CTD方案治疗难治或复发多发性骨髓瘤

目的应用环磷酰胺、沙立度胺及地塞米松(CTD)方案治疗难治或复发多发性骨髓瘤(MM)。方法20例难治或复发MM患者接受沙立度胺,100~200mg/d,口服持续应用;环磷酰胺,200~300mg.m-2.d-1,1~4d,静脉注射;地塞米松,20~40mg/d,1~4d,口服。4周为1个疗程。3个疗程后,若出现疗效或病情稳定则再连续应用3个疗程;若病情进展,则停止治疗。结果3个疗程后,13例(65%)患者显示治疗反应,其中9例患者获部分缓解,4例患者获微小缓解。而5例患者病情稳定,2例进展。对病情未进展的18例患者继续治疗3个疗程后再次评价,则部分缓解13例(65%),获微小缓解5例。结论CTD是一个具有较好治疗前景的方案。     

Combined bendamustine, prednisolone and thalidomide for refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma after autologous stem-cell transplantation or conventional chemotherapy: results of a Phase I clinical trial

Thalidomide is an effective agent for advanced refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma (MM), although dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) may limit its use. This Phase I study found that a combination of low-dose thalidomide with bendamustine and prednisolone (BPT) maintained or increased efficacy, whilst avoiding DLT in 28 patients with MM that was refractory or that had relapsed after conventional chemotherapy or high-dose therapy with stem-cell support. BPT comprised fixed doses of bendamustine (60 mg/m(2)) and prednisolone (100 mg), and escalating doses of thalidomide (50, 100, 200 mg). Treatment cycles were repeated every 28 d until the occurrence of maximum response, DLT, or disease progression. Twenty-four patients responded after at least two cycles (four complete remission, six very good partial remission, 14 partial remission). Median progression-free and overall survival for all patients was 11 and 19 months respectively. Only mild/moderate non-haematological side effects were observed and no patient developed dose-limiting haematotoxicity. Transient grade 3-4 neutropenia was reported in 12 patients, and grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia occurred in two patients. We conclude that BPT therapy was well tolerated in patients with relapsed or refractory MM, with a response rate higher than 80%. The maximum tolerated dose of thalidomide was not reached in this study.     

Low-dose thalidomide regimens in therapy of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

Thalidomide has been estimated as a useful drug in therapy of refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma. Recently, several studies have shown very good results in therapy combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone, but still high doses of thalidomide associated with serious adverse events have been used. In our study, we performed low-dose thalidomide regimens; the aim of this study was to verify the effect and to assess their toxicity. For younger patients up to 65 years we used a "CTD-junior" regimen, consisting of oral thalidomide 200 mg daily, pulsed intravenous cyclophosphamide 800 mg on day 1 and pulsed oral dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1-4 and 12-15, for every three weeks. For patients over 65 years, the "CTDsenior" regimen was used, with oral thalidomide 50-100 mg daily (according to tolerability), oral cyclophosphamide 50 mg daily and pulsed dexamethasone 20 mg on days 1-4 and 15-18, for every four weeks. From the group of 97 patients with progressive form of multiple myeloma or with resistance to conventional chemotherapy, 85 patients were evaluated. According to the EBMT criteria, we observed in 8% complete remission (CR), in 50% partial response (PR) and in 22% minimal response (MR). Ten patients (12%) were stabilized and seven patients (8%) progressed. Toxicity of both regimens was mild and well manageable, when weakness, obstipation, neuropathy of lower extremities, glycoregulation worsening and mild leucopenia occurred most often. These results showed that low doses of thalidomide are still effective, when combined with other drugs. Both CTD regimens are safe also for patients with advanced and heavily pretreated multiple myeloma.     

沙立度胺联合MP化疗方案治疗多发性骨髓瘤23例

目的：观察沙立度胺联合MP方案治疗多发性骨髓瘤的疗效及其不良反应。方法：确诊的多发性骨髓瘤患者23例。沙立度胺-MP方案：沙立度胺自MP方案开始持续给药，每晚睡前口服，剂量从每天100mg开始，每周日剂量递增50mg，至患者不能耐受或最高至每日400mg；MP方案每月1个疗程。结果：部分缓解16例（69．6％），进步4例（17．4％），总有效率为87．0％（20／23）。有效的患者中10例在4周内起效，沙立度胺每天100～400mg，中位剂量每天225mg。常见的不良反应为皮疹、便秘、嗜睡、乏力、头昏、水肿等。结论：沙立度胺加MP方案治疗多发性骨髓瘤不良反应少，耐受性好，且反应率可能提高。     

Intravenous melphalan, thalidomide and prednisone in refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVES: Thalidomide combined with conventional chemotherapies including oral melphalan shows significant anti-myeloma activity. To address this issue, feasibility and efficacy of a three drug combination consisting of intravenous (i.v.) melphalan, thalidomide and prednisone [M(i.v.)PT] was evaluated in advanced myeloma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four advanced myeloma patients were treated with multiple cycles of a regimen consisting of low dose i.v. melphalan (20 mg/m2) at d 1, thalidomide at the dose of 50-100 mg/d given continuously and oral prednisone at the planned dose of 50 mg/d every other day. Intravenous melphalan was administered every fourth month. Median time from diagnosis was 40 months (range: 8-144 months). Fifteen patients (66%) had previously been treated with a combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone or with thalidomide alone. RESULTS: Overall, on an intent-to treat basis, 14 patients responded: three achieved near complete remission (nCR), seven achieved partial response (PR), four minimal response (MR). Six patients showed stable disease (SD) and four-disease progression. Interestingly, of five patients who had previously progressed while on thalidomide and prednisone, one reached nCR, two PR and one MR. After a median follow up of 14 months, median progression free survival was 9 months. Response duration was longer than that induced by the previous line of treatment in eight patients (33%). Thalidomide-associated toxicity mainly consisted of constipation, tingling and sedation. CONCLUSIONS: M(i.v.)PT is an effective regimen, which can overcome resistance to thalidomide plus prednisone in advanced myeloma with acceptable toxicity.     

Thalidomide treatment of resistant or relapsed multiple myeloma patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Thalidomide is currently used as a very promising drug in patients with recurrent multiple myeloma or those refractory to chemotherapy. Literature data show prolonged survival in patients with advanced multiple myeloma treated with thalidomide but the optimal time and dose of thalidomide treatment remain to be established. DESIGN AND METHODS: We have treated 53 refractory or relapsed myeloma patients with thalidomide (Grunenthal, Aachen). The patients received thalidomide orally as monotherapy at a starting dose of 200 mg daily, with a dose increase of 100 mg every week to a maximum well-tolerated dose of 400 mg. All the patients qualified for the therapy underwent clinical and laboratory assessments every 4 weeks. Laboratory tests included complete blood count, electrophoresis, immunoglobulin level, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein, b2 microglobulin concentration, liver and renal function tests and there was also a monthly neurological examination. Bone marrow aspiration was performed every 3 months during the 12-month treatment. RESULTS: Among 53 evaluable patients, a clinical response was observed in 27 (51%): there was a major response in 7 patients, a partial response in 12 and a minor response in 8. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: In responding patients the earliest response was observed after 4 weeks of treatment and the latest after 12 weeks of treatment. Our results, obtained during a long observation period, show that thalidomide is an effective drug, with an acceptable degree of toxicity, in patients with refractory multiple myeloma.     

Thalidomide in the management of multiple myeloma

Thalidomide has recently been shown to have significant activity in refractory multiple myeloma (MM). A follow-up of the original phase II trial, expanded to 169 patients, shows 2-year survival of 60%; patients receiving > or =42 g over 3 months had a higher response rate and superior survival than those receiving lower doses. The addition of thalidomide to dexamethasone and chemotherapy for the management of post-transplant relapses results in higher response rates. The early results of the Total Therapy II trial for newly diagnosed MM patients show an unprecedented complete remission (CR) and near-CR rate of 69% after two melphalan-based transplants (whether or not receiving thalidomide). In addition, available clinical trial information involving at least 20 patients confirms that thalidomide is active in one third of patients in single-agent trials for refractory disease, with response rates increasing to 50% to 60% in combination with dexamethasone and to as high as 80% in combination with dexamethasone and chemotherapy. When applied as primary therapy in smoldering myeloma, one third of patients experienced 50% paraprotein reduction (PPR); in combination with dexamethasone pulsing, 70% to 80% of symptomatic patients responded. Thus, thalidomide is a major new tool in the treatment armamentarium of MM. The virtual lack of myelosuppression makes it an ideal agent for combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Newer, more potent, and less toxic derivatives of thalidomide are being evaluated.     

Dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, idarubicin and etoposide (DC-IE): a novel, intensive induction chemotherapy regimen for patients with high-risk multiple myeloma

We evaluated toxicities and responses to a novel, dose intensive and time sequenced, chemotherapy programme (DC-IE) in 45 patients with high-risk myeloma. DC-IE consisted of: dexamethasone (days 1–4); cyclophosphamide (day 5); idarubicin and etoposide (days 8–10). Complete response (CR) was achieved in four patients, six patients achieved near complete responses (nCR) and 21 patients achieved a partial remission (PR). Overall response rate was 76% (CI 56–94%) for newly diagnosed patients ( n  =21) and 62% (CI 36–81%) for relapsed/refractory patients ( n  =24). Toxicities were limited to myelosupression; two patients died of sepsis during neutropenia (4%). DC-IE is active and tolerable for high-risk multiple myeloma, including patients with relapsed or refractory disease to anthracycline containing regimens.     

Neurological toxicity of long-term (>1 yr) thalidomide therapy in patients with multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVE: Thalidomide is remarkably active in advanced relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM), so that its use has been recently proposed either in newly diagnosed patients or as maintenance treatment after conventional or high-dose therapy. This latter therapeutic approach has risen the concern of side-effects of long-term therapy with this drug. METHODS: We analysed long-term toxicity of 40 patients (27 M, 13 F, median age = 61.5 yr) who received salvage therapy with thalidomide +/- dexamethasone for longer than 12 months (median 15, range 12-44) at our centre. All the patients had achieved at least a stable disease upon treatment with thalidomide alone (200-400 mg/d, n = 20) or thalidomide (200 mg/d) and dexamethasone (40 mg/d for 4 d every 4 wk) (n = 20). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Neurotoxicity was the most troublesome and frequent toxic effect that was observed after long-term treatment, the incidence averaging 75%. Among these 30 patients symptoms included paraesthesias, tremor and dizziness. Neurotoxicity was grade 1 in six patients (15%); grade 2 in 13 patients (32.5%), thus determining thalidomide dose reduction to 100 mg/d; and grade 3 in 11 patients (27.5%) who had subsequently to interrupt therapy despite their response. Electromyographic study, performed in patients with grade >/=2 neurotoxicity, revealed a symmetrical, mainly sensory peripheral neuropathy, with minor motor involvement. The severity of neurotoxicity was not related to cumulative or daily thalidomide dose, but only to the duration of the disease prior to thalidomide treatment, although no patients presented neurological symptoms at study entry. These results suggest that long-term thalidomide therapy in MM may be hampered by the remarkable neurotoxicity of the drug, and that a neurological evaluation should be mandatory prior to thalidomide treatment, in order to identify patients at risk of developing a peripheral neuropathy.     

Hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide in combination with pulsed dexamethasone and thalidomide (HyperCDT) in primary refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma

Sixty patients with advanced multiple myeloma received 2-6 monthly treatment courses combining hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2 i.v. over 3 h q 12 h x 6, d 1-3) with pulsed dexamethasone (20 mg/m2/d p.o., d 1-4, 9-12, 17-20) and once daily thalidomide at individually escalating doses (100-400 mg/d) depending on tolerability (HyperCDT). Responding patients were maintained on daily thalidomide and monthly dexamethasone pulses. Complete, partial and minor response rates were 4%, 68% and 12% respectively; overall response rate was 84% (efficacy analysis). Median event-free and overall survival was 11 and 19 months respectively. During at least one treatment cycle, 67% of patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia resulting in 17% grade 3 and 9% grade 4 infections. Side-effects, presumably related to thalidomide, included neuropathy (40% grade 2, 16% grade 3), constipation (17%), oedema (5%), bradycardia (5%), skin reactions (3%), cerebrovascular events (5%) and deep vein thromboses (8%). Thromboses were not related to known thrombophilic risk factors. Four patients with prior myeloma therapy > 50 months developed myelodysplastic syndrome or secondary acute myeloid leukaemia 2-4 months after study entry. HyperCDT is a highly active and reasonably well-tolerated salvage regimen in advanced or refractory multiple myeloma.     

