Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Clinical Outcome in the Intergroup Trial S9321, Comparing High Dose Therapy with Standard Dose Therapy for Myelomaon, on Behalf of ECOG, SWOG, CALGB, and the Bank on a Cure.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1495-1495
Author(s):  
Rafael Santana-Davila ◽  
John Crowley ◽  
Brian Durie ◽  
Bart Barlogie ◽  
Philip Greipp ◽  
...  

Abstract Genetic variations in patient populations likely contribute to disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. We have begun a systematic approach to examine the association of genetic variations (ie. functional, single nucleotide polymorhisms, SNPs) involved in myeloma growth promotion, metabolic events, drug responses, and DNA repair on clinical outcome in the intergroup trial S9321. This trial tested a single high dose regimen with autologous stem cell support against a conventional dose regimen, with further randomization of responders to maintenance with interferon or not, in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma. ECOG, CALGB and SWOG enrolled 899 patients with newly diagnosed MM to receive VAD induction x 4 cycles followed by randomization to PBSC-supported high dose therapy (HDT) versus standard dose therapy (SDT) of VBMCP, using CTX 4.5 g/m2 + G-CSF for PBSC mobilization in all patients. Responders to VBMCP or HDT were randomized to IFN or no maintenance. Specimens were distributed through ECOG for biologic correlative studies, including candidate SNP analysis. SNP assays have been developed using the Sequenom Mass-extend platform for functional SNPs in IL-6, IL-1, IL-RA, IL-10, TNF, Lta, TGFb, MDR1, MPO, CYP3A4, GST (M, P, T), ERCC2 and XRCC1, and are being evaluated on 803 DNA samples prepared from patients enrolled in S9321. Preliminary findings (n=135) demonstrate functional genetic variants of IL-10 (position -1082), IL-1 (position +3953), TGFb (postion -509), and TNFa (position -308) are showing trends associated with differences in progression free survival; and variants in IL-6 (position -174) are associated with response. Median survival of the IL-10 variants was 31 months for A/A low producer alleles versus 19 months for the G/G high producer alleles (p=.5). For TNFa, 2 cases with the high producer A/A alleles died within a year, while the median survival for the lower producer G/G alleles was 2 years (p=.04). For patients with the high producer C/C/ allele of IL-1 (n=67), median survival was 2 years, versus 5 patients with the T/T low producer alleles that had a median survival greater than 5 years (preliminary p=.29). While these preliminary results are now only suggestive of trends in genetic polymorphisms associated with clinical outcome, completion of the full SNP panel on the entire sample base should provide a extensive association study, and analysis of potential differences in therapy arms of the trial. The full panel and association studies will be presented.ααββααα

Blood ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Barlogie ◽  
S. Jagannath ◽  
K.R. Desikan ◽  
S. Mattox ◽  
D. Vesole ◽  
...  

Abstract Between August 1990 and August 1995, 231 patients (median age 51, 53% Durie-Salmon stage III, median serum β-2-microglobulin 3.1 g/L, median C-reactive protein 4 g/L) with symptomatic multiple myeloma were enrolled in a program that used a series of induction regimens and two cycles of high-dose therapy (“Total Therapy”). Remission induction utilized non–cross-resistant regimens (vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone [VAD], high-dose cyclophosphamide and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor with peripheral blood stem cell collection, and etoposide-dexamethasone-cytarabine-cisplatin). The first high-dose treatment comprised melphalan 200 mg/m2 and was repeated if complete (CR) or partial (PR) remission was maintained after the first transplant; in case of less than PR, total body irradiation or cyclophosphamide was added. Interferon--2b maintenance was used after the second autotransplant. Fourteen patients with HLA-compatible donors underwent an allograft as their second high-dose therapy cycle. Eighty-eight percent completed induction therapy whereas first and second transplants were performed in 84% and 71% (the majority within 8 and 15 months, respectively). Eight patients (3%) died of toxicity during induction, and 2 (1%) and 6 (4%) during the two transplants. True CR and at least a PR (PR plus CR) were obtained in 5% (34%) after VAD, 15% (65%) at the end of induction, and 26% (75%) after the first and 41% (83%) after the second transplants (intent-to-treat). Median overall (OS) and event-free (EFS) survival durations were 68 and 43 months, respectively. Actuarial 5-year OS and EFS rates were 58% and 42%, respectively. The median time to disease progression or relapse was 52 months. Among the 94 patients achieving CR, the median CR duration was 50 months. On multivariate analysis, superior EFS and OS were observed in the absence of unfavorable karyotypes (11q breakpoint abnormalities, -13 or 13-q) and with low β-2-microglobulin at diagnosis. CR duration was significantly longer with early onset of CR and favorable karyotypes. Time-dependent covariate analysis suggested that timely application of a second transplant extended both EFS and OS significantly, independent of cytogenetics and β-2-microglobulin. Total Therapy represents a comprehensive treatment approach for newly diagnosed myeloma patients, using multi-regimen induction and tandem transplantation followed by interferon maintenance. As a result, the proportion of patients attaining CR increased progressively with continuing therapy. This observation is particularly important because CR is a sine qua non for long-term disease control and, eventually, cure.


