Debulking Chemotherapy Can Overcome Primary Resistance to Teclistamab in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Bispecific antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of multiple myeloma; however, primary treatment failure occurs in 30% to 40% of patients. In this study, we analyzed correlates of response to teclistamab and strategies to overcome primary resistance. Across two independent cohorts (n = 90), we developed the high risk of primary resistance (Hi-MM) variable, defined by extramedullary disease, plasma cell leukemia, bone marrow plasmacytosis ≥50%, or transfusion within 30 days, as a composite correlate of nonresponse. Patients without Hi-MM had overall response rates of 84% to 96% (vs. 20%-40% with Hi-MM) and significantly superior progression-free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.001). Debulking chemotherapy was utilized in 19 patients; 79% then responded to teclistamab, including 100% who no longer had Hi-MM. All four patients who were primary refractory to a BCMA bispecific immediately prior to debulking then achieved deep responses to teclistamab. In conclusion, simple clinical parameters correlate with response to teclistamab, whereas debulking chemotherapy can overcome Hi-MM and successfully bridge patients to teclistamab or salvage nonresponders.

A clinically assessable composite variable, Hi-MM, identifies patients who may benefit from debulking chemotherapy prior to teclistamab. By treating patients at a time of low disease burden or using debulking chemotherapy for those with a high risk of resistance, nearly all patients can benefit from the deep and durable remissions induced by teclistamab.