Isatuximab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a randomized phase 3 trial

# Isatuximab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a randomized phase 3 trial *Published: 2026 May* Induction and consolidation with a quadruplet therapy of a CD38-targeting monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug and dexamethasone are a standard-of-care treatment in transplant-eligible (TE) patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) with the optimal drugs to be used still under debate. The ongoing, phase 3 EMN24 IsKia trial randomized 302 TE patients with NDMM aged ≤70 years 1:1 to isatuximab-carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (Isa-KRd) versus KRd pretransplant induction and post-transplant consolidation. The primary endpoint was the rate of measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity (sensitivity of 10-5 or better) by next-generation sequencing (NGS) after consolidation. Key secondary endpoints were the rates of NGS-MRD negativity after induction and progression-free survival (PFS). MRD negativity rates at higher sensitivity (10-6 or better) were exploratory. Post-consolidation MRD negativity was significantly higher with Isa-KRd versus KRd at the 10-5 (77% versus 67%; odds ratio (OR) 1.67, P = 0.049) and 10-6 (68% versus 48%; OR 2.36, P = 0.0004) sensitivities. Deep MRD responses were rapid (post-induction Isa-KRd versus KRd: 10-5 46% versus 27%, OR 2.32, P = 0.0007; 10-6 28% versus 14%, OR 2.44, P = 0.0029) and durable (1-year sustained 10-6 MRD negativity 52% versus 38%, OR 1.82, P = 0.012). At current follow-up, PFS data were immature. Grade 3-4 non-hematologic adverse events (AEs), treatment discontinuations and deaths due to AEs were similar in the two arms. Isa-KRd significantly improved NGS-MRD negativity in TE patients with NDMM, with a manageable safety profile. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04483739 . DOI: 10.1038/s41591-026-04282-0