1999 ◽  
Vol 33 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 511-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Peter Gale ◽  
Rolla Edward Park ◽  
Robert W. Dubois ◽  
Kenneth C. Anderson ◽  
William M. Audeh ◽  
...  

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1499-1499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine D. Williams ◽  
Jennifer L. Byrne ◽  
Gamal Sidra ◽  
Sonya Zaman ◽  
Nigel H. Russell

Abstract The established first-line treatment for younger myeloma patients includes regimens containing high-dose pulsed steroids and a combination of intravenous cytotoxic drugs such as vincristine and adriamycin (e.g.VAD). Response rates of 60% are reported but some patients are refractory. Patients may have complications relating to the need for central vascular access. Oral treatments, such as thalidomide, have shown response rates of about 36% in refractory patients. In an attempt to improve on these results we have evaluated the efficiency and toxicity of a novel oral chemotherapy regimen containing pulsed cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and pulsed dexamethasone (CTD). This regimen consists of a four week cycle of oral cyclophosphamide 500mg, given on days 1, 8 and 15, daily oral thalidomide initiated at a dose of 100mg daily for the first two weeks, increasing to 200mg daily if tolerated, and oral dexamethasone 40mg daily on days 1–4 and 15–18. Patients were treated with 2–6 cycles depending on response. Response criteria were used according to the EBMT/IBMTR guidelines. Results are reported on 62 myeloma patients: 15 with newly diagnosed (de novo) disease, 29 with VAD-refractory myeloma and 17 with relapsed disease. Median age of the patients was 55 years (range 31–73). Isotype was IgG in 38 patients, IgA in 17, light chain in 6 and non-secretory (NS) in 1 patient. Of the 15 patients with de novo disease, a median of 5 courses of CTD were given(range 4–6). All patients responded with 12 achieving a PR and 3 a CR. Of the 29 VAD-refractory patients, 14 had either no response or progressive disease after 2 cycles of VAD and 14 had only a minimal response to VAD with < 50% reduction in paraprotein after 3 cycles. One patient with NS myeloma had <50% reduction in bone marrow plasmacytosis after 3 cycles. PR or CR was achieved in 24 of the 29 patients (83%), with the remaining five achieving < 25% reduction in paraprotein. Twenty nine of the 44 de novo and refractory patients were considered suitable to progress to high dose melphalan and underwent stem cell mobilisation with cyclophosphamide and G-CSF. The median CD34+ cell dose harvested was 5.22 x 106/kg (1.9–11.2). Only one patient failed to mobilise. Twenty eight of these patients have undergone high dose therapy of whom 10 (36%) have achieved a CR. The relapsed disease group included 17 patients of whom 16 had received previous high-dose therapy. The overall response rate (PR/CR) was 71% (12/17). Ten patients went on to receive maintenance thalidomide and 2 a PSCT. Median follow-up is 19 months and 10 of the 17 are still alive. Toxicity of the CTD regimen was minimal with most adverse affects being grade 1 or 2 by the WHO classification. One third of patients suffered constipation and, a quarter, somnolence due to the thalidomide. Dose reduction was rarely required. Peripheral neuropathy was reported by 9% of patients.Grade 3 toxicity was limited to 2 patients who had a DVT and 2 patients who developed febrile neutropenia. Overall, CTD is a highly effective regimen for patients with newly diagnosed myeloma, VAD-refractory disease or relapsed disease. It is well tolerated and does not impair stem cell mobilisation. As it is oral, compliance is good and complications related to vascular access are minimised. This regimen has now gone on to be tested in new patients in a Phase III setting as one arm of the current MRC Myeloma IX trial.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1151-1151
Author(s):  
Bart Barlogie ◽  
Guido Tricot ◽  
Athanasios Fassas ◽  
Raman Desikan ◽  
Elias Anaissie ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Melphalan-based high-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous peripheral blood stem cell support has become the standard of care for newly diagnosed patients with MM, based on IMF90 and MRC7 trial results of single HDT vs. standard-dose therapy and on IMF94 data demonstrating superior EFS and OS with TAT over single HDT. The aim of this report is to provide a detailed account of the long-term outcome of all 231 patients originally enrolled in TT1 between 8/1990 and 6/1995 of whom 63 remain alive. Patients and Methods: Outcome data on TT1 have been reported previously (Blood93, 1999; 101, 2003). Here we give final account of patient status with a median follow-up of 12 years (range, 9–15). Results: Of 231 patients, 195 had received at least 1 and 165 the 2 scheduled transplants; 7 without insurance coverage were given intermediate dose melphalan 70mg/sqm. Of 87 (38%) initially achieving CR (median, 27 mo), 17 (20%) remain in uninterrupted 1st CR. The median EFS duration was 31mo, and 32 (14%) remain continuously event-free. The median OS duration is 68 mo with a 12-yr estimate of almost 30%. Of all 63 survivors, 19% had cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) prior to therapy, and 38% had CA intermittently. Of the 17 patients in continuous CR, 10 never had CA at any time, 4 developed CA subsequently with resolution in 3; of 3 with baseline CA, 2 normalized and 1 persisted. A detailed account of CA type and frequency as well as salvage therapies such as thalidomide, bortezomib and further auto- or allotransplants will be provided. Conclusion: TT1 was the first tandem autotransplant protocol applied to 231 newly diagnosed patients MM that yielded an unprecedented positive outcome with 12-yr rates of CCR, EFS and OS of 20%, 14%, and 30%, respectively. The Figure displays a 3-phasic relapse pattern: an initial steep slope spanning years 1-3, a more shallow slope between years 4 to 10, merging into a cure-consistent “hockey-stick”. Event-Free Survival- TT1 Patients Event-Free Survival- TT1 Patients Overall Survival- TT1 Patients Overall Survival- TT1 Patients


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 1093-1093
Author(s):  
Sujaatha Narayanan ◽  
Michael J. Barnett ◽  
Yasser R. Abou Mourad ◽  
Donna L. Forrest ◽  
Donna E. Hogge ◽  
...  

