Low efficacy of thalidomide in improving response after induction in multiple myeloma patients who are candidates for high-dose therapy.
Giving the impact of complete response (CR) on outcome of multiple myeloma patients addressed to high-dose melphalan, we explored the role of a pre-transplant intensification with 3 months thalidome plus dexamethasone therapy (Thal-Dex), after pulse-VAD induction. Seventy-four multiple myeloma patients (MM pts) uniformly treated, were retrospectively studied. The response rate after pulse-VAD were: CR 6%, VGPR 40%, PR 23%, MR 23%, and progression 8%. The response rate after Thal-Dex were similar: CR 11%, VGPR 39%, PR 17%, MR 9%, and progression 24%. Giving no advantage in terms of response rate with an additive toxicity, Thal-Dex does not seem useful for intensification before transplant.
Corso
A
A
Division of Hematology, IRRCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Via Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy. a.corso@smatteo.pv.it
Mangiacavalli
S
S
Barbarano
L
L
Montalbetti
L
L
Mazzone
A
A
Fava
S
S
Varettoni
M
M
Zappasodi
P
P
Morra
E
E
Lazzarino
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013792:Thalidomide