Continuous-infusion cyclophosphamide in combination with teniposide and dexamethasone in refractory myeloma

Forty-three consecutive patients with refractory myeloma, median age 60, received monthly courses of teniposide 30 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1-2, dexamethasone 40 mg i.v. on days 1-7 and cyclophosphamide 200 mg/m2 by continuous i.v. infusion for seven days. Major response (decrease > 50% of M-protein) was achieved in 18 of 37 evaluable patients and minor response in 9, with an overall response rate of 73%. Response was irrespective of disease status, time from diagnosis and previous treatments, while beta 2 microglobulin > 6 mg/l was a powerful prognostic factor. All patients experienced transient granulocytopenia but extramedullary toxicity was negligible. Median survival of the whole group is 20 months, with 74% of responding patients projected to be alive at 30 months. In refractory myeloma cyclophosphamide appears to be more active when given by continuous infusion.