Background: ABL and AUL are associated with an unfavourable outcome for patients (pts) treated with standard-dose therapy alone. Although high-dose therapy has been used successfully in this population, the optimal management of pts with ABL/AUL remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective review was performed involving 24 adult pts with ABL or AUL who were treated in Vancouver between 1984 and 2006. Kaplan-Meier estimates were utilized for event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OAS) and a multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors predictive of outcome. Characteristics: Utilizing the WHO criteria, 18 pts had ABL and 6 pts had AUL. There were 17 males and 7 females with a median age of 37 (range 22–75) years. Median white cell count (WCC) at presentation was 10.1 × 109(range: 0.9–196 × 109)/L. Seven pts had poor-risk karyotypes (3 pts complex, 3 pts with t(9,22), 2 pts with11q23 rearrangement, and 1 pt with monosomy 7),12 pts had standard-risk karyotypes, and 5 pts had an unknown karyotype. Induction chemotherapy consisted of Cytosine arabinoside (3–6/m2/day), Daunorubicin, Vincristine and Prednisone with one pt with t(9,22) also having received Imatinib Mesylate. Thirteen pts went on to receive high-dose therapy and SCT. Stem cell source was autologous in 3 pts (all with AUL) or a related (6 pts) or an unrelated donor (4 pts). Eight of 10 pts were in complete remission at the time of SCT, one was in relapse and one had primary refractory ABL. Conditioning was TBI-based in 10 pts and Busulfan-based in 3 pts. Results: EFS and OAS estimates for all 24 patients at 3 years were 25% (95% CI 13%–50%) and 32% (95% CI 17%–58%), respectively. The non-relapse mortality (NRM) for the whole group at 3 years was 43% (95%CI 15%–61%). On multivariate analysis, when compared to pts receiving only standard-dose chemotherapy, pts who underwent high-dose therapy had significantly improved EFS [39% (95% CI 19%–77%) vs. 9% (95% CI 1%–59%), p=.03] and OAS [46% (95% CI 26%–83%) vs.14% (95% CI 3–74%), p=0.01], respectively. Age, WCC at presentation and cytogenetic risk group were not found to significantly influence outcome. Conclusion: Although patient numbers are limited, this experience would suggest that patients with ABL/AUL who achieve complete remission with standard chemotherapy should be considered for high-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation. This approach provides them with the greatest probability of long-term event- free and overall survival.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 17033-17033
Author(s):  
J. N. Machatschek ◽  
G. Kobbe ◽  
R. Haas ◽  
U. P. Rohr

17033 Background: We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of tandem high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral stem-cell transplantation (PBSCT) in patients with newly diagnosed SCLC in complete remission or very good partial response after induction chemotherapy. Methods: Between 1996 and 2000, 19 patients with newly diagnosed SCLC in CR or very good PR after two cycles of induction chemotherapy (cisplatin 90 mg/m2 day 1, etoposide 120 mg/m2 day 1–3, ifosfamide 1500 mg/m2 day 1–4) received a tandem high-dose chemotherapy (cyclophosfamide 2000 mg/m2 day 1 and 2, etoposide 700 mg/m2 day 1–3, carboplatin 1200 mg/m2 day 1) followed by PBSCT. Following transplantation, patients received concurrent chest and cranial radiotherapy to a total dose of 45 Gy and 30 Gy, respectively. Results: Of 19 patients with SCLC, 18 had stage III and one stage IV disease. The median age was 50.7 years. Median time to leukocyte-recovery above 1000/μl and platelet-recovery above 20.000/μl was 12 days and 9 days, respectively. The median follow-up was 6.38 years (range 5.11–7.23) for surviving patients. There were no transplant-related deaths and toxicity was moderate. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the 2- and 5-year survival rates after high-dose therapy were 42% and 32% respectively. Median time to relapse was 0.7 years (range 0.2–4.6). The mean survival was 36.8 months. This outcome compared favourably to a group of 77 patients who did not receive high-dose therapy but responded to conventional chemotherapy (mean survival 11.4 months). Using the Cox regression model, among all patients response to induction, normal LDH and PBSCT were associated with favourable outcome. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with or near complete response after conventional therapy might benefit from tandem high-dose therapy with PBSCT with tolerable toxicicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 5050-5050
Author(s):  
Miklos Udvardy ◽  
Remenyi Gyula ◽  
Attila Kiss ◽  
Peter Batar ◽  
