Quality of life measures were comparable for multiple myeloma patients whether they received panobinostat or placebo in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, Paul G. Richardson, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, and his associates in the PANORAMA-1 trial reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Symptoms, function, and health-related quality of life were measured using the EORTC-QLQ-30, QLQ-MY20, and FACT/GOG-Ntx scales at screening, the first day of the first therapy cycle, and every 6 weeks thereafter in multiple myeloma patients randomly assigned to receive 21-day cycles of either the triple regimen or a placebo plus bortezomib and dexamethasone.
Dr. Paul G. Richardson
Panobinostat, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, is approved for multiple myeloma patients who have received at least two prior regimens, including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory drug
In the U.S.-label population of the PANORAMA-1 study, patient-reported outcomes data were available at baseline for 94 and 92 patients based on the EORTC QLQ-C30, Global Health Status/QoL scale and for 91 and 95 patients based on the QLQMY20, Disease Symptoms (DS) subscale and FACT/GOG-Ntx Neurotoxicity subscale.
After 24 weeks of therapy, FACT-GOG-Ntx scores were similar (32.03 vs. 33.92, respectively), suggesting no difference in neurotoxicity symptoms. In the QLQ-MY20 DS subscale, scores initially improved and stabilized, with no difference between the two groups of patients (20.65 vs. 15.85). After initially declining, EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status/QoL scores were also comparable (54.84 vs. 58.55).
The study was sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the maker of panobinostat. Dr. Richardson is an adviser to Novartis as well as several other drug companies.
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