GSK plc has unveiled promising results from the DREAMM-7 phase III trial, which highlights a notable advancement in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The trial compared the effectiveness of Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (BorDex) against the standard of care daratumumab plus BorDex combination. The findings, set to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Plenary Series on 6 February 2024, have marked a significant milestone in multiple myeloma treatment options.

In the head-to-head comparison, patients treated with the Blenrep combination experienced a nearly tripled median progression-free survival (PFS) rate compared to those receiving the daratumumab combination. Specifically, the Blenrep group saw a median PFS of 36.6 months, a substantial increase from the 13.4 months observed in the daratumumab group. This improvement comes alongside a 59% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death, underscoring the efficacy of Blenrep when combined with BorDex in this patient population.

Hesham Abdullah, GSK’s Senior Vice President and Global Head of Oncology R&D, expressed optimism about the results, stating, “The substantial progression-free survival benefit and strong overall survival trend compared to a daratumumab standard of care combination reinforce our belief in the potential for belantamab mafodotin used in combination to redefine the treatment of multiple myeloma at or after first relapse.”

The trial also reported a strong trend in overall survival favoring the Blenrep combination, with a 43% reduction in the risk of death. This significant outcome, along with improvements in secondary efficacy endpoints such as the complete response rate, minimal residual disease negativity rate, and median duration of response, positions Blenrep as a formidable option in the second-line treatment of multiple myeloma.

María-Victoria Mateos, DREAMM-7 principal investigator, emphasized the potential impact of these findings, noting, “Anti-BCMA therapies are helping to improve outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma, and having an off-the-shelf option, like belantamab mafodotin, that can be administered in a community oncology treatment center…has the potential to transform the way we treat myeloma at or after first relapse.”

The DREAMM-7 trial’s findings represent a major leap forward in the treatment of multiple myeloma, particularly for those in the relapsed or refractory stages. By nearly tripling the median progression-free survival and showing a strong trend in overall survival improvement, the Blenrep combination sets a new standard for second-line treatment. These results not only underscore the efficacy of Blenrep in combination with BorDex but also highlight the ongoing need for innovative therapies in the battle against multiple myeloma. As the DREAMM clinical development program continues, the oncology community eagerly anticipates further insights that could redefine treatment paradigms and improve patient outcomes in early treatment lines and beyond.

  belantamab mafodotin, Blenrep, DREAMM-7 trial, GSK, Hesham Abdullah, María-Victoria Mateos, Multiple myeloma