Talquetamab in heavily pretreated patients with RRMM: Real-world evidence

Real-world data from a retrospective study assessing the safety and efficacy of talquetamab, a GPRC5D×CD3 bispecific antibody, in 114 heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) were published by Al Hadidi et al. in Blood Cancer Journal. Outcomes included overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs).

Key data: The ORR was 73%, with a complete response (CR) rate of 26%, and a very good partial response (VGPR) rate of 26%. The 6-month PFS and OS rates were 56% and 86%, respectively, and the median PFS was 10 months. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 54% of patients, with Grade ≥2 CRS events occurring in 7.3% of patients. The 3-month cumulative incidence of any infection was 26%; among these infections, 59% were viral and 41% bacterial; Grade ≥3 infections occurred in 18% of patients, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was used in 61% of patients. Significant weight loss was observed among patients with available data (N = 17), with a mean 8.8% decrease at 6 months.  

Key learning: This real-world analysis demonstrates the efficacy of talquetamab in heavily pretreated patients with RRMM. It also highlights notable toxicities, including progressive weight loss and infections, demonstrating the need for rigorous monitoring and proactive supportive care in clinical practice.