Alternating Bortezomib and Dexamethasone as Induction Regimen Prior to Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Newly Diagnosed Younger Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Results of a PETHEMA Phase II Trial.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3086-3086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Rosinol ◽  
Albert Oriol ◽  
M. -Victoria Mateos ◽  
Anna Sureda ◽  
Joaquin Diaz-Mediavilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
M Protein ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Induction Regimen ◽  
Cell Mobilization

Abstract Dexamethasone-based combinations have been the standard induction regimens in younger patients with multiple myeloma (MM) prior to stem cell transplantation. Bortezomib alone or in association with dexamethasone has shown significant activity in patients with both refractory/relapsed and newly diagnosed MM. We investigated the efficacy of bortezomib and dexamethasone administered on an alternating basis, the end-points of the study being response rate, kinetics of response, safety, stem cell mobilization and response postransplant. Patients with newly diagnosed MM under the age of 66 years and with adequate organ and function status were eligible. Patients were treated with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 (cycles 1, 3, 5) and dexamethasone 40 mg p.o. on days 1–4, 9–12 and 17–20 (cycles 2, 4 and 6), followed by high dose-therapy intensification (HDT) with melphalan -200. Responses were evaluated by the EBMT criteria but a near-CR (n-CR) response category was included. Stem cell mobilization was performed after G-CSF priming. Between August, 2005 and March, 2006, 40 patients (18 M, 22F, median age 57 yrs) were enrolled. The M-protein type was IgG in 26 patients, IgA in 11 and light chain in 3. Six patients had extramedullary plasmacytomas. At the time of this analysis response data after the 6 cycles were available for 26 of the 40 patients. The overall response rate was 76% and the CR rate 15% (4 CR, 5 n-CR, 7 PR, 4 MR, 2 stable disease, 3 progressive disease, 1 non-evaluable because of treatment discontinuation due to toxicity after cycle 1). In patients who achieved at least PR the mean M-protein decrease was 84% (48% associated with bortezomib cycles and 36% with dexamethasone). Two responding patients showed disease progression immediately before HDT. In all thirteen patients mobilized to date stem cells could be adequately collected (median CD34+ cells: 4.85 x106/Kg; range 2–10.6) with only one apheresis. Toxicity was low and mainly consisted of grade 1 and 2 neutropenia, fever, GI symptoms, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy and thrombocytopenia. Ten (25%) patients developed mild peripheral neuropathy (grade 1=9 cases; grade 2=1 case) and 11 patients grade 1 thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 toxicity was only observed in 7 patients (neutropenia 6, skin/liver 1 case) and no patient developed grade 4 toxicity. Updated results on all patients along with cytogenetic data will be presented at the meeting. In conclusion, bortezomib alternating with dexamethasone is highly effective as up-front therapy in patients with MM, is associated with an extremely low toxicity and results in an excellent stem cell harvesting. The results of this trial support a short program of alternating bortezomib and dexamethasone as an effective and safe induction regimen for newly diagnosed younger myeloma patients.

A Phase II Study of PS-341 for Patients with High Risk, Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (E2A02).

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 2546-2546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Dispenzieri ◽  
Emily Blood ◽  
David Vesole ◽  
Rafael Fonseca ◽  
Natalie Callander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Partial Response ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cell Labeling ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease with a anticipated overall survival (OS) ranging from months to decades. Modest improvements in OS have been made with high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT), but to date prognostic factors have a greater impact on OS than do individual therapies. Patients with adverse risk factors such as elevated beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), plasma cell labeling index, deletions of the long arm of chromosome 13 by metaphase cytogenetics (del 13q) require innovative new treatment strategies. Bortezomib has significant activity in patients with both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory MM, but its specific role in patients with adverse features has not yet been defined. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed “high-risk” myeloma (B2M ≥ 5.5., PCLI ≥ 1, or del 13q) and adequate organ and functional status were eligible. Patients were treated with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 day 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 21 days for 8 cycles as induction. After induction, patients were scheduled to receive bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 every other week indefinitely. Elective peripheral stem cell mobilization (growth factor alone) was allowed after 4 cycles of bortezomib. Patients relapsing on maintenance schedule were to have the full induction schedule resumed. Responses were by the EBMT criteria but a very good partial response category was included. The primary end-point was the response rate in these high-risk patients (90% power to detect a response rate of 50% or higher). The study decision rule requires that 16 or more responses, among 39 eligible patients, are seen in order to declare this treatment effective. Results: Between March 15, 2004 and March 10, 2005, 44 patients enrolled on study. Among the 43 eligible patients, median age was 63; 51% were male. All patients had high risk disease: del 13q (6/41); plasma cell labeling index ≥1% (16/34); and B2M≥5.5 (34/43). Preliminary response data are available for 18 of the 44 cases enrolled, of which 7 had partial response, 1 had minimal response, 1 had no response, 2 had progressive disease, and 5 were unevaluable. Among those patients completing induction therapy and with response information, the median number of cycles of therapy administered is 5, range (0,8). The most common non-hematologic adverse events (AEs) of grade 3 or higher included hyponatremia (9 patients) and diarrhea (6 patients). Mild sensory peripheral neuropathy was common: grade 1, 16 patients; grade 2, 2 patients. Only 1 patient had grade 3 peripheral neuropathy. One patient died after receiving 2 doses bortezomib due to heart block and asystole. Two patients had a grade 4, 25 patients had grade 3, and 13 had grade 1 or 2 as the worst grade non-hematologic adverse event. Based on data received by August 1, 2005, 18 patients have gone off study: AEs (2); death (1); progressive disease (9); and other reasons (6). Updated results on the full study population along with FISH data for IgH translocations and deletions of 13q and 17p will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that upfront bortezomib has activity in patients with high-risk MM, but further follow-up is required.

