Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells, white blood cells that produce infection-fighting antibodies.

Daratumumab, the first targeted antibody therapy for multiple myeloma, is an experimental agent that is part of a new class of drugs called anti-CD38 antibodies.

These drugs first bind to the CD38 protein expressed on the surface of myeloma cells and then signal immune cells to kill the cell directly.

In this Phase I/II study of daratumumab in combination with standard multiple myeloma therapy, lenalidomide and dexamethasone, researchers sought to evaluate whether this treatment combination is safe and effective for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma.

Thirty-two patients received weekly doses of daratumumab in combination with standard therapy during the first two 28-day therapy cycles and then biweekly infusions during the next four cycles followed by once monthly infusions.

Patients received the treatment until their disease progressed or side effects became too severe to continue.

As of October 2, 2015, 22 patients remained on treatment.

Ten discontinued treatment due to disease progression, adverse events, or investigator decision.

The overall response rate was 81 percent and 63 percent had a very good partial response or better.

The median duration of response was not reached.

Results of the study suggest that daratumumab is a safe and effective treatment for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma.

Watch the video interview and press conference for more information.

Source: ASH