title: Bortezomib and dexamethasone for multiple myeloma: higher AST and LDH levels associated with a worse prognosis on overall survival.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bortezomib offers a novel approach to the treatment of multiple myeloma producing rapid control. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of bortezomib and dexamethasone-treated patients with multiple myeloma.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective study of 44 consecutively-treated multiple myeloma patients with bortezomib (1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21-day cycle or 1.3 mg/m(2) intravenously 1, 8, 15, and 22 of every 35-day cycle) and dexamethasone.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median time to progression, progression free survival time, and overall survival time in the treatment groups was 14.9, 14.9, and 38.3 months, respectively. The present study also suggests the possibility that the prognosis of patients with high levels of AST and LDH might be worse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results indicate that the treatment of multiple myeloma with bortezomib and dexamethasone is feasible.
authors: Division of Modern Medical Technology, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, 3-1, Aoyama-cho, Kure-shi, Hiroshima 737-0023, Japan. kibat@kure-nh.go.jp.
authors: Takayoshi
authors: T
authors: Kiba
authors: Takuo
authors: T
authors: Ito
authors: Toshihisa
authors: T
authors: Nakashima
authors: Yoshiko
authors: Y
authors: Okikawa
authors: Miki
authors: M
authors: Kido
authors: Akiko
authors: A
authors: Kimura
authors: Keita
authors: K
authors: Kameda
authors: Fumiaki
authors: F
authors: Miyamae
authors: Suzuko
authors: S
authors: Tanaka
authors: Misao
authors: M
authors: Atsumi
authors: Yoko
authors: Y
authors: Sumitani
authors: Yoshimi
authors: Y
authors: Shitakubo
authors: Hiromasa
authors: H
authors: Niimi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism; D001897:Boronic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D045022:Lactate Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001897:Boronic Acids; D011719:Pyrazines; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003907:Dexamethasone; D045022:Lactate Dehydrogenases; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases