Keywords: Plain language summary; antibody; clinical study; fast infusion; intravenous; isatuximab; multiple myeloma.
What is this summary about?This plain language summary describes the results of a study on a new, faster method to treat people with multiple myeloma, giving a medicine called isatuximab by intravenous infusion (dripped into a vein) in 30 minutes rather than 75 minutes. Multiple myeloma is type of blood cancer. Isatuximab is approved in multiple countries in combination with other medicines for people with multiple myeloma. Infusion of isatuximab over 30 minutes, rather than the usual time of 75 minutes, may help save time for people with multiple myeloma and their healthcare providers.People in this study had newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and had already completed their induction treatment phase. They were on continuous (maintenance) therapy with isatuximab and two other medicines (lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone). Most people were not eligible or had no immediate intent for autologous stem cell transplant. They were switched from the usual 75-minute isatuximab infusion to the faster infusion over 30 minutes. With the faster method, isatuximab was infused at a higher speed (in a volume of 250 mL) with the aim to infuse the full dose over 30 minutes. The researchers monitored all the people on the study during and after the switch to determine the safety of the new method.What are the key takeaways?The results showed that shortening the isatuximab infusion time from 75 minutes to 30 minutes was generally safe for people with multiple myeloma. 44 of the 45 people in the study did not have any infusion reactions with the new method. Infusion reactions are side effects that may require pausing or stopping an infusion. One person had a moderate infusion reaction that resolved on the same day. The faster isatuximab infusions led to substantial time savings, with an average of 45 minutes saved at each infusion, after completing the switch. This was 60% less time than for a standard 75-minute infusion.What were the main conclusions reported by the researchers?In this study, the new fast infusion method, designed to shorten the duration of isatuximab infusions from 75 to 30 minutes, was safe. This new infusion method can facilitate intravenous administration of isatuximab in clinical practice for people with multiple myeloma and their healthcare providers.Clinical trial number: NCT02513186.