EHA 2016 | Why daratumumab is effective in multiple myeloma – results from the CASTOR trial
Antonio Palumbo, MD from the University of Turin, Turin, Italy gives an overview of the results of the Phase III CASTOR trial of daratumumab with bortezomib and dexamethasone (NCT02136134). This combination reduces the risk of progression by 61% compared to the current standard of care according to Dr Palumbo. Daratumumab is a novel monoclonal antibody, which targets a specific tumor antigen for myeloma plasma cells (CD38), which leads to an increase of the response rate with a doubling of the rate of complete remission (CR) and very good partial response (VGPR). Further, five times as many patients achieve minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity according to Dr Palumbo. This antibody further stimulates the immune system; this means that the tumor can be better controlled and long-term remission durations are possible. According to Dr Palumbo, daratumumab is also well tolerated.
Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
