Asya-Nina Varshavsky-Yanovsky, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor and Myeloma Program Lead at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA, discusses the safety of elranatamab in Black or African-American patient subgroups.
Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer caused by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The most common symptom is anemia, which can also cause fatigue and shortness of breath among other symptoms. The underlying cause of multiple myeloma is currently unknown. Factors that are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma include:
- increasing age
- male sex
- African-American race
- radiation exposure
- family history of the condition
- obesity
- and/or a personal history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Elranatamab was approved by the FDA for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who have had at least four prior lines of therapy.
As noted by Dr. Varshavsky-Yanovsky, a recent presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, showcased the efficacy and safety of elranatamab in Black and African-American patients. This subgroup was focused on due to being disproportionately affected by myeloma and their underrepresentation in clinical trials.
Evidence in this trial supported positive efficacy, with overall response rates at 58% in Black patients, compared to 61% in overall patient population. Responses also lasted 18 months, paralleling that of the general patient population. Safety concerns followed the same pattern. The results from this study provide hope to Black and African-American patients who have already gone through heavy retreatment as a result of relapsed myeloma.
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