Brian G.M. Durie moderated presentations with the following myeloma experts: Yi Lin, MD, PhD (Mayo Clinic—Rochester, MN), IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Ann McNeill RN, MSN, APN (John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center—Hackensack, NJ), and Nikhil Munshi, MD (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—Boston, MA). The webinar concluded with a summary panel discussion, a webinar survey, and closing remarks. In case you missed it, you can still watch the replay.        

The Brian D. Novis Research Grants was established in 1995 to honor IMF co-founder Brian D. Novis, who succumbed to multiple myeloma in July 1992. The grants are awarded to researchers working in the field of multiple myeloma and related disorders, including smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and immunoglobulin-derived amyloidosis. The 2022 grants will support senior research projects with $80,000 each and junior research projects with $50,000 each. The deadline to submit applications is on September 1, 2022.