Questions that still need to be answered include benefits for specific populations, such as high-risk patients, the very elderly, and those with renal insufficiency. It’s also unclear whether the reduced risk of secondary malignancies is because of the absence of melphalan or the presence of dexamethasone.
It will also be important to find a way to indentify, as early as possible, the 25% of patients who will not achieve at least a partial response, he said.
The study was supported by Celegene Corporation and by the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome. Dr. Facon disclosed serving on the speakers bureau and being a member on a board of directors/advisory committee for Celgene. Dr. San Miguel reported having no disclosures.