Indatuximab ravtansine (BT062) combination treatment in multiple myeloma: pre-clinical studies

Indatuximab ravtansine is a monoclonal antibody-linked cytotoxic agent that specifically targets CD138-expressing cells. Monotherapy has been shown to significantly inhibit multiple myeloma tumour growth in vivo and improve host survival. Here, we show that in most cell lines tested, indatuximab ravtansine acts additively or even synergistically with clinically approved therapies for treatment of multiple myeloma. In addition, in vivo mouse xenograft models confirmed the activity of indatuximab ravtansine in combination with lenalidamide and lenalidomide/dexamethasone. Indatuximab ravtansine may therefore be a suitable combination partner for multiple myeloma, and a clinical study is ongoing. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-016-0380-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.