Sequential VAD (Vincristine, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone) and VTD (VELCADE®, Thalidomide, Dexamethasone) Induction Followed by High-Dose Therapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation and Maintenance Treatment with VELCADE for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Interim Results of Phase II Trial.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 952-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung-Soo Yoon ◽  
Hye Jin Kim ◽  
Dong Soon Lee ◽  
Hyeon Seok Eom ◽  
Jun Ho Jang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Maintenance Treatment ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Hematologic Toxicity ◽  
Newly Diagnosed

Abstract Introduction Effective reduction of myeloma before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) prolongs survival in multiple myeloma patients. Recently, incorporation of novel agents resulted in improved response rate and reduced side effect in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Method: Patients are planned to receive 2 cycles of VAD (vincristine 0.4mg D1-4, adriamycin 9mg/m2 D1-4, dexamethasone 40mg D1-4, 9–12 every 3 weeks), and VTD (bortezomib 1.3mg/m2 D1, 4, 8, 11, thalidomide 100mg daily, dexamethasone 40mg D1-4, 9–12 every 3 weeks). High dose melphalan (200mg/m2) is used as a conditioning regimen for ASCT. Bortezomib (1.3mg/m2) as a maintenance treatment is administered weekly x 4 times every 6 weeks for 4 cycles after ASCT. Response was assessed by EBMT criteria, with additional category of nCR. Adverse events were graded by the NCI-CTCAE, Version 3.0. Result: At this interim analysis, 60 patients have been entered into the ongoing trial, and efficacy could be assessed in 53 patients. After 2 cycles of VAD, response rate was 70%. After VTD, two patients showed further improvement with additional CR, and an overall response was 97% with 14% CR. Especially, patients with poor prognostic cytogenetics (n=6) all responded after VTD. So far, autologous stem cells were successfully collected in all 28 patients with a median CD34+ count of 7.8 x 106/kg (range, 2.17–44.7 x 106/kg). In 24 patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation, five patients gained additional CR. There was no progression in patients completed bortezomib maintenance (n=9, CR 77%). The median follow-up duration was 6 months, median time to response was 1.4 months, and median overall survival was not reached. Grade 3,4 hematologic toxicity was more frequently observed after VAD than VTD (anemia 15.8%, 4.6%, neutropenia 7.9%, 3.5%), and incidence of grade 2,3 peripheral neuropathy was low (VAD 3.5%, VTD 7%). Conclusion: Sequential VAD and VTD induction therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma was highly effective, even in patients with poor prognostic cytogenetics, and did not prejudice stem cell collection. VTD could have contributed to increased RR and minimized side effects. An updated results will be presented at the ASH meeting. *Protocol Number: KMM51-NCT00378755.

