At the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Oncology at the beginning of June, Amgen presented promising data from the largest Phase 3 international multiple myeloma trial that was ever conducted.
It aimed to prove the efficacy and safety of a new antibody named XGEVA® (denosumab) against the problems caused by multiple myeloma, namely, preventing bone complications and fractures and preserving adequately functioning kidneys. (To learn more about the causes and symptoms of multiple myeloma, click here.)
XGEVA® is currently available as a bone treatment option for other types of cancer, such as breast and prostate, but it is not currently indicated to include patients with multiple myeloma.
Current treatment for multiple myeloma includes zoledronic acid and other bisphosphonates (preventative bone mass protectants), but while these may clear possible bone complications from the disease, which are highly debilitating to patients, they may also be associated with increased kidney toxicity and overall renal insufficiency.
Thus, there is a great need for a better alternative treatment for multiple myeloma and its related symptoms.
This trial found that patients who had taken XGEVA® had significantly lower rates of adverse effects on the kidneys compared to zoledronic acid, and furthermore, not at the expense of effectively combatting the skeletal problems associated with multiple myeloma.
In fact, XGEVA® was as effective as zoledronic acid treatment with half the amount of adverse renal events in patients.
Due to these promising results, Amgen submitted a supplemental application to the U.S. FDA to formalize the use of XGEVA® in multiple myeloma patients. Sean E. Harper, the vice president of Research and Development at Amgen, said,
“We look forward to making XGEVA, a novel treatment option, available to multiple myeloma patients.”
In the meantime, if you want to learn more about XGEVA® and its current uses and safety information, click here!
