Bortezomib plus dexamethasone can improve stem cell collection and overcome the need for additional chemotherapy before autologous transplant in patients with myeloma.

The aim of this phase II trial was to investigate the efficacy of bortezomib plus dexamethasone (Vel-Dex) as induction therapy in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to define the role of intensification before transplantation. Fifty-seven patients were treated with four courses of Vel-Dex, two cycles of dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, etoposide and cisplatin (DCEP), and a single autologous transplant. Fourteen patients (25%) went off-study: seven after Vel-Dex, seven after DCEP.

Long-term outcome in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma treated with thalidomide. Balancing efficacy and side-effects.

A total of 303 MM patients were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate long-term efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide alone or in combination with steroids. Overall response rate was 57% (CR/VGPR 12%). Median TTP, PFS and OS were 13.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with multiple myeloma treated with bisphosphonates: definition and management of the risk related to zoledronic acid.

Purpose: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are currently used to treat bone lesions in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported as an adverse event of such treatment, especially after treatment with zoledronic acid (ZA). The aim of this study was to evaluate incidence, risk factors, management, and prevention strategies of ONJ in order to optimize the current standard use of BPs in MM.

Low efficacy of thalidomide in improving response after induction in multiple myeloma patients who are candidates for high-dose therapy.

Giving the impact of complete response (CR) on outcome of multiple myeloma patients addressed to high-dose melphalan, we explored the role of a pre-transplant intensification with 3 months thalidome plus dexamethasone therapy (Thal-Dex), after pulse-VAD induction. Seventy-four multiple myeloma patients (MM pts) uniformly treated, were retrospectively studied. The response rate after pulse-VAD were: CR 6%, VGPR 40%, PR 23%, MR 23%, and progression 8%.

Limited feasibility of double transplant in multiple myeloma: results of a multicenter study on 153 patients aged <65 years.

Background: Although high-dose therapy is considered the standard therapy for younger patients with multiple myeloma (MM), the advantages of performing a second transplant remain debated. The current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and the feasibility of a front-line double transplant program in young MM patients.

Methods: A total of 153 MM patients aged View Article and Find Full Text PDF