Sequential High-Dose Dexamethasone and Response Adapted PAD (Bortezomib, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone) or VAD (Vincristine, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone) Induction Chemotherapy Followed by High-Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma; Open-Labelled, Multicenter Phase 2 Study (KMM-94 Study)-Interim Analysis

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2044-2044
Author(s):  
Jin Seok Kim ◽  
Cheolwon Suh ◽  
June-Won Cheong ◽  
Kihyun Kim ◽  
Yang Soo Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Induction Chemotherapy ◽  
Induction Treatment ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
High Dose Dexamethasone

Abstract Abstract 2044 Background: Induction treatment followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard therapy for the newly diagnosed younger patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Although new drugs such as lenalidomide or bortezomib have been shown the promising results as induction treatment, many different type of induction treatment regimens still have been used. We evaluate the efficacy and safety of the short course of high dose dexamethasone (HD dexa) and the response adapted PAD (Bortezomib, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone) or VAD (Vincristine, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone) induction chemotherapy in the newly diagnosed younger patients with MM. Methods: 107 newly diagnosed patients with MM from 21 institutions received 2nd cycles of HD dexa followed by PAD or VAD chemotherapy according to the response to the initial high dose dexamethasone. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR) + near CR rate after ASCT. Among 107 patents enrolled this study from November 2009, 25 patients (23%) have been dropped out. This trial will be continued until total 210 patients will be enrolled. The trial is registered on National Cancer Institute website, number NCT01255514. Results: One hundred seven patients (58 male, 49 female) were enrolled (median age; 56). 26 (24%) light chain disease were included. 31 (29%) patients were D-S stage II and 67 (63%) were stage III. According to the ISS, 23 (22%) patients had stage I, 51 (48%) had stage II and 33 (31%) had stage III. 26 (24%) patients had abnormal cytogenetics. There were 31% del13, 7% del17, 19% t(4;14), 15% t(14;16) and 28% t(11;14) in FISH analysis. Among the 82 evaluable patients, CR + PR rate was 48% (39/82) after 2nd cycles of HD dexa therapy. 39 patients (48%) received subsequent VAD chemotherapy and 43 patients (52%) received PAD chemotherapy. Among the 64 patients finished VAD or PAD chemotherapy, CR + PR rate was 83% (79%, 26/33 in VAD group vs. 87%, 27/31 in PAD group). 56 patients were finished ASCT until now. CR + near CR rate after ASCT were 61% (58% in VAD group vs 63% in PAD group). Mortality rate of this trial was 13% (11/82). The cause of death was disease progression (n=3), bleeding (n=1) and infections (n=7). Among 82 patients in whom VAD or PAD chemotherapy was actually performed, 1 year overall survival (OS) rate was 84.7%. 1 year survival rate was 93.8% versus 77.2% (P=0.049) with VAD versus PAD (median follow-up; 9.1 months). Conclusion: Risk adapted approach using initial steroid response showed good response results after ASCT compared with previous trial (CR + near CR rate of IFM 2005-01trial-Bortezomib+dexa induction & ASCT was 35%, J Clin Oncol. 2010;28:4621–9) The MM patients who had poor response to HD dexa also showed similar good response rate after ASCT compared with the patients who had good response to HD dexa treatment in this trial. PAD re-induction therapy after failure of initial steroid induction treatment might overcome the inferior results in the high risk MM patients. Therefore, initial steroid response adapted strategy might be the more cost-effective approach in the newly diagnosed ASCT eligible MM patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Phase II Pethema Trial of Alternating Bortezomib and Dexamethasone As Induction Regimen Before Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Younger Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Efficacy and Clinical Implications of Tumor Response Kinetics

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (28) ◽  
pp. 4452-4458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Rosiñol ◽  
Albert Oriol ◽  
Maria Victoria Mateos ◽  
Anna Sureda ◽  
Pedro García-Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Tumor Response ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
M Protein ◽  
Minor Response ◽  
Induction Regimen

PurposeThis is the first study in which bortezomib and dexamethasone were administered on an alternating basis as up-front therapy in multiple myeloma (MM). We investigated the efficacy and kinetics of response to each drug and safety.Patients and MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed MM who were less than 66 years old were treated with bortezomib at 1.3 mg/m2on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 (cycles 1, 3, and 5) and dexamethasone 40 mg orally on days 1 through 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 (cycles 2, 4, and 6), followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Responses were evaluated by modified European Bone Marrow Transplantation criteria. Random effects models were used to analyze the tumor response kinetics.ResultsForty patients were enrolled. Partial response (PR) or greater was 65% (12.5% complete response [CR], 10% very good PR [VGPR], and 42.5% PR) plus 17.5% minor response. Time to response was rapid, with 82% serum M-protein reduction achieved within the first two cycles. The M-protein decrease was similar with dexamethasone and with bortezomib (P = .48). Chromosome 13 deletion, t(4;14), and t(14;16) did not have a negative impact on response. Toxicity was low, with no grade 3 to 4 peripheral neuropathy and no grade 2 to 4 thrombocytopenia. The response rate after ASCT was 88%, with 33% CR (negative immunofixation) plus 22% VGPR.ConclusionBortezomib alternating with dexamethasone is a highly effective induction regimen with low toxicity. The kinetic study has shown a high degree of heterogeneity in response and rapid effect from both agents, supporting the use of a short induction regimen before ASCT in MM.

