Efficacy and safety of daratumumab for the treatment of refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma. A systematic review of meta-analyses

Abstract

Introduction

Several meta-analyses (MAs) of the efficacy and safety of daratumumab in refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma (RRMM) exist. They include different types of populations, Daratumumab regimens, and outcomes. Moreover, there is a wide variation in methodological quality and risk of bias.

Objective

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of MAs to summarize the literature on the efficacy and safety profile of daratumumab use in RRMM, and also provide an assessment of the quality and risk of bias of the MAs if sufficient data is available.

Methods

The literature databases Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched since inception. The quality of methodology was assessed by the AMSTAR-2 tool, and the risk of bias was assessed by the ROBIS tool.

Results

Eight MAs were included in the SR. Most studies reported ORR and CR improvement by adding daratumumab to the chemotherapy regimen. Five MAs reported improvement in PFS in daratumumab-based regimens compared to non- daratumumab-based regimens. Only two MAs reported molecular response, favoring daratumumab. Dara was associated with adverse drug events (ADEs), including pneumonia and diarrhea. Conflicting evidence regarding hematological ADEs association with daratumumab exists. The overall quality of the studies is poor, but the MAs had a low risk of bias overall.

Conclusion

Despite including low-quality MAs, this SR provides a summary that simplifies clinicians’ access to efficacy and safety outcomes of daratumumab in RRMM patients. Future studies are required to reduce the uncertainty and produce higher-quality Mas, particularly regarding daratumumab's safety.