ASH 2020 discussion: Looking for the best partner for lenalidomide maintenance after auto-SCT

During the 62nd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, the Multiple Myeloma Hub spoke to Francesca Gay (University of Turin, Turin, IT) and Jonathan L. Kaufman (Emory University, Atlanta, US) about the best partner for lenalidomide maintenance after autologous stem cell transplantation.

In this podcast, Kaufman and Gay discuss data from studies evaluating multiple myeloma treatment with proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib or carfilzomib) + lenalidomide. Both highlight improved progression-free survival with combination therapy vs monotherapy, particularly in high-risk patients. They also discuss difficulties related to patient compliance with combination therapy and issues related to continuous hospital visits resulting from the method of administration and therefore suggest potential oral alternatives to improve compliance.

Kaufman then moves on to data from the phase II GRIFFIN trial, evaluating the addition of daratumumab (DARA) to lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone induction and consolidation, followed by maintenance therapy with lenalidomide or DARA + lenalidomide. Gay also mentions the MAIA study evaluating DARA + lenalidomide and dexamethasone in transplant-ineligible patients. Kaufman concludes by highlighting the importance of evaluating methods to shorten post-transplant maintenance time without losing any long-term benefits.