Doxorubicin/B.C.N.U. chemotherapy for multiple myeloma in relapse

A combination of doxorubicin ('Adriamycin") and B.C.N.U. (1,3 di[2-chloroethyl]-1-nitrosourea) (30 mg/m2 of each intravenously every 3-4 weeks) was used to treat thirteen multiple-myeloma patients who did not respond or were in relapse after remission produced by alkylating-agent/prednisone therapy. All cases were staged according to total-body myeloma-cell number and followed quantitatively for response to therapy. Seven of the thirteen patients responded (54%). Two had complete clinical remissions and a greater than 75% reduction in tumour-cell mass lasting 12 and 16 months. Five others had partial remissions with lesser degrees of tumour-mass reduction and bone pain and improved haemoglobin and serum-albumin concentrations. Toxicity was limited to occasional myelo-suppression, mild alopecia, and nausea. The results indicate the usefulness of doxorubicin/B.C.N.U. for myeloma patients who have relapsed during previously effective alkylating-agent therapy.