title: [Induction and maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma. Results of a multicenter study].
abstract: In a prospective study by the German Myeloma Treatment Group, 320 untreated patients with multiple myeloma, stage II and III, were randomized into 2 groups receiving courses of either MP or VCMP as induction treatment every 6 months. 72% of the patients evaluable by TCM changes remitted, 21% showed a no change, and progress occurred in 7%. The corresponding results in BJ and nonsecretory myelomas were 56% remissions, 11% no change, 33% progress. The response rates were equal in both treatment groups. The overall survival was 60% after 4 years. However, MP-treated patients lived significantly longer than patients in the VCMP group. After successful remission induction, patients were randomized into one group with maintenance treatment using the induction scheme Q 8 weeks, and another group without further chemotherapy. Although the relapse rate of the latter group was significantly higher, differences between both groups concerning survival have not been observed.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Immunologie und Transfusionsmedizin, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peest
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Deicher
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008558:Melphalan / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011379:Prognosis; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D014750:Vincristine; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D008558:Melphalan; D011241:Prednisone
vernacular_title: Induktions- und Erhaltungstherapie beim multiplen Myelom. Ergebnisse einer multizentrischen Studie.