Sequential VAD (Vincristine, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone) and VTD (Bortezomib, Thalidomide, Dexamethasone) Induction Followed by High-Dose Therapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation and Maintenance Treatment with Bortezomib for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Final Analysis of Phase II Trial.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3330-3330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung-Soo Yoon ◽  
Hye Jin Kim ◽  
Joo Seop Chung ◽  
HyeonSeok Eom ◽  
Jun-Ho Jang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Maintenance Treatment ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Newly Diagnosed

Abstract Background: Incorporation of novel agents has resulted in improved response rate and reduced side effects in multiple myeloma. Especially in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, novel agents are very promising as induction chemotherapy. Methods: Patients are planned to receive 2 cycles of VAD (vincristine 0.4mg D1–4, adriamycin 9mg/m2 D1– 4, dexamethasone 40mg D1–4, 9–12 every 3 weeks), and VTD (bortezomib 1.3mg/m2 D1, 4, 8, 11, thalidomide 100mg daily, dexamethasone 40mg D1–4, 9–12 every 3 weeks). High dose melphalan (200mg/m2) is used as a conditioning regimen for ASCT. Bortezomib (1.3mg/m2) as a maintenance treatment is administered weekly x 4 times every 6 weeks for 4 cycles after ASCT. Response was assessed by EBMT criteria, with additional category of nCR. Adverse events were graded by the NCI-CTCAE, Version 3.0. Results: Total 71 patients were enrolled, and efficacy could be assessed in 62 patients. After 2 cycles of VAD, response rate was 71% (95% CI, 59.7–82.3). After VTD, overall response rate was more increased to 96% (95% CI, 90.8–100, rate of CR and nCR 27%). Especially, nine patients with poor prognostic cytogenetics all showed response after VTD. So far, autologous stem cells were successfully collected in 42 patients with a median CD34+ count of 6.49 x 106/kg (range, 0.6–44.7 x 106/kg) except one patient. After autologous stem cell transplantation, twenty five patients completed bortezomib maintenance, and the rate of CR + nCR was 68%. The median follow-up duration was 16.4 months, and median time to response was 1.6 months. Median time to progression was not reached, and 1 year survival rate was 98%. In total, 127 cycles of VAD and 115 cycles of VTD were given and grade 3,4 hematologic toxicity was more frequently observed after VAD than VTD (anemia 18.1% vs 8.7%, neutropenia 12.6% vs 4.3%), and incidence of grade 3 peripheral neuropathy after VAD was lower (1.5%) than VTD (7%). All patients received low-dose aspirin prophylaxis. Deep vein thrombosis was observed in two patients, but this was not related with thalidomide. Conclusions: Sequential VAD and VTD induction therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma was very effective, even in patients with poor prognostic cytogenetics, and did not prejudice stem cell collection. VTD as induction therapy has contributed to increased response rate and decreased side effects. *Protocol Number : KMM51-NCT00378755

scholarly journals Successful Stem Cell Mobilization and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation after Pretreatment Consisting of Bendamustine, Prednisone and Bortezomib (BPV) in 35 Patients with Newly Diagnosed/Untreated Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 5900-5900
Author(s):  
Wolfram Poenisch ◽  
Madlen Ploetze ◽  
Bruno Holzvogt ◽  
Marc Andrea ◽  
Thomas Zehrfeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Stem Cell Mobilization ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Cell Mobilization