Thalidomide as "salvage" therapy for patients with delayed hypersensitivity response to infliximab: a case series

Infliximab is efficacious for refractory Crohn's disease, but delayed hypersensitivity reactions preclude retreatment for patients experiencing this complication. We report the results of four patients offered enrollment in an open label trial of thalidomide as "salvage" therapy for their refractory disease. Two patients with active fistulous disease and two with lumenal disease received open-label thalidomide 200 mg every night and were evaluated monthly at the University of Chicago Clinical Research Center for 12 weeks. Before administration, patients signed an informed consent form discussing the potential risks of thalidomide use. Female patients of child-bearing age underwent serum pregnancy testing every 4 weeks. Response was defined as an absolute decrease in Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) by 100 points or improvement in two of three clinical parameters for fistulous disease. A patient with a single perirectal fistula had complete closure by 4 weeks, the other had noticeable improvement of five perianal fistulae at 4 weeks and complete closure by 12 weeks. One lumenal patient had a CDAI decrease of 250 points in 4 weeks. The fourth patient withdrew secondary to sedation after only a week of therapy. Two patients (one fistula, one lumenal) continued thalidomide past the 3-month study period and remained in remission at 5 and 7 months. Side effects reported were sedation (four of four patients), hypertension (one of four), and peripheral neuropathy (one of four). Thalidomide appears to be a safe and effective alternative for short-term healing in patients who develop infliximab-induced delayed hypersensitivity reaction and may be an alternative strategy for those at risk.     

Low-dose thalidomide plus dexamethasone is an effective salvage therapy for advanced myeloma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The immunomodulatory drug thalidomide can inhibit angiogenesis and induce apoptosis in experimental models. It can also induce marked and durable response in advanced myeloma patients. Thalidomide has been used at doses ranging from 200 to 800 mg with significant toxicity. No data are available on the impact of low-dose thalidomide plus dexamethasone as salvage therapy for relapsed patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: To address this issue, myeloma patients were treated with 100 mg/day thalidomide continuously and dexamethasone 40 mg, days 1-4, every month. Between June 1999 and August 2000, 77 patients (median age 65 years) who had relapsed or were refractory to chemotherapy were treated with thalidomide plus dexamethasone. RESULTS: After a minimum of 3 months of treatment, 14 patients (18%) showed a myeloma protein reduction of 75%-100%, 18 patients (23%) showed a response of 50-75%, 19 patients (25%) a response of 25-50% and 26 patients (34%) a response of < 25% or disease progression. After a median follow-up of 8 months, median progression-free survival was 12 months. Thalidomide was well tolerated. Constipation (12%) and sedation (6%) were mild. Tingling or numbness were present in 17% of patients, discontinuation of treatment was required in 10% of patients. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: The association of low-dose thalidomide plus dexamethasone is active against advanced myeloma. A significant proportion of patients benefit from this treatment as a salvage therapy postponing the delivery of chemotherapy.     

A systematic review of phase-II trials of thalidomide monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

The activity of thalidomide in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma is widely accepted but not yet demonstrated in a randomised-controlled trial. A systematic review of the published clinical trials of these patients could reduce the possible bias of single phase-II studies. A systematic search identified 42 communications reporting on 1674 patients. Thirty-two trials used an escalating dosing regimen and four a fixed dose regimen (one dose with 50 mg/d, three doses with 200 mg/d). The target dose in the dose escalating trials was 800 mg/d in 17 trials, 400-600 mg/d in 10 and 200 mg/d in one trial. The intention-to-treat population for efficacy was 1629 patients with a median age of 62 years. The complete and partial (>50% reduction in monoclonal protein) response rate was 29.4% (95%-confidence interval, 27-32%). The rates for minor responses or stable disease were 13.8% (12-16%) and 11.0% (9-13%). Progressive disease was reported in 9.9% (8-11%). The median overall survival from all trials was reported at 14 months. Severe adverse events (grade III-IV) included somnolence 11%, constipation 16%, neuropathy 6%, rash 3%, thrombo-embolism 3%, cardiac 2%. In conclusion, thalidomide monotherapy achieved complete and partial responses in 29.4% of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.     

