[skeface01]

Experiences with elotuzumab for multiple myeloma?

by skeface01 on Sun Nov 15, 2015 12:02 am

My husband was diagnosed with myeloma in August 2010. He had a stem cell transplant (SCT) in October 2011. In February 2012 he started Velcade / dex maintenance therapy. His disease progressed and in July 2013 he started Revlimid / dex therapy. By the end of 2014, Revlimid / dex stopped working. He tried Pomalyst / dex / Revlimid, which decreased his light chains for a few months, but then stopped working. He tried carfilzomib (Kyprolis) / Revlimid / dex for a few months but it really didn't work at all. Every drug seems to decimate his platelet and hemoglobin counts.

His oncologist got elotuzumab on a compassionate use basis. He's been on it now for 5 weeks and also takes 40 mg of dex a week and 10 mg of Revlimid for 21 days and then a week off. He seems to be tolerating this drug combination. He has been complaining of some stomach upset with occasional diarrhea. He would not consider another SCT even though he has stem cells stored at the transplant center.

So, how has anyone else done on elotuzumab?

[Janet1520]

Re: Experiences with elotuzumab for multiple myeloma?

by Janet1520 on Sun Jan 24, 2016 2:48 am

I'm on elotuzumab. It doesn't work alone – you need to take it with other meds. It is supposed to enhance the effectiveness of the other meds. I take it with Revlimid, Velcade, and dex. It is working well for me.

[JPC]

Re: Experiences with elotuzumab for multiple myeloma?

by JPC on Sun Jan 24, 2016 8:10 pm

Hello Janet1520:

I have recalled reading that Dr. Usmani had a study for Revlimid, Velcade, dex and elotuzumab. I have not heard yet of anyone taking elotuzumab with a 3-drug combination off study. Did your doctor prescribe it off-study, or is it associated with a study? I was thinking about this for possible future consideration in the case of my wife. If you are taking it off study, would you mind sharing with us the center that is doing it?? Thanks in advance and best regards, JPC

[Janet1520]

Re: Experiences with elotuzumab for multiple myeloma?

by Janet1520 on Thu Feb 11, 2016 11:48 pm

I am in a clinical trial getting the elotuzumab plus Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone (RVD). The trial is for newly diagnosed high-risk myeloma patients. I've been on it since May 2014. I'm currently in the maintenance phase. No stem cell transplant yet.

[JPC]

Re: Experiences with elotuzumab for multiple myeloma?

by JPC on Fri Feb 12, 2016 6:56 am

Hi Janet:

If you don't mind me asking. How many rounds did you have of initial induction? What was your response? And what were your high-risk features?

Thanks and Regards, JPC

[Janet1520]

Re: Experiences with elotuzumab for multiple myeloma?

by Janet1520 on Sat Mar 12, 2016 11:22 pm

JPC -

I had 8 cycles of induction treatment (6 months). I had a near complete response. My high risk feature is 17p deletion.

[JPC]

Re: Experiences with elotuzumab for multiple myeloma?

by JPC on Sun Mar 13, 2016 9:07 am

Thank you very much, Janet. Good luck to you. Regards,