Intermediate dose of intravenous melphalan in advanced multiple myeloma.
Eighteen patients with advanced multiple myeloma resistant to VAD chemotherapy (vincristine, Adriamycin, dexamethasone) were treated with intravenous melphalan in a single-pulse dose of 50-70 mg/m2. Objective response (greater than or equal to 50% reduction of the monoclonal protein) was observed in 9 patients. The median duration of remission in the responding patients was 6 months and the median survival 11.5 months. The main toxicity noted was bone marrow suppression. We conclude that intermediate doses of intravenous melphalan are a useful therapeutic modality in refractory or relapsing myeloma patients.
Tsakanikas
S
S
Greek Anticancer Institute, Athens.
Papanastasiou
K
K
Stamatelou
M
M
Maniatis
A
A
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008558:Melphalan / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D014750:Vincristine; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004317:Doxorubicin; D008558:Melphalan