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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
09:41
An Organotypic High Throughput System for Characterization of Drug Sensitivity of Primary Multiple Myeloma Cells
Published on: July 15, 2015
Bortezomib or high-dose dexamethasone for relapsed multiple myeloma
Paul G Richardson1, Pieter Sonneveld, Michael W Schuster
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA. paul_richardson@dfci.harvard.edu
The New England Journal of Medicine
|June 17, 2005
Summary
Bortezomib significantly improves outcomes for relapsed multiple myeloma patients compared to high-dose dexamethasone. This novel treatment offers higher response rates, longer progression-free survival, and improved overall survival.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy.
- Relapsed multiple myeloma presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Previous therapies include one to three lines of treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of bortezomib versus high-dose dexamethasone.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma.
- To determine the optimal therapeutic strategy for relapsed disease.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 669 patients with relapsed multiple myeloma.
- Patients received either intravenous bortezomib or oral high-dose dexamethasone.
- Treatment protocols involved multiple cycles with specific dosing and schedules.
Main Results:
- Bortezomib demonstrated superior response rates (38% vs 18%) and complete response rates (6% vs <1%).
- Median time to progression was significantly longer with bortezomib (6.22 months vs 3.49 months).
- One-year survival rates were higher with bortezomib (80% vs 66%), despite a higher incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events (75% vs 60%).
Conclusions:
- Bortezomib is a superior treatment option for relapsed multiple myeloma.
- The drug offers significant benefits in terms of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival.
- High-dose dexamethasone serves as a less effective comparator in this patient population.
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