Triplet therapies - the new standard of care for multiple myeloma: how to manage common toxicities

Expert Rev Hematol. 2018 Dec;11(12):957-973. doi: 10.1080/17474086.2018.1538777. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple three drug combination regimens have been approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma in the last few years. Triplets have become the new standard of care for transplant eligible and ineligible patients with newly diagnosed as well as relapsed multiple myeloma. Novel agents have a unique profile of side effects. The management of toxicities is important to maintain quality of life and maximize treatment duration and benefit. Areas covered: This article reviews efficacy data, incidence of key adverse events and provide recommendations and expert opinion regarding how to manage common toxicities in triplet therapies. Relevant publications and abstracts were searched in PubMed, ASH, ASCO and EHA meetings. Guidelines from IMWG, NCCN, ESMO and ASCO, published trial protocols and prescribing information were used to formulate recommendations for the management of toxicities. Expert commentary: Side effects are a critical factor guiding the selection of optimal chemotherapy regimens for multiple myeloma. The majority of toxicities encountered with triplet therapies are reversible and can be readily managed with supportive care and dose modifications.

Keywords: Myeloma; adverse; management; three-drug; toxicity; triplets.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / chemically induced
  • Anemia / therapy
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Constipation / chemically induced
  • Constipation / therapy
  • Diarrhea / chemically induced
  • Diarrhea / therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Exanthema / chemically induced
  • Exanthema / therapy
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced
  • Kidney Diseases / therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Nausea / chemically induced
  • Nausea / therapy
  • Neutropenia / chemically induced
  • Neutropenia / therapy
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / therapy
  • Quality of Life
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced
  • Thrombocytopenia / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Venous Thromboembolism / chemically induced
  • Venous Thromboembolism / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents