KOL Pulse - Trial Profile

CEPHEUS Trial

Transplant-ineligible NDMM - Janssen

Transplant-ineligible NDMM Darzalex Faspro + VRd ESMO 2024 FDA Approved
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Top KOLs Discussing CEPHEUS

Vincent Rajkumar
Vincent Rajkumar
@VincentRK
48.5K impressions
Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP
Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP
@RahulBanerjeeMD
8.7K impressions
Samer Al Hadidi, MD,MS,FACP
Samer Al Hadidi, MD,MS,FACP
@HadidiSamer
4.8K impressions
Ben Derman
Ben Derman
@bdermanmd
4.3K impressions
Multiple Myeloma Hub
Multiple Myeloma Hub
@MM_Hub
4.2K impressions
Rafael Fonseca MD
Rafael Fonseca MD
@Rfonsi1
3.5K impressions

CEPHEUS Key Slides & Visuals

Official trial slides and relevant visuals shared by KOLs at ESMO 2024. Click any image to expand.

Vincent Rajkumar
Vincent Rajkumar @VincentRK
CEPHEUS Data
31.3K impressions · 211 likes · Oct 08, 2024
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[Slide 1] MAYO CLINIC mSMART - Off-Study Transplant Ineligible STANDARD RISK MYELOMA HIGH RISK MYELOMA t(11;14), t(6;14), and trisomies without Del 17p, Gain/Amp 1q, Del 1p, t(4;14), t(14;16), any high risk abnormalities t(14;20) Dara-VRd or Isa-VRd for ~9 cycles followed by Len Dara-VRd or Isa-VRd for ~9 cycles followed by maintenance bortezomib plus lenalidomide maintenance Or For frail patients: DRda For frail patients: DRd or VRd for ~9 cycles followed by doublet DR or VR maintenance "Duration is usually until progression, based on tolerance Dara-VRd, Daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone; Isa-VRd, Isatuximab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone; VRd, Bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone; DRd, daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone Dispenzieri et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2007;82:323-341; Kumar et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2009 84:1095-1110; Mikhael et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2013;88:360- 376. v22 //last reviewed Oct 2024 MAYO CLINIC mSMART - Off-Study Transplant Eligible STANDARD RISK MYELOMA HIGH RISK MYELOMA t(11;14), t(6;14), and trisomies without Del 17p, Gain/Amp 1q, Del Double or Triple Hit any high risk abnormalities 1p, t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20) Dara-VRd or Isa-VRd X ~4 cycles Dara-VRd or Isa-VRd X ~4 cycles Dara-VRd or Isa-VRd X ~4 cycles Collect Stem Cells Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) (ASCT) Autologous stem cell Dar-VRd or Isa- transplant (preferred) VRd X 4 cycles Len maintenance Len until Bortezomib plus lenalidomide Bortezomib plus lenalidomide progression; maintenance till progression maintenance till progression Delayed ASCTᵇ a If age >65 or > 4 cycles of induction therapy, consider mobilization with G-CSF plus cytoxan or plerixafor; Duration usually until progression based on tolerance; In patients with grade 2 or higher neuropathy at baseline, and for patients in whom bortezomib needs to be dose reduced or discontinued due to neuropathy, consider carfilzomib instead. Dara-VRd, Daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone; Isa-VRd, Isatuximab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone Dispenzieri et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2007;82:323-341; Kumar et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2009 84:1095-1110; Mikhael et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2013;88:360- 376. v22 //last reviewed Oct 2024
Vincent Rajkumar
Vincent Rajkumar @VincentRK
CEPHEUS Data
10.5K impressions · 75 likes · Sep 27, 2024
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Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP
Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP @RahulBanerjeeMD
CEPHEUS Data
4.8K impressions · 61 likes · Feb 05, 2025
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[Slide 1] 8:00 5G Mail nature.com Fig. 3: PFS. From: Daratumumab plus bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone for transplant-ineligible or transplant-deferred newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: the randomized phase 3 CEPHEUS study 100 80 Percentage of patients surviving without disease progression 68.1 +++++++ D-VRd 60 49.5 +++++ # 40 # VRd 20 Hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.57 (95% CI, 0.41-0.79) P 0.0005 0 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 Months since randomization No. at risk D-VRd 197 180 170 160 149 140 136 132 122 115 33 0 VRd 198 174 157 143 131 123 105 98 88 81 21 0 The results of the Kaplan-Meier estimates of PFS among patients in the intention-to- treat population. The final analysis of PFS was performed after 162 events of disease progression or death occurred. Of these, eight were censored as a result of missing + 66
Ben Derman
Ben Derman @bdermanmd
CEPHEUS Data
3.2K impressions · 41 likes · Sep 27, 2024
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[Slide 1] CEPHEUS: Phase 3 Study of DARA SC-VRd Versus VRd in TIE or Transplant-deferred Patients With NDMM VRd Rd Primary endpoint: Key eligibility Cycle 9+ criteria: V: 1.3 mg/m2 SC Days 1, 4, 8, 11 Overall MRD R: 25 mg PO Days 1-14 R: 25 mg PO Days 1-21 (>CR) negativity NDMM (TIE or d: 20 mg PO Days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12 d: 40 mg PO Days 1, 8, 15, 22 transplant deferred) Key secondary ECOG PS score endpoints: of 0-2 DARA SC-VRd DARA SC-Rd PFS Frailty score of 0-1 Cycle 9+ Sustained MRD (>CR) DARA: 1,800 mg SC QW Cycles 1-2, negativity (>12 months) Q3W Cycles 3-8 DARA: 1,800 mg SC Q4W >CR rate VRd: schedule as above Rd: schedule as above os 21-day cycles 28-day cycles 8 cycles of bortezomib treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity --- [Slide 2] CEPHEUS: PFS (ITT Population) 100 Median follow-up: 58.7 months 54-month PFS 80 68.1% 60 D-VRd Median: not reached 40 49.5% VRd Median: 52.6 months 20 HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.79; P = 0.0005 0 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 Months No. at risk D-VRd 197 180 170 160 149 140 136 132 122 115 33 0 VRd 198 174 157 143 131 123 105 98 88 81 21 0 Daratumumab significantly improved PFS, with a 43% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death
Beth Faiman PhD
Beth Faiman PhD @Bethfaiman
CEPHEUS Data
3.1K impressions · 24 likes · Sep 17, 2025
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[Slide 1] International Myeloma Society Overview of mPFS in phase 3 trials in transplant-ineligible NDMM 1987 2024 Estimated med PFS 100 mos 100 100 90 90 ? 80 80 70 61.9 ? - 70 as an APL 54.3 60 60 IN Median PFS 41.7 MPD- First 50 50 BPL 35.1 SSEE and MD 40 36.4 31.9 - 40 297 - 30 253 26 30 MRD- / a 20 183 19.1 20 12 10 IMS 22nd Annual 0 MEETING & EXPOSITION MRD- /// (ALCYONE) ##! September 17-20, 2025 Toronto, Canada RVSLUIB MP Bort-based Rd VRd CD38-Rd Quad International Myeloma Society
Krina Patel
Krina Patel @DrKrinaPatel
CEPHEUS Data
2.9K impressions · 8 likes · Sep 23, 2025
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[Slide 1] CEPHEUS Trial Usmani et al., Nat Med 2025,31(4):1195-1202. MRD-NEGATIVITY RATE (10⁻⁵) (%) 60.9% DVRd Odds ratio (n=197) 2.37 (95% CI, 1.58-3.55) 39.4% P<0.0001 VRd (n=198) Bor
Robert Z. Orlowski
Robert Z. Orlowski @Myeloma_Doc
CEPHEUS Data
2.8K impressions · 46 likes · Feb 06, 2025
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[Slide 1] Assessed for eligibility (n = 508) Excluded (screen failures) (n = 113) Randomized (n = 395) Allocated to D-VRd group Allocated to VRd group (n = 197) (n = 198) Randomized, not treated Randomized, not treated (n 0) (n 3) Treated Treated (n = 197) (n = 195) Discontinued treatment (n = 95) Discontinued treatment (n = 128) Progressive disease (n = 27) Progressive disease (n = 51) Death (n = 34) Death (n = 24) Death due to COVID-19 (n = 12) Death due to COVID-19 (n = 6) Adverse event (n = 16) Adverse event (n = 32) Patient refused further treatment (n = 15) Patient refused further treatment (n = 8) Physician decision (n = 3) Physician decision (n = 12) Patient received concurrent treatment Patient received concurrent treatment for multiple myeloma before disease for multiple myeloma before disease progression (n = O) progression (n = 1) Discontinued study (n = 62) Discontinued study (n = 69) Death (n = 50) Death (n = 54) Death due to COVID-19 (n = 15) Death due to COVID-19 (n = 9) Withdrawal by patient (n = 11) Withdrawal by patient (n = 13) Lost to follow-up (n = 1) Lost to follow-up (n = 2) Patients remaining on study Patients remaining on study (n = 135) (n = 126) Patients off treatment (n = 33) Patients remaining Patients remaining Patients off treatment (n = 59) Pre-PD follow-up (n = 21) on treatment on treatment Pre-PD follow-up (n = 18) Post-PD follow-up (n = 12) (n = 102) (n 67) Post-PD follow-up (n = 41) Fig. 1| CONSORT patient flow diagram. Patient disposition at the data cutoff date of 7 May 2024. --- [Slide 2] Table 1 Demographic and clinical characteristics in the intention-to-treat population at baseline Characteristic D-VRd (n=197) VRd (n=198) Age Median (range) (years) 70 (42-79) 70 (31-80) Distribution, no. (%) <65 years 36 (18.3) 35 (17.7) 65 to <70 years 52 (26.4) 53 (26.8) >70 years 109 (55.3) 110 (55.6) Age/transplant eligibility, no. (%) <70 years and transplant ineligible 35 (17.8) 35 (17.7) <70years and transplant deferred 53 (26.9) 53 (26.8) >70 years 109 (55.3) 110 (55.6) Male sex, no. (%)b 87 (44.2) 111 (56.1) Race, no. (%)b White 162 (82.2) 156 (78.8) Black or African American 10 (5.1) 9 (4.5) Asian 11 (5.6) 14 (7.1) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0 1 (0.5) Other 1 (0.5) 2 (1.0) Not reported 13 (6.6) 16 (8.1) ECOG performance status score, no. (%)c 0 71 (36.0) 84 (42.4) 1 103 (52.3) 100 (50.5) 2 23 (11.7) 14 (7.1) Frailty score, no. (%)d 0 (fit) 124 (62.9) 132 (66.7) 1 (intermediate fitness) 73 (37.1) 66 (33.3) Type of measurable disease, no. (%) Detected in serum only 120 (60.9) 108 (54.5) IgG 89 (45.2) 76 (38.4) IgA 27 (13.7) 31 (15.7) Other 4 (2.0) 1 (0.5) Detected in serum and urine 41 (20.8) 45 (22.7) Detected in urine only 20 (10.2) 24 (12.1) Detected in serum free light chains only 16 (8.1) 21 (10.6) ISS disease stage, no. (%)' I 68 (34.5) 68 (34.3) II 73 (37.1) 75 (37.9) III 56 (28.4) 55 (27.8) Cytogenetic risk profile, no. (%) Standard risk 149 (75.6) 149 (75.3) High risk 25 (12.7) 27 (13.6) Indeterminate 23 (11.7) 22 (11.1) Median time since diagnosis of multiple 1.2 (0.4-5.8) 1.3 (0.3-8.0) myeloma (range) (months) "The intention-to-treat population was defined as all patients who underwent randomization. "Sex and race were reported by the patient. "ECOG performance status is scored on a scale of 0-5, with 0 indicating no symptoms and higher scores indicating increasing disability. Total additive frailty is scored on a scale of 0-5 based on age, comorbidities and cognitive and physical conditions, with 0 indicating fit, intermediate fitness and >2 frail, per the Myeloma Geriatric Assessment score (http://www.myelomafrailtyscorecalculator.net) "Includes IgD, IgM, IgE and biclonal. 'ISS disease stage is based on the combination of serum By-microglobulin and albumin levels. Higher stages indicate more advanced disease. "Cytogenetic risk was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. High risk was defined as the presence of del(17p), t(4;14) and/or t(14;16). "Indeterminate includes patients with missing or unevaluable samples. --- [Slide 3] 100 90 Odds ratio, 2.37 (95% CI, 1.58-3.55); P < 0.0001 MRD-negativity rate (10⁻⁵) (%) 80 70 60.9 60 50 39.4 40 30 20 10 0 D-VRd VRd (n = 197) (n 198) b 100 90 MRD-negativity rate (10⁻⁶) (%) 80 70 Odds ratio, 2.24 (95% CI, 1.48-3.40); P = 0.0001 60 50 46.2 40 27.3 30 20 10 0 D-VRd VRd (n . 197) (n 198) 100 Sustained MRD-negativity rate C 90 80 70 Odds ratio, 2.63 (95% CI, 1.73-4.00); P < 0.0001 (10⁻⁵) (%) 60 48.7 50 40 30 26.3 20 10 0 D-VRd VRd (n = 197) (n 198) Fig. 2| MRD-negativity rates. a, The primary endpoint of overall MRD-negativity rates in the intention-to-treat population. The overall MRD-negativity rate was defined as the proportion of patients who achieved >CR and MRD negativity (at or below a sensitivity threshold of 10⁻⁵) after randomization but before disease progression, subsequent antimyeloma therapy or both. b, An exploratory analysis of the MRD-negativity rate at or below a sensitivity threshold of 10⁻⁶. c, Sustained MRD-negativity rate in the intention-to-treat population. The sustained MRD-negativity rate was defined as the proportion of patients who achieved >CR and MRD-negative status (at or below a sensitivity threshold of 10⁻³) at two examinations a minimum of 1 year apart without MRD-positive status in between. MRD status was assessed using bone marrow samples and evaluated using a next-generation sequencing assay (clonoSEQ assay, v.2.0; Adaptive Biotechnologies) in accordance with International Myeloma Working Group guidelines for assessing MRD25. The Mantel-Haenszel estimate of the common odds ratio for stratified tables was used. The stratification factors were ISS disease stage (I, II or III) and age/transplant eligibility (<70 years and transplant ineligible, <70 years and transplant deferred or >70 years). An odds ratio >1 indicates an advantage for D-VRd. The value (two sided) was calculated using a Fisher's exact test. --- [Slide 4] 100 80 Percentage of patients surviving without disease progression 68.1 D-VRd 60 49.5 40 VRd 20 Hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.57 (95% CI, 0.41-0.79) P 0.0005 0 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 Months since randomization No. at risk D-VRd 197 180 170 160 149 140 136 132 122 115 33 0 VRd 198 174 157 143 131 123 105 98 88 81 21 0 Fig. 3 PFS. The results of the Kaplan-Meier estimates of PFS among patients in the intention-to-treat population. The final analysis of PFS was performed after 162 events of disease progression or death occurred. Of these, eight were censored as a result of missing two or more consecutive disease evaluations preceding the event. The Pvalue was calculated using the stratified log(rank test). >CR: odds ratio, 2.73 (95% CI, 1.71-4.34); P < 0.0001 100 90 80 70 44.4 65.0 >CR: Best response (%) 60 >CR: 61.6% 81.2% 50 40 17.2 30 16.2 20 25.3 10 11.7 4.1 6.1 0 D-VRd VRd (n=197) (n = 198) sCR CR VGPR PR sCR CR VGPR PR Fig. 4 >CR rates. >CR rates in the intention-to-treat population. The tumor was used. The stratification factors were ISS disease stage (I, II or III) and age/ response was assessed using a validated computer algorithm in accordance transplant eligibility (<70 years and transplant ineligible, <70 years and with the International Myeloma Working Group response criteria26 Complete transplant deferred or >70 years). An odds ratio >1 indicates an advantage for response (CR) or stringent CR (sCR) was achieved at any time during the trial. D-VRd. The Pvalue (two sided) was calculated using the Cochran-Mantel- The Mantel-Haenszel estimate of the common odds ratio for stratified tables Haenszel test. PR, partial response; VGPR, very good partial response.
Multiple Myeloma Hub
CEPHEUS Data
2.1K impressions · 9 likes · Jun 03, 2025
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[Slide 1] CEPHEUS TIE Subgroup: Progression-Free Survival 100 Median follow-up: 58.7 months 54-month PFS 80 69.0% % surviving without DVRd progression 60 Median: not reached 40 48.0% +++ VRd 20 Median: 49.6 months HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35-0.74; P=0.0003 0 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 No. at risk Months DVRd 144 133 124 118 109 103 100 98 90 83 23 0 VRd 145 125 114 104 96 90 76 70 61 56 18 0 DVRd significantly improved PFS, with a 49% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death — greater than the ITT population (43% reduction in risk with DVRd vs VRd)1 DVRd, daratumumab plus bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone; HR, hazard ratio; ITT, intent to treat; PFS, progression-free survival; TIE, transplant ineligible; VRd, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone 1. Usmani SZ, et al. Nat Med 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03485-7 9 Presented by SZ Usmani at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting; May 30-June 3, 2025; Chicago, IL, USA & Virtual --- [Slide 2] CEPHEUS TIE Subgroup: Overall Survival OS OS (TIE patients) (TIE patients after censored for deaths due to COVID-19) 100 100 80 80 DVRd DVRd % surviving 60 VRd 40 % surviving, censoring for death due to COVID-19 60 VRd 40 20 20 0 HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.42-1.03; P=0.0682 0 HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34-0.90; P=0.0159 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 Months Months No. at risk No. at risk DVRd 144 139 129 125 118 113 111 107 102 98 32 0 DVRd 144 139 129 125 118 113 111 107 102 98 32 0 VRd 145 134 127 119 114 110 105 102 96 90 27 0 VRd 145 134 127 119 114 110 105 102 96 90 27 0 OS trended favorably for the DVRd arm and was significant when censoring for death due to COVID-19; os HR improved in the TIE subgroup compared with the ITT population DVRd, daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone; HR, hazard ratio; ITT, intent to treat; OS, overall survival; TIE, transplant ineligible; VRd, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone 10 Presented by SZ Usmani at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting; May 30-June 3, 2025; Chicago, IL, USA & Virtual --- [Slide 3] CEPHEUS TIE Subgroup: Overall MRD Negativity (10-5) With 2CR and PFS in Prespecified Subgroups MRD negativity PFS at 10⁻⁵ Odds ratio and 95% CI DVRd VRd Odds ratio Hazard ratio and 95% CI DVRd VRd Hazard ratio n/N (%) n/N (%) (95% CI) (95% CI) Event/N mPFS mPFS Sex Sex (months) Event/N (months) Male 42/65 (64.6) 28/82 (34.1) 3.52 (1.78-6.97) Male 15/65 NE 42/82 47.9 0.34 (0.19-0.61) Female 45/79 (57.0) 29/63 (46.0) 1.55 (0.80-3.02) Female 29/79 NE 27/63 NE 0.78 (0.46-1.31) Age Age <70 years 26/35 (74.3) 15/35 (42.9) 3.85 (1.40-10.59) <70 years 11/35 NE 16/35 NE 0.59 (0.27-1.28) >70 years 61/109 (56.0) 42/110 (38.2) 2.06 (1.20-3.53) >70 years 33/109 NE 53/110 49.4 0.50 (0.33-0.78) Region Region Europe 54/96 (56.3) 37/90 (41.1) 1.84 (1.03-3.30) Europe 29/96 NE 44/90 49.6 0.51 (0.32-0.82) North America 20/31 (64.5) 12/28 (42.9) 2.42 (0.85-6.92) North America 8/31 NE 12/28 50.2 0.45 (0.18-1.11) Other 8/27 (29.6) 13/17 (76.5) 7.72 (I.92-31.06) Other 7/17 NE 13/27 NE 0.91 (0.36-2.28) Weight Weight <65 kg 31/46 (67.4) 19/47 (40.4) 3.05 (1.30-7.11) <65 kg 13/46 NE 19/47 NE 0.57 (0.28-1.15) >65-85 kg 39/69 (56.5) 20/64 (31.3) 2.86 (1.40-5.82) >65-85 kg 23/69 NE 31/64 49.2 0.58 (0.34-1.00) >85 kg 17/29 (58.6) 18/34 (52.9) 1.26 (0.46-3.42) >85 kg 8/29 NE 19/34 42.2 0.38 (0.17-0.89) ISS ISS I 33/50 (66.0) 20/48 (41.7) 2.72 (1.20-6.17) I 15/50 NE 21/48 60.6 0.58 (0.30-1.12) II 32/54 (59.3) 25/57 (43.9) 1.86 (0.88-3.96) II 14/54 NE 28/57 49.4 0.41 (0.21-0.77) III 22/40 (55.0) 12/40 (30.0) 2.85 (1.14-7.15) III 15/40 NE 20/40 33.6 0.61 (0.31-1.19) Cytogenetic risk Cytogenetic risk High risk 10/20 (50.0) 9/18 (50.0) 1.00 (0.28-3.57) High risk 9/20 NE 11/18 31.7 0.82 (0.33-2.03) Standard risk 66/105 (62.9) 43/111 (38.7) 2.68 (1.54-4.64) Standard risk 28/105 NE 45/111 60.6 0.54 (0.33-0.86) ECOG PS ECOG PS 0 30/52 (57.7) 25/57 (43.9) 1.75 (0.82-3.73) 0 10/52 NE 24/57 60.6 0.33 (0.16-0.69) 21 57/92 (62.0) 32/88 (36.4) 2.85 (1.56-5.22) 21 34/92 NE 45/88 47.2 0.63 (0.40-0.99) 0.1 1 10 100 0.1 1 10 Favor VRd Favor DVRd Favor DVRd Favor VRd Treatment effect was generally consistent across subgroups CR, complete response; DVRd, daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone; ECOG PS, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status; ISS, International Staging System; mPFS, median progression-free survival; MRD, minimal residual disease; NE, not estimable; PFS, progression-free survival; TIE, transplant ineligible; VRd, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone 11 Presented by SZ Usmani at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting: May 30-June 3, 2025; Chicago, IL, USA & Virtual --- [Slide 4] CEPHEUS TIE Subgroup: Safety Safety overview Common (≥5%) grade 3 or 4 TEAEs of interest DVRd VRd DVRd VRd Event, n (%) (n=144) (n=142) Event, n (%) (n=144) (n=142) Any TEAE 144 (100) 142 (100) Neutropenia 63 (43.8) 45 (31.7) Grade 3 and 4 115 (79.9) 113 (79.6) Thrombocytopenia 44 (30.6) 33 (23.2) Grade 5 non-COVID-19 13 (9.0) 12 (8.5) Anemia 18 (12.5) 18 (12.7) Grade 5 COVID-19 6 (4.2) 1 (0.7) Diarrhea 17 (11.8) 14 (9.9) Any serious TEAE 104 (72.2) 99 (69.7) TEAE leading to discontinuation of all Fatigue 13 (9.0) 15 (10.6) study treatment 11 (7.6) 27 (19.0) COVID-19b 14 (9.7) 5 (3.5) Total deaths during study 33 (22.9) 46 (32.4) Pneumonia 20 (13.9) 17 (12.0) Exposure-adjusted grade 5 TEAE rate, 0.27/100 0.31/100 patient-months Peripheral sensory Any Grade: 86 (59.7) Any Grade: 90 (63.4) Second primary malignancies 14 (9.7) 16 (11.3) neuropathy Grade 3/4: 14 (9.7) Grade 3/4: 12 (8.5) DVRd showed no additional safety concerns in this older, frailer TIE subgroup compared with the ITT population of CEPHEUS "Deaths on or within 30 days of treatment Group term. DVRd, daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone; ITT, intent to treat; TEAE, treatment-emergent adverse event; TIE, transplant ineligible; VRd, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone 12 Presented by SZ Usmani at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 4 Annual Meeting: 1. May 30-June 3, 2025; Chicago, / IL, USA & Virtual

CEPHEUS Top Tweets

Top 10 by impressions - click to view on X

Vincent Rajkumar
Vincent Rajkumar@VincentRK

Just out: mSMART Updated guidelines for newly diagnosed myeloma. Main Change: We recommend quadruplets as initial therapy for all newly diagnosed patients who are not frail. Update based on IMROZ,...

👁 31.3K ♡ 211 ↻ 90 Oct 08, 2024
Vincent Rajkumar
Vincent Rajkumar@VincentRK

Just out: Results of the CEPHEUS trial presented by @szusmani @MSKCancerCenter at the Plenary Session @Myeloma_Society Significant improvement in PFS with Dara-VRd...

👁 10.5K ♡ 75 ↻ 35 Sep 27, 2024
Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP
Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP@RahulBanerjeeMD

CEPHEUS out! 👏 @szusmani et al. PFS ⬆️ ⬆️ with quad in ø ASCT #MMsm. Nice discussion of similarities (many) &amp; differences (few) vs IMROZ. 📢 CD38-VRd now the norm...

👁 4.8K ♡ 61 ↻ 23 Feb 05, 2025
Vincent Rajkumar
Vincent Rajkumar@VincentRK

CEPHEUS supports use of quads as initial therapy in transplant ineligible patients who are not frail, complementing data from the IMROZ trial which used Isatuximab-VRd.

👁 3.9K ♡ 19 ↻ 5 Sep 27, 2024
Ben Derman
Ben Derman@bdermanmd

CEPHEUS presented by @szusmani at #IMS24: Dara-VRd vs VRd in transplant deferred patients with myeloma. 🥇endpoint: MRD neg + CR as best response 👵👴Over 50% patients aged...

👁 3.2K ♡ 41 ↻ 15 Sep 27, 2024
Beth Faiman PhD
Beth Faiman PhD@Bethfaiman

President’s address #IMS2025: Impressive projected #PFS 8.3. Years!! #mmsm #multiple #myeloma

👁 3.1K ♡ 24 ↻ 5 Sep 17, 2025
Krina Patel
Krina Patel@DrKrinaPatel

@BonumCe @BloodCancerCME @Global_CME @RahulBanerjeeMD @PlasmaCellPete @SagarLonialMD @DoctorAKrishnan @NoopurRajeMD...

👁 2.9K ♡ 8 ↻ 1 Sep 23, 2025
Nature Medicine
Nature Medicine@NatureMedicine

In the phase 3 CEPHEUS trial, patients with multiple myeloma were treated with subcutaneous daratumumab plus bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone, which led to a deeper and more durable...

👁 2.9K ♡ 11 ↻ 5 Feb 11, 2025
Robert Z. Orlowski
Robert Z. Orlowski@Myeloma_Doc

#Myeloma Paper of the Day: Phase 3 CEPHEUS study of Dara+VRd vs. VRd finds MRD-negativity 60.9% for quad vs. 39.4% w/ VRd; ≥CR rates 81.2% vs. 61.6%; sustained MRD negativity (≥12...

👁 2.8K ♡ 46 ↻ 20 Feb 06, 2025
Multiple Myeloma Hub
Multiple Myeloma Hub@MM_Hub

CONGRESS | #ASCO25 | Saad Usmani @szusmani @MSKCancerCenter shared a subgroup analysis of transplant-ineligible patients with NDMM treated with DVRd in the phase...

👁 2.1K ♡ 9 ↻ 4 Jun 03, 2025

About the CEPHEUS Trial

CEPHEUS is a Phase III, open-label, multicenter, randomized trial evaluating the addition of subcutaneous daratumumab (Darzalex Faspro) to bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (D-VRd) versus VRd alone in patients with transplant-ineligible or transplant-deferred newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The trial enrolled 395 patients and demonstrated that the D-VRd quadruplet significantly improved MRD negativity rates, depth of response, and progression-free survival. Together with PERSEUS, CEPHEUS establishes D-VRd as a new standard of care for NDMM regardless of transplant eligibility.

FDA Approval

FDA APPROVED Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab SC) + VRd — Adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant, in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (D-VRd)

On January 27, 2026, the FDA approved Darzalex Faspro in combination with VRd for adults with NDMM ineligible for ASCT, based on the CEPHEUS trial. This is the 12th indication for Darzalex Faspro and the 5th in NDMM. The FDA noted that effectiveness has not been established in patients who refused ASCT as initial therapy.

Source: FDA Press Release

Trial Methodology & Results

Study Design

Phase III, open-label, 1:1 randomized, multicenter trial (NCT03652064). Patients received 8 cycles of D-VRd or VRd induction/consolidation (21-day cycles with bortezomib), followed by D-Rd or Rd maintenance (28-day cycles) until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Stratified by ISS stage and age/transplant eligibility (<70 years ineligible, <70 years deferred, and 70 years or older).

Population

Adults with transplant-ineligible or transplant-deferred NDMM, ECOG PS 0-2, IMWG frailty score 0-1. Bortezomib dosed at 1.3 mg/m2 SC on days 1, 4, 8, 11 during induction cycles 1-8. Lenalidomide 25 mg PO days 1-14 during induction, 25 mg days 1-21 during maintenance. Daratumumab SC 1,800 mg weekly cycles 1-2, every 3 weeks cycles 3-8, every 4 weeks during maintenance.

Interventions

Arm A: Darzalex Faspro + bortezomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone (D-VRd) for 8 induction cycles, then D-Rd maintenance. Arm B: VRd for 8 cycles, then Rd maintenance. Treatment until progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Primary Endpoints

Primary endpoint: overall MRD negativity rate (with CR or better) at 10-5 by NGS. Key secondary endpoints: PFS by independent review committee, CR or better rate, sustained MRD negativity (12 and 24 months), OS, and safety.

Progression-Free Survival (PFS)

At the final PFS analysis (median follow-up 58.7 months), D-VRd demonstrated a significant PFS benefit with HR 0.57 (95% CI 0.41-0.79; p=0.0005), representing a 43% reduction in disease progression or death. MRD negativity was 60.9% vs 39.4% (OR 2.37; p<0.0001). CR or better rate was 81.2% vs 61.6% (p<0.0001). Sustained MRD negativity at 12 months was 48.7% vs 26.3% (p<0.0001). In the TIE subgroup, PFS HR was 0.51 (95% CI 0.35-0.74; p=0.0003) with median PFS NR vs 49.6 months. FDA-assessed efficacy: MRD negativity 52.3% vs 34.8% (p=0.0005); PFS HR 0.60 (95% CI 0.41-0.88; p=0.0078).

PFS HR 0.57 — 43% risk reduction

Source: FDA Approval - CEPHEUS

Overall Survival (OS)

Overall survival data are immature but show a trend favoring D-VRd with OS HR 0.66. When adjusting for COVID-19 deaths, the trend strengthens to HR 0.55. In the TIE subgroup, total deaths were lower with D-VRd (22.9%) than VRd (32.4%), with exposure-adjusted grade 5 TEAE rates similar between arms (0.27 vs 0.31 per 100 patient-months).


Source: ClinicalTrials.gov - CEPHEUS

Safety & Tolerability

Grade 3/4 neutropenia was higher with D-VRd (44.2% vs 29.7%). Thrombocytopenia G3/4: 28.4% vs 20.0%. Peripheral neuropathy G3/4: comparable at 11.2% vs 10.8%. Pneumonia G3/4: 13.9% vs 12.0%. COVID-19 G3/4: 9.7% vs 3.5% (G5 COVID: 4.2% vs 0.7%). SAEs: 72.2% vs 69.7%. Notably, treatment discontinuation due to AEs was lower with D-VRd (7.6%) than VRd (15.9%), likely reflecting the PFS benefit keeping patients on therapy longer.

Lower discontinuation with D-VRd (7.6% vs 15.9%)

Source: J&J Press Release

Clinical Implications

CEPHEUS establishes D-VRd as the standard of care for transplant-ineligible NDMM, complementing PERSEUS data in the transplant-eligible setting. The FDA approved Darzalex Faspro + VRd for TI-NDMM on January 27, 2026, based on these results. Key clinical debates include whether weekly vs twice-weekly bortezomib dosing (as increasingly used in real-world practice) maintains comparable efficacy, management of frail/elderly patients who may not tolerate the quadruplet, and whether MRD-guided treatment discontinuation could reduce treatment burden while maintaining outcomes.

