This phase I/II trial evaluated the combination of the kinesin spindle protein inhibitor filanesib with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients.
Forty-seven RRMM patients with a median of three prior lines (2-8) and 94% refractory to lenalidomide were included: 14 in phase I and 33 in phase II. The recommended dose was 1 center dot 25 mg/m(2) of filanesib on days 1, 2, 15, 16, with pomalidomide 4 mg on days 1-21 and dexamethasone 40 mg weekly.
The defined threshold for success was achieved, with 18 out of 31 patients obtaining at least minor response (MR) in the phase II. In the global population, 51% of patients achieved at least partial response (PR) and 60% >= MR, resulting in a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of seven months and overall survival (OS) of 19 months.
The main toxicity was haematological. Importantly, patients with low serum levels of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) at baseline (<800 mg/l) had a superior response (overall response rate of 62% vs. 17%; P = 0 center dot 04), which also translated into a longer mPFS (9 vs. 2 months; P = 0 center dot 014). In summary, filanesib with pomalidomide and dexamethasone is active in RRMM although with significant haematological toxicity.
Most importantly, high levels of AAG can identify patients unlikely to respond to this strategy.