Following the approval of carfilzomib (Kyprolis) for relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma (MM) in Japan around two years ago, researchers sought to understand the safety and efficacy of the therapy in a real-world setting. Researchers performed a post-marketing surveillance study to understand more about the treatment option’s impact on patients. According to Cancer Network, the data – collected in just under a 5-year period – shows that this therapy still confers benefits for those with MM. 

Interested in learning more? Check out Future Oncology. 

Studying Carfilzomib

MedLine Plus explains that carfilzomib is:

used alone and in combination with dexamethasone, daratumumab and dexamethasone, or lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone to treat people with multiple myeloma who have already been treated with other medications. Carfilzomib is in a class of medications called proteasome inhibitors [and] works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells in your body. 

From the study and data analysis, which utilized data from 3,280 patients, the researchers found that:

• There was an overall response rate of 46.5%. Patients treated with carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (KRd) had a 42.3% response rate, while those treated with carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd) had a 52.9% response rate. 
• Common adverse reactions from carfilzomib treatment included anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), neutropenia (low neutrophil count), and heart failure. 
• 6.7% of patient data showed serious cardiac disorders. Altogether, the mortality rate was 3.1%, with cardiac disorders being the most frequent reason. 

About Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer which forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that usually plays a role in fighting infections. This condition causes cancer cells to build up in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells. Doctors and researchers do not know what causes multiple myeloma. However, research shows that many myeloma cells are missing all or part of chromosome 13. Risk factors include being male, being Black, having a family history of multiple myeloma, being older in age, or having a personal history of MGUS. Symptoms can include:

• Bone pain, particularly in the chest or spine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Unintended weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Frequent or recurrent infections
• Mental fogginess
• Fatigue
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels)
• Excessive thirst