Thalidomide as a new treatment option in patients with multiple myeloma

Thalidomide as a new treatment option in patients with multiple myeloma. HISTORYAND ADMISSION FINDINGS: In a 56 year old woman the diagnosis of multiple myeloma of subtype IgG kappa led to the performance of an autologous stem cell transplantation. After initial partial remission the disease became refractory to standard chemotherapy requiring repeated plasmaphereses due to hyperproteinemia. INVESTIGATIONS: Before application of thalidomide the patient had a serum protein of 12 g/dl and a paraprotein of 4.4 g/dl. Bone marrow histology revealed a 40 % infiltration of the marrow by differentiated plasma cells. On neurologic examination a slightly diminished nerve conduction speed of the right median nerve due to carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed. TREATMENT AND COURSE: Treatment with thalidomide in a dosage of 400 mg p. o. was initiated and led to a partial remission with a > 50 % reduction of the paraprotein within four weeks. Due to a neuropathy (WHO grade 1) a dose reduction to 200 mg per day was performed after seven weeks of treatment. 48 weeks after initiation of treatment the patient remains in a stable partial remission with a paraprotein of 1.4 g/dl. After 20 weeks of treatment 5 % of the bone marrow remained infiltrated by monoclonal plasma cells. CONCLUSION: Monotherapy with thalidomide led to a stable partial remission in a patient with refractory multiple myeloma. In vitro thalidomide is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. Besides, a reduction of TNFalpha as well as an inhibition of cytokines have been described. The exact mechanism of the drug in multiple myeloma remains elusive. However several phase II trials have demonstrated a beneficial effect in relapsed or refractory disease. The optimal dosage and timing have to be studied in further trials.     

The combination of thalidomide and intermediate-dose dexamethasone is an effective but toxic treatment for patients with primary amyloidosis (AL)

Based on the efficacy of thalidomide in multiple myeloma and on its synergy with dexamethasone on myeloma plasma cells, we evaluated the combination of thalidomide (100 mg/d, with 100-mg increments every 2 weeks, up to 400 mg) and dexamethasone (20 mg on days 1-4) every 21 days in 31 patients with primary amyloidosis (AL) whose disease was refractory to or had relapsed after first-line therapy. Eleven (35%) patients tolerated the 400 mg/d thalidomide dose. Overall, 15 (48%) patients achieved hematologic response, with 6 (19%) complete remissions and 8 (26%) organ responses. Median time to response was 3.6 months (range, 2.5-8.0 months). Treatment-related toxicity was frequent (65%), and symptomatic bradycardia was a common (26%) adverse reaction. The combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone is rapidly effective and may represent a valuable second-line treatment for AL.     

Single-agent thalidomide for advanced and refractory multiple myeloma

Thalidomide as a single agent (200-400 mg/day) was administered in fourteen cases of refractory myeloma, from March 2001 till February 2002. The median age was 71 years (range 58 to 85 years), and the efficacy of thalidomide was observed in cases receiving treatment for at least three consecutive months. Response was evaluated in February 2002, according to the criteria for assessment of response described by Kakimoto et al. At the time of evaluation, two cases were in the PR2 state, one in PR3, two were stable, and three were PD. Evaluation of the response was not possible in six cases in whom treatment had to be discontinued due to intolerable side effects. The response to thalidomide was variable, with some cases responding well even to a low dose (200 mg/day) while a few others showed an early relapse due to the refractory nature of the disease in its response to the drug. The efficacy of treatment seemed to be correlated with the maturation pattern of myeloma cells. Side effects included neurological complications like somnolence, physiological symptoms such as constipation and so on, etc but all were relieved with symptomatic treatment. The drug was well tolerated in geriatric patients. Neutropenia was a dose limiting factor with half of the cases (7/14) presenting with severe neutropenia (grade 3-4), but a response was observed in all of them on administration of G-CSF. Thromboembolism occurred in two cases, the cause of which is not clear. These results suggest that thalidomide is a well tolerated drug and can be considered as a mainstay in the therapy of refractory myeloma.     

Effectiveness of propagermanium treatment in multiple myeloma patients

Interferon (IFN) is one of several drugs effective in treating multiple myeloma (MM), and propagermanium is an IFN inducer. We report on 10 MM patients who were treated with propagermanium at doses from 10 to 40 mg. Two patients achieved complete remission (CR), two patients achieved partial remission (PR), and the condition of four patients was stable (stable disease, SD). After discontinuation of propagermanium, the status of MM progressed in two patients who were in SD and in two patients who had achieved PR. The administration of propagermanium was restarted in one patient resulting in a decrease in her paraprotein.     

