Ixazomib ups progression-free survival in multiple myeloma
(HealthDay)—For patients with relapsed, refractory, or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, ixazomib is associated with prolonged progression-free-survival, according to a study published in the April 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The researchers found that at a median follow-up of 14.7 months, progression-free survival was significantly longer in the ixazomib versus placebo group (median progression-free survival, 20.6 versus 14.7 months; hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.74). In all prespecified patient groups, including patients with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, there was a benefit with respect to progression-free survival with the ixazomib regimen. The overall rates of response were 78 and 72 percent, respectively, in the ixazomib and placebo groups; the corresponding rates of complete response plus very good partial response were 48 and 39 percent. The two study groups had similar rates of serious adverse events (47 and 49 percent, respectively).
"The addition of ixazomib to a regimen of lenalidomide and dexamethasone was associated with significantly longer progression-free survival; the additional toxic effects with all-oral regimen were limited," the authors write.
Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, including Millennium, a subsidiary of Takeda, which manufactures ixazomib and funded the study.