Arpad Illes ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 5050 Introduction: We aimed to investigate the effect of bortezomib-based induction therapy for the treatment of transplant-eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients, as compared to non-bortezomib-based treatments, in daily clinical practice. Patients and methods: All 122 transplant eligible MM patients treated at our center between 2003 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively without selection. Patients had received induction with or without a bortezomib-based regimen, followed by high dose therapy (single Mel200+APSCT). The group consistend of 64 males and 58 females, mean age: 55, 2±8, 7 year. 45, 9% of the patients had IgGκ (56), 18% IgGλ (22), 10, 6% IgAκ (13), 7, 3% IgAλ (9), 0, 8% IgMκ (1), 3, 2% κ (4), 10, 6% λ (13), and 3, 2% had non secretory (4) MM. Bone marrow FISH analysis revealed del-13q in 2 cases, monosomy 13 in 14, t4:14 in 1, monosomy 13 + del 17p in 1. Plasma cell leukemia (primary and secondary) was found in 2 cases. Induction therapy was applied either in our center, or patients were referred to us to perform high dose therapy after induction therapy given in other regional hematology departments. Due to regulatory reasons, patients mainly received non-bortezomib containing induction (VAD, thal-dex 78%, bortezomib-based 22%) until 2008. Later predominantly bortezomib-based therapy was used (69%, mainly VTD or PAD), the remaining (mainly those referred to our center) cases had thal-dex, or CTD induction. Results: Patients without bortezomib in induction: The mean followup of the 22 patients who did not receive bortezomib as part of induction was 53. 2+21. 9 month, 14 of them died (66, 7%) during followup. Median survival reached at 38 month following induction, or if calculated after completion of high dose therapy median survival was 52 month. Patients with bortezomib based induction. The mean follow-up time of this 100 patients time was 44, 5+ 27, 6 months. 25 pts died (25%) and survival probability at 50 month from the initation of induction was 69. 8 % in these patients compared to the 40. 7% estimated survival for the patients without bortezomib (p<0. 01). Survival probabilty at 50 month after completion of high dose therapy (as a new starting point of followup) was 39, 7% without bortezomib-based induction and 74, 6%, in patients receiving bortezomib-based induction (p<0. 05). Median survival times has not reached following induction and high dose therapy. Conclusions: This retrospective survey clearly supports the important role of that bortezomib containing induction regimens achieving prolonged survival both after induction and following high dose therapy in multiple myeloma clinical practice settings, as compared to regimens without bortezomib. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Rituximab is not authorized for Mantle Cell Lymphoma in Hungary.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 40-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter Sonneveld ◽  
Ingo Schmidt-Wolf ◽  
Bronno van der Holt ◽  
Laila el Jarari ◽  
Uta Bertsch ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 40 Introduction: This independent trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of bortezomib (B) during induction and maintenance on progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with newly diagnosed symptomatic MM, who were candidates for high-dose therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to 3 cycles of standard VAD (arm A) or PAD (Arm B); PAD was dosed as B 1.3 mg/m2, days 1,4,8,11, doxorubicin 9 mg/m2, days 1–4, dexamethasone 40 mg, days 1–4, 9–12, 17–20). Patients received one (HOVON) or two (GMMG) high-dose melphalan (HDM) 200 mg/m2 with ASCT. Maintenance consisted of thalidomide (T) 50 mg daily (arm A) or B 1.3 mg/m2, 2-weekly (arm B) for 2 years. Primary endpoint was PFS, other endpoints were complete response (CR) (EBMT), immunofixation positive CR (nCR), VGPR pre-and post HDM and survival (OS). The protocol specified analysis was intention-to-treat and censored for patients who received allo-SCT after HDM1 (n=46). We report the analysis of the first 626 randomized patients. The final analysis of all patients will be presented at the meeting. Results: 13 patients were excluded (7 not eligible, 6 not evaluable). The two arms (A:n=305;B:n=308) were well balanced for age, Salmon/Durie stage II/III, renal failure (11%), and serum B2M. Medium follow-up is 40 months. 89% of patients completed induction and HDM1. In GMMG after HDM1 80% of patients received 2nd HDM. Full dose B could be administered in 82% of patients. Polyneuropathy (PNP) WHO gr 3+4 occurred in 7% (arm A) and 16% (arm B). 204 (67%, arm A) and 174 (57%, arm B) patients started maintenance. 