Positive results of ixazomib as first line maintenance therapy in patients with myeloma who did not undergo stem cell transplant
The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 3 clinical trial TOURMALINE-MM4 showed significant improvement in Progression-Free Survival (PFS) of Ixazomib (commercialised by Takeda as Ninlaro) as first line maintenance therapy versus placebo in adult myeloma patients not treated with stem cell transplantation. This clinical trial is the first industry sponsored phase 3 trial to explore the concept of “switch” maintenance, the use of medicines not included in initial induction therapy, in this setting.