Bortezomib-containing regimens are effective in multiple myeloma--results of a non-interventional phase IV study.

Background/aims: The incorporation of bortezomib into the chemotherapeutic regimens for non-transplant patients with multiple myeloma resulted in improved outcomes in controlled studies. This prospective, non-interventional study assessed the effectiveness and safety of bortezomib-containing regimens in daily practice.

Methods: Patients with untreated or relapsed multiple myeloma not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation and who were scheduled for bortezomib mono- or combination therapy or melphalan-prednisone (MP) alone were included in this study.

Randomized, multicenter, controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of darbepoetin alpha administered every 3 weeks with or without intravenous iron in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.

Purpose: The concomitant use of intravenous (IV) iron as a supplement to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia is controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of darbepoetin alpha given with IV iron versus with local standard practice (oral iron or no iron).

Patients And Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III study, 396 patients with nonmyeloid malignancies and hemoglobin (Hb) less than 11 g/dL received darbepoetin alpha 500 microg with (n = 200) or without (n = 196) IV iron once every 3 weeks (Q3W) for 16 weeks.