What the trial was testing
The SWOG-1211 enrolled 142 patients with multiple myeloma. The study was sponsored by SWOG Cancer Research Network and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
Patients with high-risk multiple myeloma stayed progression-free for over 31 months on continuous combination therapy.
The Lancet. Haematology · 2021 · NCT01668719
These findings — that high-risk patients stayed cancer-free for about 2.5 years with continuous treatment — were published in the The Lancet. Haematology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 142 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with multiple myeloma, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
If you have high-risk multiple myeloma, this study shows that staying on a combination of two or three drugs long-term can keep the cancer under control for years — even in aggressive cases. These treatments are FDA-approved and widely used. Talk to your oncologist about continuous maintenance therapy if you haven't already started it.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open multiple myeloma trials
Neurocognitive Outcomes After Whole Brain Radiation Therapy for Hematologic Malignancies
This study assesses neurocognitive outcomes after receiving radiation therapy to the brain (whole brain radiation therapy) in patients with blood cancers (hematologic malignancies). This may help researchers learn more about the effects of whole brain radiation therapy on memory and thinking in patients with blood cancer.
A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine Elranatamab Alone and With Daratumumab in People With Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received Other Treatments
The purpose of this clinical trial is to (1) learn whether the BCMA-CD3 bispecific antibody elranatamab can provide more benefit to people with multiple myeloma compared to a combination therapy including daratumumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone, and (2) learn about the safety and activity of elranatamab in combination with the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab. People with multiple myeloma who have received previous treatment including lenalidomide will be enrolled in the study. Part 1 of the study will assess the safety and activity of different doses of elranatamab in combination with daratumumab. People participating in Part 2 of the study will be randomly assigned to receive either elranatamab alone, elranatamab plus daratumumab, or daratumumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone. Part 2 will evaluate the safety and activity of (1) elranatamab alone compared to daratumumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone, and (2) elranatamab plus daratumumab. Part 3 will assess the effect of increased measures to protect against infection in people treated with either elranatamab alone or together with daratumumab. All people participating in the study will receive study treatment until their disease progresses, they experience unacceptable side effects, or they choose to no longer participate in the study.