title: Doxorubicin/B.C.N.U. chemotherapy for multiple myeloma in relapse.
abstract: A combination of doxorubicin ('Adriamycin") and B.C.N.U. (1,3 di[2-chloroethyl]-1-nitrosourea) (30 mg/m2 of each intravenously every 3-4 weeks) was used to treat thirteen multiple-myeloma patients who did not respond or were in relapse after remission produced by alkylating-agent/prednisone therapy. All cases were staged according to total-body myeloma-cell number and followed quantitatively for response to therapy. Seven of the thirteen patients responded (54%). Two had complete clinical remissions and a greater than 75% reduction in tumour-cell mass lasting 12 and 16 months. Five others had partial remissions with lesser degrees of tumour-mass reduction and bone pain and improved haemoglobin and serum-albumin concentrations. Toxicity was limited to occasional myelo-suppression, mild alopecia, and nausea. The results indicate the usefulness of doxorubicin/B.C.N.U. for myeloma patients who have relapsed during previously effective alkylating-agent therapy.
mesh_terms: D000477:Alkylating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D002330:Carmustine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002452:Cell Count; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous
chemical_list: D000477:Alkylating Agents; D004317:Doxorubicin; D002330:Carmustine; D011241:Prednisone