CEPHEUS in the News

Key KOL Sentiments - CEPHEUS

DoctorSentimentComment
● POSITIVE CEPHEUS trial- DaraVRD vs VRD for ND TIE MM (also deferred). Median age 70 MRD 10-5 60.9 vs 39.4%, 46.2% vs 27.3% at 10-6. 54 mos PS 68.1% vs 49.5%. Congrats to @szusmani and J&amp;J. Exposure adjusted deaths similar to PN 55.8%, mostly grade 2 an
Rahul Banerjee, MD, FACP
@RahulBanerjeeMD
● POSITIVE #IMS24 Excellent @szusmani CEPHEUS re: D-VRd for ASCT-ineligible or deferred. Clear PFS benefit, OS trend but study accrued during height of pandemic which has obviously ∆’ed. My new mantra: start with CD38 quad and convince yourself why not (if so
Myeloma Society
@Myeloma_Society
● POSITIVE Saad Usmani, MD, shared exciting FIRST results from CEPHEUS study of a Dara quad in transplant-ineligible/transplant-deferred NDMM. Quads continue to improve outcomes &amp; take spotlight in frontline induction. #IMS24 @szusmani https://t.co/mM5BpsH
Daniel Auclair
@AuclairDan
● POSITIVE Congrats to @szusmani and the rest of the CEPHEUS team for this important work #mmsm https://t.co/dTYOvP94zY https://t.co/E6ZoW36ZLM
Mateo Mejia
@mmejia91
● POSITIVE @RahulBanerjeeMD Love it! I think the big question is which patients should get quad (CEPHEUES/IMROZ) and which should get DRd...the hardest decision to me often!
● POSITIVE Great news for #myeloma patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. Also it is a privilege to be part of the CEPHEUS study that led this approval. #mmsm https://t.co/9oW4o0XO5y @szusmani @SonjaZweegman https://t.co/AiP4sS3qUS
Dr. Paul De Santis, PharmD
@DrPaulyDeSantis
● POSITIVE Incredibly, 7.23 years from study start to approval. 1L studies in MM take a long long time.
Ben Derman
@bdermanmd
● NEUTRAL CEPHEUS presented by @szusmani at #IMS24: Dara-VRd vs VRd in transplant deferred patients with myeloma. 🥇endpoint: MRD neg + CR as best response 👵👴Over 50% patients aged 70+ but mostly fit MRD 10^-6⃣ negativity rates: 46% vs 27%. PFS @ 4.5 years: 6
Beth Faiman PhD
@Bethfaiman
● NEUTRAL President’s address #IMS2025: Impressive projected #PFS 8.3. Years!! #mmsm #multiple #myeloma https://t.co/bqhNrBe4aB
Krina Patel
@DrKrinaPatel
● NEUTRAL @BonumCe @BloodCancerCME @Global_CME @RahulBanerjeeMD @PlasmaCellPete @SagarLonialMD @DoctorAKrishnan @NoopurRajeMD @End_myeloma @TomBmt133 @HiraSMian @Mohty_EBMT @AnnemiekBroijl @H_Einsele @PerrotAurore @paurotero @MyelomaOslo @mvmateos @AjayNookaMD
Nature Medicine
@NatureMedicine
● NEUTRAL In the phase 3 CEPHEUS trial, patients with multiple myeloma were treated with subcutaneous daratumumab plus bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone, which led to a deeper and more durable increase in minimal residual disease responses @szusmani
Robert Z. Orlowski
@Myeloma_Doc
● NEUTRAL #Myeloma Paper of the Day: Phase 3 CEPHEUS study of Dara+VRd vs. VRd finds MRD-negativity 60.9% for quad vs. 39.4% w/ VRd; ≥CR rates 81.2% vs. 61.6%; sustained MRD negativity (≥12 mos) 48.7% vs. 26.3%, giving 43% lower progression or death risk: http
● NEUTRAL CONGRESS | #ASCO25 | Saad Usmani @szusmani @MSKCancerCenter shared a subgroup analysis of transplant-ineligible patients with NDMM treated with DVRd in the phase III CEPHEUS study. Higher rates of MRD negativity, sustained MRD negativity, and PFS wer
Jim Omel
@IMFjimMYELOMA
● NEUTRAL A plain language summary of the CEPHEUS study: D-VRd for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who are not expected to receive a stem cell transplant https://t.co/QI2N3P2mvs Dara VRd
Muzaffar Qazilbash
@Transplant_Doc
● NEUTRAL #ASH24 MRD Analysis from Phase III Cepheus Trail (D-VRd vs. VRd). *Significantly higher overall and sustained MRD -ve at both 10–5 and 10–6, and better PFS with D-VRd in transplant-ineligible/deferred NDMM #mmsm #bmtsm @szusmani @dra_v_hungria https
● NEUTRAL A phase 3 clinical trial led by @szusmani found that a combination of four therapies significantly improved outcomes for people with newly diagnosed #multiplemyeloma who were not eligible for a transplant. Learn more ⬇️ #mmsm @MSKCancerCenter @Nature
Aya Mohamed | MSc, MD
@Dr_Oncologista
● NEUTRAL @FDA Approval ✔️ Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma FDA approved SC Daratumumab (DARA-Faspro) + VRd (bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) for transplant-ineligible NDMM patients. 📊 CEPHEUS Trial ◾MRD negativity (10⁻⁵): 52.3% vs 34.8% @OncoAlert
Pharmacy Times
@Pharmacy_Times
● NEUTRAL #ASH2024: Sonja Zweegman, lead investigator on the CEPHEUS trial, explains the improvements in MRD negativity found after treatment with daratumumab and the VRd regimen in patients with newly-diagnosed multiple #myeloma. Watch here: https://t.co/qDr
OncLive.com
@OncLive
● NEUTRAL Jesús San Miguel, MD, PhD, of @unav joined us at #IMS25 to discuss patient-reported outcomes and safety in patients with NDMM achieving MRD negativity and ≥CR in the phase 3 PERSEUS and CEPHEUS trials 🧬📊 Stay tuned in for more updates from the meeti
● NEUTRAL New FDA approval for newly diagnosed myeloma patients who are not eligible for a stem cell transplant. Darzalex Faspro with VRd is now an option, based on the CEPHEUS study results. Learn more: https://t.co/07FeI1XdOO #IMFSAB https://t.co/FnNJEYji3Q
Mustafa zdoan, MD
@ozdogan_md
● NEUTRAL 🚨 #FDA Approval | January 27, 2026 A new quadruplet standard is here for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients ineligible for transplant. Based on the CEPHEUS trial, adding subcutaneous daratumumab delivers deeper responses and longer disease c
● NEUTRAL PRO’s and safety in NDMM patients achieving MRD negativity in PERSEUS and CEPHEUS! #IMS2025 https://t.co/xLN3zCr2D1
● NEUTRAL For US #HCPs attending #IMS24: see Dr. Saad Usmani (@szusmani) present first results from the Phase 3 CEPHEUS study of an anti-CD38 antibody-based regimen in patients with transplant-ineligible or transplant-deferred newly diagnosed #MultipleMyeloma.
Blood Cancers Today
@Blood_Cancers
● NEUTRAL Jesús San-Miguel, MD, PhD (@ClinicaNavarra) shared efficacy and safety data from the PERSEUS and CEPHEUS trials, the differences between quadruplet and triplet therapy for #myeloma, and alternate quadruplet therapies being explored. ➡️ Watch here! h
Becky Bosley
@MidAtlanticMSG
● NEUTRAL Abstract #362-MRD analysis in Cepheus trial- further demonstrates Dara in combo with VRd as SOC for TI-NDMM or transplant deferred #IMFASH24 #ASH24 https://t.co/m1kiSkeEIE
Bruno Paiva
@BrunoPaiva_UNAV
● NEUTRAL @RahulBanerjeeMD @szusmani I couldn't agree more, at least in NDMM (we see different results in RRMM). But one step at the time, and this time was about MRD neg CR. Hopefully this is only the beginning and improvements in MRD endpoint definitions can
● NEUTRAL "The CEPHEUS trial is the first to report outcomes when daratumumab is combined with VRd as a front-line strategy in transplant-ineligible and transplant-deferred newly diagnosed myeloma. -Saad Z. Usmani, MD, MBA, FACP, FASCO" https://t.co/tYYzrt8X9Q
Vincent Rajkumar
@VincentRK
● NEGATIVE Here is the trial schema. Although they continued the triplet till progression, I’d recommend one year of quadruplet therapy followed by just Len alone for standard risk and the Dara plus Len reserved only for high risk, for now. https://t.co/affTQWX
● NEGATIVE #IMS24 #mmsm CEPHEUS study Higher COVID AND GRADE 5 non COVID related deaths Interesting that secondary malignancies is 8-9% which is high in such short follow up period Unfortunately high neuropathy with twice weekly Velcade Summary 👇 https://t