ROTTERDAM (the Netherlands) and SAN DIEGO (US), November 28, 2018: an international consortium of researchers and physicians is the first to distinguish three risk groups in multiple myeloma (ultra-low, intermediate and high-risk patients) and show a favorable and distinct treatment strategy for the low and high-risk patients in an interim data analysis. Low risk patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) show improved outcomes on a non-transplant treatment strategy (95% versus 72% of patients alive after 4 years). The high-risk patients eligible for ASCT show improved outcomes on a transplant treatment strategy (68% versus 22% of patients alive after 4 years). The results are presented at the ASH Annual Meeting 2018 starting on December 1st in San Diego (US) [1].
The European Myeloma Network consortium used a combination of ISS (International Staging System), cytogenetic information (del17p) and the Dutch diagnostic test MMprofilerTM with the SKY92 marker to risk-stratify patients in the EMN-02/HOVON-95 trial. Upfront high dose melphalan (HDM) followed by ASCT (transplant strategy) is superior to bortezomib, melphalan & prednisone (VMP) without ASCT (non-transplant strategy). However, HDM causes damage in healthy cells and may induce growth of treatment resistant tumor cells. “Especially in low-risk patients, where the cancer is genetically less aggressive, HDM can be considered too combative, exposing the patient to unnecessary side effects and risk of resistance,” explains Dharminder Chahal, CEO of SkylineDx that developed the MMprofilerTM with SKY92 marker. “To give these patients more time with their family in better health, is incredibly humbling.”
“We are excited to have new data on this important congress supporting its value for multiple myeloma patients”, continues Dharminder Chahal. “Our MMprofilerTM is further internationally recognized as two highly respected research institutes in Ireland and Australia are independently including the diagnostic in their clinical studies, including in a novel agent setting with daratumumab, presenting their interim results at ASH as well [2-3]. Another demonstration of the added benefit of gene expression to guide an individual treatment plan”, concludes Dharminder Chahal.
Footnotes
- Hofste op Bruinink, et al. 2018. ASH Abstract 3186 (link). Poster presentation at ASH on Sunday, December 2, 2018, 6-8PM, Hall GH (San Diego Convention Center).
- Henderson, et al. 2018. ASH Abstract 3242 (link). Poster presentation at ASH on Sunday, December 2, 2018, 6-8PM, Hall GH (San Diego Convention Center).
- Spencer, et al. 2018. ASH Abstract 3279 (link). Poster presentation at ASH on Sunday, December 2, 2018, 6-8PM, Hall GH (San Diego Convention Center).
About SkylineDx
SkylineDx is a high-tech commercial-stage biotech company headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and a commercial office and laboratory in San Diego, California, USA. The company uses its expertise to bridge the gap between academically discovered gene expression signatures and commercially available diagnostic products with high clinical utility. With the focus on diagnostics, SkylineDx assists healthcare professionals in accurately determining the type or status of the disease or to predict a patient’s response to a specific treatment. Based on the test results, healthcare professionals can tailor the treatment to the individual patient. To learn more, please visit www.skylinedx.com.
