Pomalidomide Use and Kidney Outcomes in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Real-World, Population-Based Cohort Study

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2024 Nov;24(11):e861-e869. doi: 10.1016/j.clml.2024.07.007. Epub 2024 Jul 15.

Abstract

Background: Pomalidomide-based regimens are the cornerstone of treatment for relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Despite the high incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in RRMM, individuals with advanced CKD have been excluded from phase II/III RCTs, creating a gap in our understanding of the effects of pomalidomide use in patients with RRMM complicated with advanced CKD. We undertook a cohort to study to understand the efficacy safety of pomalidomide-based regimens among patients with CKD using real-world data.

Methods: Population-based, cohort study of patients ≥ 18 years with RRMM treated with pomalidomide in Ontario, Canada. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were time-to-major adverse kidney events (MAKE), time-to-next treatment, kidney response and safety.

Results: Total 748 patients with RRMM utilizing pomalidomide were included; 440 had preserved kidney function, 210 had moderate CKD (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73m2), and 98 had advanced CKD (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m2). Mean age was 70.2 years, 43.3% were women. Patients with advanced CKD had a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to the preserved kidney function group (aHR 1.37, 95% CI 1.06, 1.78). MAKE was higher in advanced CKD (aHR 1.70, 95% CI 1.03, 2.35). Kidney response was similar between moderate and severe CKD groups (aOR 1.04, 95%, CI 0.56-1.90). Safety outcomes were similar between groups.

Conclusions: Patients with advanced CKD and RRMM on pomalidomide-based regimens exhibited reduced survival and a higher risk for MAKE. However, the probability of experiencing some degree of kidney recovery is 50% in both moderate and severe CKD, with comparable safety outcomes.

Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease; Epidemiology; Kidney replacement therapy; Multiple Myeloma; Pomalidomide.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma* / complications
  • Multiple Myeloma* / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma* / mortality
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / complications
  • Thalidomide* / analogs & derivatives
  • Thalidomide* / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • pomalidomide
  • Thalidomide