Thalidomide and dexamethasone for resistant multiple myeloma.
Between November 1998 and April 2000, the combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone was evaluated in 47 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma that was resistant to prior high-dose dexamethasone-based therapies. Remission was observed in 22 patients (47%), including six patients with complete remission. Side-effects were frequent, mild and usually reversible, but deep vein thrombosis occurred in 8% of patients. Survival and remission times were longer among patients treated for previous resistant disease rather than for resistant relapse. This experience supports the use of thalidomide-dexamethasone in myeloma patients with resistant disease and justifies further trials in newly diagnosed patients.
Anagnostopoulos
Athanasios
A
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Weber
Donna
D
Rankin
Kim
K
Delasalle
Kay
K
Alexanian
Raymond
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D012074:Remission Induction; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D013792:Thalidomide; D003907:Dexamethasone