[Bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma(MM).


METHODS
Sixteen patients(9 males, 7 females, mean age 57. 5 yrs) with refractory or relapsed MM were treated with bortezomib (1. 3 mg/m(2) ) by intravenous bolus twice a week for 2 weeks, or 3. 5 mg once a week in a 21-day cycle, followed by an intravenous injection of dexamethasone 30 - 40 mg. The patients had received one to four courses at least. Response to bortezomib was evaluated according to the criteria of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) before initiation of each bortezomib chemotherapy course. Adverse events were graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, version 3. 0.


RESULTS
The median follow-up duration from the beginning of bortezomib treatment was 6 months. Clinical response was observed in 14 patients (87.5%), including near complete response in 6, partial response in 5, minimal response in 3 and no response in 2. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and vomiting in 12, constipation in 3, severe diarrhea in 3 patients), thrombocytopenia (8 patients) and fatigue(3 patients). The adverse events were subsided on routine supportive care.


CONCLUSIONS
Bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone is an effective therapy with a high response rate and manageable toxicities for patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma.
Yuan
Zhen-gang
ZG
Department of Hematology, Changzheng Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
Hou
Jian
J
Zhou
Fan
F
Fu
Wei-jun
WJ
Chen
Yu-bao
YB
Xi
Hao
H
Yang
Sheng-ling
SL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001897:Boronic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012008:Recurrence
D001897:Boronic Acids; D011719:Pyrazines; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003907:Dexamethasone