MonumenTAL-1 trial Shows Promise With Talquetamab in R/R Myeloma

As part of CancerNetwork’s Face-Off video series, Sikander Ailawadhi, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, discussed results from the phase 1/2 MonumenTAL-1 trial (NCT04634552), designed to investigate talquetamab in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Ailawadhi: So, [the Face-Off discussion from] the [2022 ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition] was a very interesting discussion about some of the important, interesting highlighted clinical trials. One of these was the MonumenTAL-1 trial, which is a clinical trial for a newer bi-specific antibody called talquetamab, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Now, talquetamab, or talq for short, is a bi-specific antibody against a target called GPRC5D. This is a target that is present on plasma cells and has come up as a newer target that can be exploited for disease control.

And this particular study showed us a bit more mature, larger number, patient data of talquetamab in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma. They were very impressive results with deeper responses in heavily pretreated patients. And it also gave us a glimpse into the side effect profile for this drug, which I don't think the side effects were that severe. But it is important to keep in mind that some of the side effects were a bit unique.

We are getting into the realm of treatment in myeloma where the newer drugs are sometimes coming up with unique side effects. We've had, for example, a drug with ocular or eye toxicity. This one, talquetamab, came up with some different side effects. For example, skin and ear problems, which can sometimes affect patients a little bit differently, but can also be a quality-of-life issue. Another important side effect was altered taste. That is something which is again, unique, different. We're not used to seeing that, but something important to keep in mind.

And it is also important to note that different doses were tested, and the appropriate dose was selected. And at the various doses, deep, ongoing responses were noted. So patients, hopefully, will have a new and very exciting different opportunity coming up for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Transcription edited for clarity.