[Induction and maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma. Results of a multicenter study]

In a prospective study by the German Myeloma Treatment Group, 320 untreated patients with multiple myeloma, stage II and III, were randomized into 2 groups receiving courses of either MP or VCMP as induction treatment every 6 months. 72% of the patients evaluable by TCM changes remitted, 21% showed a no change, and progress occurred in 7%. The corresponding results in BJ and nonsecretory myelomas were 56% remissions, 11% no change, 33% progress. The response rates were equal in both treatment groups. The overall survival was 60% after 4 years. However, MP-treated patients lived significantly longer than patients in the VCMP group. After successful remission induction, patients were randomized into one group with maintenance treatment using the induction scheme Q 8 weeks, and another group without further chemotherapy. Although the relapse rate of the latter group was significantly higher, differences between both groups concerning survival have not been observed.