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Second and third responses to the same induction regimen in relapsing patients with multiple myeloma
A Paccagnella1, V Chiarion-Sileni, M Soesan
1Medical Oncology Department, Padova General Hospital, Italy.
Cancer
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) can safely pause treatment after remission. This strategy maintains a high response rate during relapse and improves quality of life without impacting survival time.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy.
- Standard MM treatment often involves continuous chemotherapy.
- The M-2 regimen is a combination chemotherapy for MM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intermittent chemotherapy for multiple myeloma.
- To assess the impact of treatment pauses on response rates and survival.
- To determine the effect on quality of life in MM patients.
Main Methods:
- 115 previously untreated multiple myeloma patients received M-2 chemotherapy (BCNU, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, vincristine, prednisone).
- Treatment was stopped upon objective response and restarted at relapse.
- Response rates, duration of response, and overall survival were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 82% of patients achieved an objective response after induction therapy with a median duration of response (MDR) of 22 months.
- Responses were observed in 69% after first relapse (MDR 11 months) and 44% after second relapse (MDR 3.5 months).
- Median survival time (MST) was 50.5 months; leukopenia was the main side effect, with no secondary leukemia observed.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent chemotherapy for multiple myeloma is safe and effective.
- Treatment pauses after remission do not adversely affect survival.
- This approach allows for repeated responses upon relapse and improves quality of life.