Depth of response and minimal residual disease status in ultra high-risk multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia treated with daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (Dara-CVRd): Results of the UK optimum/MUKnine trial.
Authors: Kaiser Martin F. , Hall Andrew , Walker Katrina , De Tute Ruth , Roberts Sadie , Ingleson Emma , Bowles Kristian , Garg Mamta , Lokare Anand , Messiou Christina , Jackson Graham H. , Pratt Guy , Cook Gordon , Drayson Mark , Owen Roger G. , Brown Sarah R , Jenner Matthew 
Published: June 2021

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Background: Patients with ultra high-risk (UHiR) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) and patients with plasma cell leukemia (PCL) continue to have dismal outcomes and are underrepresented in clinical trials. Recently, improved responses with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody combination therapy have been reported for NDMM patients. We report here outcomes for NDMM UHiR and PCL patients treated in the OPTIMUM/MUKnine (NCT03188172) trial with daratumumab, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone (Dara-CVRd) induction, augmented high-dose melphalan (HDMEL) and ASCT. With final analysis follow-up surpassed in Feb 2021, we report here early protocol defined endpoints from induction to day 100 post ASCT. Methods: Between Sep 2017 and Jul 2019, 107 patients with UHiR NDMM by central trial genetic (≥2 high risk lesions: t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), gain(1q), del(1p), del(17p)) or gene expression SKY92 (SkylineDx) profiling, or with PCL (circulating plasmablasts > 20%) were included in OPTIMUM across 39 UK hospitals. Patients received up to 6 cycles of Dara-CVRd induction, HDMEL and ASCT augmented with bortezomib, followed by Dara-VR(d) consolidation for 18 cycles and Dara-R maintenance. Primary trial endpoints are minimal residual disease (MRD) status post ASCT and progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints include response, safety and quality of life. Data is complete but subject to further data cleaning prior to conference. Results: Median follow-up for the 107 patients in the safety population was 22.2 months (95% CI: 20.6 – 23.9). Two patients died during induction due to infection. Bone marrow aspirates suitable for MRD assessment by flow cytometry (10-5 sensitivity) were available for 81% of patients at end of induction and 78% at D100 post ASCT. Responses in the intention to treat population at end of induction were 94% ORR with 22% CR, 58% VGPR, 15% PR, 1% PD, 5% timepoint not reached (TNR; withdrew, became ineligible or died) and at D100 post ASCT 83% ORR with 47% CR, 32% VGPR, 5% PR, 7% PD, 10% TNR. MRD status was 41% MRDneg, 40% MRDpos and 19% not evaluable post induction and 64% MRDneg, 14% MRDpos and 22% not evaluable at D100 post ASCT. Responses at D100 post ASCT were lower in PCL with 22% CR, 22% VGPR, 22% PR, 22% PD, 12% TNR. Most frequent grade 3/4 AEs during induction were neutropenia (21%), thrombocytopenia (12%) and infection (12%). Grade 3 neuropathy rate was 3.7%. Conclusions: This is to our knowledge the first report on a trial for UHiR NDMM and PCL investigating Dara-CVRd induction and augmented ASCT. Response rates were high in this difficult-to-treat patient population, with toxicity comparable to other induction regimens. However, some early progressions highlight the need for innovative approaches to UHiR NDMM. Clinical trial information: NCT03188172.