Response of vincristine, melphalan, cyclophosphamide and prednisolone in refractory multiple myeloma

In refractory and relapsing multiple, myeloma good complete response rates may be achieved by Vincristine, Melphalan, Cyclophosphamide and Prednisolone (VMCP) like regimen which is effective alternative and less expensive in developing country like Bangladesh. The study was conducted to see the response of VMCP as an alternative in relapsing or refractory multiple myeloma. The study has been carried out in the department of Haematology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2004 to June, 2005. This study was conducted on refractory case of multiple myeloma, having aged between 45 to 70 years. A total of ten patients had been taken for this study group. Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma is not included in this study. All of the 10 patients were treated according to the following VMCP protocol, Vincristine 1mg IV, d1, Melphalan 6mg/m2/d p.o. d1-d7, Cyclophosphamide 120mg/m2/d p.o. d1-d7 Prednisolone 60mg/m2/d p.o. d1-d7. Cycles were repeated every 28 days for 6 cycle. Six out of ten patients with refractory multiple myeloma displayed minimal response (60%) after treatment with 6 cycle of VMCP protocol, three patients entered partial remission (30%), and one (10%) showed complete response.