Antonio Palumbo, MD, Chief of the Myeloma Unit at the University of Torino in Italy, told The ASCO Post that the results with MLN9708 “look quite interesting,” and the drug could change the treatment of the disease.

“This combination, with lenalidomide, accelerates response, and the ability to have an oral proteasome inhibitor is a real improvement,” he said. “The expectation is to have equal efficacy with an oral agent, and that would be a ‘plus’ for this disease in the future.”

He added that he is more impressed with having an oral compound than by the possibility that neuropathy seems less with MLN9708 than with bortezomib. “There is less neuropathy, true, but I believe the major advance is related to the oral delivery. Today, with weekly infusion of bortezomib, neuropathy is less of a problem than it used to be.” ■

Disclosure: Dr. Palumbo reported no potential conflicts of interest.