Daratumumab, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma

In a study involving patients with refractory multiple myeloma, the anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone resulted in longer progression-free survival and a higher rate of response than bortezomib and dexamethasone alone. Multiple myeloma is associated with organ dysfunction, including bone lesions, anemia, renal insufficiency, and hypercalcemia. 1 , 2 Proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib) in combination with glucocorticoids are standard regimens for relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma 3 (definitions of these terms are provided in the Supplementary Appendix, available with the full text of this article at NEJM.org) and have contributed considerably to patient survival. 4 Nevertheless, almost all patients will have a relapse. Daratumumab is a human IgGκ monoclonal antibody that targets CD38, which is highly expressed on myeloma cells and other hematopoietic cell types. 5 , 6 Daratumumab has direct and indirect antitumor activity and diverse . . .