title: High dose dexamethasone as first line therapy of multiple myeloma? A case report.
abstract: The authors describe a case of multiple myeloma in which a complete remission was obtained by treatment with high dose dexamethasone. This was the only therapy suitable for the patient because of heavy myelosuppression due to disease and to one course of conventional treatment with melphalan and prednisone. Further trials are needed to evaluate the usefulness and safety of this treatment as first line therapy, especially in the elderly, with pancytopenia and bad performance status.
authors.affiliation: Divisione di Medicina Generale II, Ospedale Santa Corona, Garbagnate Milanese.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meregalli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bertola
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grando
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014750:Vincristine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D014750:Vincristine; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004317:Doxorubicin