Lenalidomide in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of all patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma (NDMM), irrespective of transplant eligibility.

Access to the combination as a first line treatment has been welcomed by clinicians and consumers.

Haematologist Professor Miles Prince said in a statement that maximising first-line treatment was the best opportunity to optimise long-term patient outcomes.

“In MM, first remission is the longest as patients progressively become less responsive to therapies and experience a shorter period of remission after each relapse.”

Last August, the PBAC recommended the listing of lenalidomide in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd) for the treatment of patients with NDMM on the basis that it should be available only under special arrangements under Section 100 – Highly Specialised Drugs Program.

“The PBAC was satisfied that RVd provides, for some patients, a significant improvement in efficacy over lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (Rd) and bortezomib in combination with melphalan and prednisolone (VMP) and acknowledged the clinical need for triplet combination therapy in the NDMM setting,” the PBAC meeting outcomes document said.

Myeloma Australia CEO Steve Roach said increasing access to another first-line treatment was good news for the myeloma community.

He has previously said – reported in the limbic – that he looks forward to myeloma being considered a chronic rather than a terminal disease.