Isatuximab, Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Induction in Newly Diagnosed Myeloma: Analysis of the MIDAS Trial.

In patients with transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, induction therapy with a quadruplet regimen prior to autologous transplant is the standard of care. The phase III IFM2020-02-MIDAS study (NCT04934475) assessed a minimal residual disease (MRD)-driven consolidation and maintenance strategy following induction with isatuximab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (IsaKRD). Here, we report safety and efficacy outcomes of six 28-day cycles of IsaKRD. Between December 2021 and July 2023, 791 patients were enrolled across 72 centers. The median age was 59 years; 13% had ISS-stage III, 5% had R-ISS-stage III, and 8% had high-risk cytogenetics (IFM Linear Predictor cytogenetic score >1). Overall, 96% (N=757) of patients completed induction. The median CD34+ cell yield was 7 × 106/Kg, with 94% of patients able to proceed with a potential tandem transplant. The best overall response rate was 95%. In the intent-to-treat population, 91% achieved a very good partial response or better after induction, with MRD-negativity rates of 63% at 10-5 and 47% at 10-6. MRD-negativity rates differed across ISS stages and cytogenetic subgroups. During induction, 7 patients experienced disease progression, and 5 died due to disease progression (N=1), cardiac events (N=2), or other causes (N=2). The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (25%), thrombocytopenia (5%), and infections (7%); only 13% of patients reported any grade peripheral neuropathy. IsaKRD induction yielded deep responses and high MRD-negativity rates while ensuring successful stem cell collection, with no new safety signals. Continued follow-up of this ongoing study is required to confirm these findings.