A combination of anti-interleukin 6 murine monoclonal antibody with dexamethasone and high-dose melphalan induces high complete response rates in advanced multiple myeloma.
To improve the complete response (CR) rate in advanced multiple myeloma (MM) without increasing the toxicity of high-dose therapy, we have used a new conditioning regimen. A combination of BE-8 [an anti-interleukin 6 (IL-6) murine monoclonal antibody] and dexamethasone followed by high-dose melphalan (220 mg/m2) and autologous stem cell transplantation was used to treat a series of 16 patients with advanced multiple myeloma. A strong inhibition of IL-6 activity evaluated by quantification of C-reactive protein was observed in all patients and was correlated with the high CR rate achieved with this combination therapy.
Moreau
P
P
Haematology Department, CHU Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, and Diaclone Research, Besançon, France. philippe.moreau@chu-nantes.fr
Harousseau
J L
JL
Wijdenes
J
J
Morineau
N
N
Milpied
N
N
Bataille
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008558:Melphalan / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051379:Mice; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D015850:Interleukin-6; D003907:Dexamethasone; D008558:Melphalan