64% of patients tolerated full dose B and 27% reduced dose. 47% of patients on B maintenance went off protocol because of toxicity (9%), progression (29%) or other (9%). In contrast 64 % on T maintenance went off protocol because of toxicity (31%), progression (31%) or other (2%). nCR/CR rates were 7/9% (arm A) vs 9/21% (arm B) at 3 months after HDM-1 and 12/26% (arm A) vs 12/38% (arm B) on protocol. ≥VGPR in arm-A vs arm-B were 40% vs 60% after HDM-1 and 61% vs 75% on protocol. PFS was superior in arm B (HR 0.81, p=0.047; adjusted for ISS: HR 0.81, p=0.056). PFS at 36 months was 42% (arm A) vs 46% (arm B). Multivariate Cox regression showed treatment arm (p=0.037), IgA (p=0.007), ISS stage (p=0.007), WHO Performance Status (p<0.0001), del13/13q- (p=0.015) and study group (2nd HDM) (p=0.015) as significant PFS variables. Patients treated with bortezomib had a better OS (HR 0.74, p=0.048), with study arm, WHO, IgA, ISS stage and del13/13q- as significant variables. Subgroup analysis of response at 12 months showed no impact on PFS and an impact of VGPR/nCR/CR on OS only in arm A. Adverse cytogenetic markers (p<0.05) in the combined group were 13q14, 17p-, t(4;14) for PFS and OS. Detailed FISH data are reported separately. The response and survival data of the subgroup analysis are given below. We conclude that B achieves high nCR/CR during induction, that B maintenance is well tolerated and is associated with additional responses. Bortezomib achieves superior PFS and results in an improvement of survival. This trial (EudraCT no. 2004-000944-26) was supported by the Dutch Cancer Foundation, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and a grant from Janssen-Cilag. Disclosures: Sonneveld: celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; janssen-Cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: bortezomib, induction treatment prior to high dose therapy. Schmidt-Wolf:celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; janssen-Cilag: Research Funding. van de Velde:Johnson & Johnson: Employment, Equity Ownership. Delforge:celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; janssen-cilag: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Weisel:orthobiotech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Scheid:orthobiotech: Honoraria. Goldschmidt:celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; orthobiotech: Honoraria, Research Funding; roche: Honoraria, Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Barlogie ◽  
S. Jagannath ◽  
K.R. Desikan ◽  
S. Mattox ◽  
D. Vesole ◽  
...  

Between August 1990 and August 1995, 231 patients (median age 51, 53% Durie-Salmon stage III, median serum β-2-microglobulin 3.1 g/L, median C-reactive protein 4 g/L) with symptomatic multiple myeloma were enrolled in a program that used a series of induction regimens and two cycles of high-dose therapy (“Total Therapy”). Remission induction utilized non–cross-resistant regimens (vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone [VAD], high-dose cyclophosphamide and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor with peripheral blood stem cell collection, and etoposide-dexamethasone-cytarabine-cisplatin). The first high-dose treatment comprised melphalan 200 mg/m2 and was repeated if complete (CR) or partial (PR) remission was maintained after the first transplant; in case of less than PR, total body irradiation or cyclophosphamide was added. Interferon--2b maintenance was used after the second autotransplant. Fourteen patients with HLA-compatible donors underwent an allograft as their second high-dose therapy cycle. Eighty-eight percent completed induction therapy whereas first and second transplants were performed in 84% and 71% (the majority within 8 and 15 months, respectively). Eight patients (3%) died of toxicity during induction, and 2 (1%) and 6 (4%) during the two transplants. True CR and at least a PR (PR plus CR) were obtained in 5% (34%) after VAD, 15% (65%) at the end of induction, and 26% (75%) after the first and 41% (83%) after the second transplants (intent-to-treat). Median overall (OS) and event-free (EFS) survival durations were 68 and 43 months, respectively. Actuarial 5-year OS and EFS rates were 58% and 42%, respectively. The median time to disease progression or relapse was 52 months. Among the 94 patients achieving CR, the median CR duration was 50 months. On multivariate analysis, superior EFS and OS were observed in the absence of unfavorable karyotypes (11q breakpoint abnormalities, -13 or 13-q) and with low β-2-microglobulin at diagnosis. CR duration was significantly longer with early onset of CR and favorable karyotypes. Time-dependent covariate analysis suggested that timely application of a second transplant extended both EFS and OS significantly, independent of cytogenetics and β-2-microglobulin. Total Therapy represents a comprehensive treatment approach for newly diagnosed myeloma patients, using multi-regimen induction and tandem transplantation followed by interferon maintenance. As a result, the proportion of patients attaining CR increased progressively with continuing therapy. This observation is particularly important because CR is a sine qua non for long-term disease control and, eventually, cure.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document