Thalidomide-dexamethasone as primary therapy for advanced multiple myeloma.
The value of thalidomide-dexamethasone was assessed in 26 consecutive, previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma of high tumor mass. All showed Hgb < 8.5 g/dL, serum calcium > 11.5 mg/dL, or both. The response rate was 73%, frequency of early death < 3 months was 5%, projected median survival was 30 months, and projected median remission time was 25 months. There were no occurrences of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, so that serious infection occurred in only 12% of patients. Thalidomide-dexamethasone was useful for these patients with advanced disease because of the high response rate and acceptable survival, with a low frequency of serious complications.
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030-4009, USA.
Michael
M
Wang
Donna M
DM
Weber
Kay
K
Delasalle
Raymond
R
Alexanian
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D012074:Remission Induction; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013792:Thalidomide; D003907:Dexamethasone