Abstract Introduction: Bendamustine is a bifunctional alkylating agent with low toxicity that produces both single- and double-strand breaks in DNA, and shows only partial cross resistance with other alkylating drugs. Treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma using Bendamustine and Prednisone in comparison to Melphalan and Prednisone results in superior complete response rate and prolonged time to treatment failure (Poenisch et al, Res Clin Oncol 132: 205-212;2006). So far, however, reliable information on stem cell toxicity and mobilization of stem cells for autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) after induction treatment with a combination of bendamustine, prednisone and bortezomib (BPV) is missing. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and autologous SCT was performed in 35 patients with multiple myeloma who had received at least two cycles of a BPV induction therapy consisting of bendamustine 60 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2, bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² on days 1, 4, 8 and 11, and prednisone 100 mg on days 1, 2, 4, 8 and 11 between October 2008 and May 2014. The mobilization regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide 4 g/m2 and G-CSF (2x5µg/kg). Apheresis was started as soon as peripheral blood CD34+ counts exceeded 20x106/l with a harvest target of 8x106 CD34+/kg. The minimal accepted target was 2x106 CD34+/kg. Results: A median number of two (range 1–5) BPV treatment cycles were given to the patients. The majority of the patients (n = 31, 89 %) responded including 2 sCR, 5 nCR, 11 VGPR, and 13 PR. Three patients had MR, and 1 SD. Stem cell mobilization and harvest was successful in all patients. In 19 of 35 patients (54 %) a single apheresis was sufficient to reach the target. The median number of aphereses was one (range 1-4) and the median CD34+ cell-count/kg was 13.5 (range 3.2-33.1) x106. All patients received an autologous SCT. The pre-transplantation conditioning therapy consisted of melphalan 200 mg/m2. In 8 patients with concomitant heart amyloidosis or severe renal insufficiency melphalan dose was reduced to 100 or 140 mg/m2. Engraftment was successful in 34 of 35 patients. The median time to leucocytes count >l×109/l was reached after 11 (range 9–18) days and the time to untransfused platelet count of >50×109/l was 13 (range 10–55) days. 34 patients (97%) responded after the autologous SCT with 11 sCR, 2 CR, 7 nCR, 7 VGPR, and 7 PR. The progression free survival at 18 months was 87 % and overall survival was 92 %. Conclusion: Stem cell mobilization and autologous SCT is feasible in multiple myeloma patients who have received BPV induction therapy. Disclosures Al-Ali: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Lange:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Combination Therapy with Lenalidomide Plus Dexamethasone (Rev/Dex) for Newly Diagnosed Myeloma.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 781-781 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Vincent Rajkumar ◽  
Suzanne Hayman ◽  
Martha Q. Lacy ◽  
Angela Dispenzieri ◽  
Susan M. Geyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Partial Response ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Initial Therapy ◽  
M Protein ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Good Partial Response

Abstract Purpose: Lenalidomide (CC-5013) is an analogue of thalidomide and a lead clinical compound in a new group of drugs called IMiDS® which have immunomodulatory properties. Lenalidomide has shown promising results in relapsed refractory myeloma. It has a markedly different side-effect profile compared to thalidomide, with significantly fewer non- hematologic adverse events; myelosuppression, especially neutropenia, is the most common toxicity. We report the results of a phase II trial using the combination of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (Rev/Dex) as initial therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Patients and Methods: 34 patients (23 male and 11 female) were enrolled. Lenalidomide was given orally 25 mg daily on days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle. Dexamethasone was given orally at a dose of 40 mg daily on days 1–4, 9–12, 17–20 of each cycle. Patients were allowed to go off treatment after 4 cycles of therapy to pursue stem cell transplantation, but treatment beyond four cycles was permitted at the physician’s discretion. For patients continuing therapy beyond 4 months, the dose of dexamethasone was reduced to 40 mg on days 1–4 of each cycle. Objective response was defined as a decrease in serum monoclonal (M) protein by 50% or greater and a decrease in urine M protein by at least 90% or to a level less than 200 mg/24 hours, confirmed by two consecutive determinations at least 4 weeks apart. Sub-classification as very good partial response (VGPR) required in addition to criteria for partial response, >=90% reduction in serum M protein, 24 hour urine M protein less than or equal to 100 mg, and 5% or fewer plasma cells on bone marrow examination. All patients received aspirin (81 mg or 325 mg daily) as prophylaxis against DVT. Results: The median age was 64 years (range, 32–78). All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Thirty-one of 34 patients (91%) achieved an objective response to therapy, including 2 patients (6%) achieving a complete response (CR) and 11 patients (32%) achieving very good partial response. Of the 3 patients not achieving an objective response, two met criteria for minor response and one had stable disease. Responses were rapid; the median time to response was 1 month. Adequate stem cells (>3.0 million CD34 cells/kg body weight) were obtained in all patients who proceeded to autologous stem cell transplantation. Forty-seven percent of patients experienced grade 3 or higher non-hematologic toxicity, most commonly fatigue (15%), muscle weakness (6%), anxiety (6%), pneumonitis (6%) and rash (6%). One patient died on study, and this was attributed to infection unrelated to therapy; the patient had stopped all therapy for over a month before the fatal infection occurred. One patient developed a pulmonary embolism, but recovered with therapy; no other patient developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: Rev/Dex is highly active and well tolerated in the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with overall responses in over 90% of patients including complete and very good partial responses in 38%. Two large cooperative group trials are currently testing Rev/Dex as initial therapy for multiple myeloma in the United States.

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