Thalidomide has limited single-agent activity in relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas: a phase II trial of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B

Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with demonstrated activity in multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Its activity is believed to be due modulation of the tumour milieu, including downregulation of angiogenesis and inflammatory cytokines. Between July 2001 and April 2004, 24 patients with relapsed/refractory indolent lymphomas received thalidomide 200 mg daily with escalation by 100 mg daily every 1-2 weeks as tolerated, up to a maximum of 800 mg daily. Patients had received a median of 2 (range, 1-4) prior regimens. Of 24 evaluable patients, two achieved a complete remission and one achieved a partial remission for an overall response rate of 12.5% (95% confidence interval: 2.6-32.4%). Eleven patients progressed during therapy. Grade 3-4 adverse effects included myelosuppression, fatigue, somnolence/depressed mood, neuropathy and dyspnea. Of concern was the occurrence of four thromboembolic events. Our results failed to demonstrate an important response rate to single agent thalidomide in indolent lymphomas and contrast with the higher activity level reported with the second generation immunomodulatory agent, lenalidomide.     

Thalidomide alone or in combination with dexamethasone in patients with advanced, relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and renal failure

Salvage therapy of patients with advanced, relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) is often limited by poor marrow reserve and multi-organ impairment. In particular, renal failure occurs in up to 50% of such patients, and this further limits the use of conventional chemotherapy. Thalidomide, both alone and in combination with dexamethasone, has been demonstrated to be useful in patients with advanced MM, as responses could be achieved in 30-60% of the cases. From May 2000 to November 2003, 20 consecutive MM patients (15 males, five females, median age 66.5 yr) with stage III relapsed/refractory MM and renal failure, defined as serum creatinine >130 mmol/L, gave their informed consent to be enrolled in a clinical trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy and the toxic effects of thalidomide. Three patients were undergoing chronic haemodialysis during the time of entry in the study. Eight patients have been treated with thalidomide as a single agent, at a starting dose of 100 mg/d, that was to be increased to 400 mg/d in case of good tolerance. Twelve patients have been treated with thalidomide at the maximum dose of 200 mg/d plus dexamethasone 40 mg/d for four consecutive days every 4 wk. A >50% decrease in serum or urine M component was observed in nine patients (45%), seven of whom have been treated with thalidomide + dexamethasone and three with thalidomide alone. Six additional patients achieved a minor response (>25% paraprotein decrease); the total response rate was thus 75%. Median response duration was 7 months (range 2-24 months). Four patients were refractory to treatment. Recovery of a normal renal function was observed in 12 of 15 responsive patients, two additional patients, in chronic haemodialysis, showed a reduction of serum creatinine. Toxicity profile of thalidomide with or without dexamethasone was comparable with that observed in patients with a normal renal function. In conclusion, our data show that thalidomide can be safely administered in patients with advanced MM and renal failure.     

Salvage therapy with thalidomide in patients with advanced relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Few therapeutic options are presently available for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who relapse after autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, or for patients who are refractory to conventional chemotherapy and not eligible for salvage high-dose therapy. Thalidomide, a glutamic acid derivative with anti-angiogenic properties, has been recently proposed as an effective therapy for patients with advanced refractory disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of thalidomide in a large series of MM patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: From October 1999 to January 2001, 65 patients (46 males/19 females) from 8 Italian institutions were treated with thalidomide. Twenty-six patients had relapsed after autologous stem cell transplantation, either single (n = 12) or double (n= 12); 38 patients had shown disease progression after >= 2 lines of conventional chemotherapy, 2 patients had relapsed after allotransplant, one single patient had not received previous treatment. Sixty-one (93.8%) patients were in stage III, median b2 microglobulin was 2.9 mg/L, and median bone marrow plasma cell infiltration was 50%. Thalidomide was initially administered at a dose of 100 mg/day; if well tolerated, the dose was to be increased serially by 200mg every other week to a maximum of 800 mg/day. RESULTS: The median administered dose of thalidomide was 400 mg/day. WHO grade > II toxic effects were constipation (52%), lethargy (34%), skin rash (11%), peripheral neuropathy (14%) and leukopenia (3%). Sixty patients are presently evaluable for response; of these, 17 (28.3%) showed > or = 50% reduction in serum or urinary M protein concentration and 11 (18.3%) showed > or = 25% tumor reduction, for a total response rate averaging 46.6%. After a median of 8 months' follow-up, 15/28 patients are alive and progression-free (at 2 to 16 months), 12 patients have relapsed, and 1 patient died of pulmonary edema while still in partial remission. Among pre-treatment variables that were analyzed for their potential relationship with tumor response, only the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the conditioned media obtained upon culture of bone marrow plasma cells was statistically significant. Plasma cells from patients who responded favorably to thalidomide secreted a significantly lower amount of VEGF than plasma cells from resistant patients (126.45 165 pg/mL vs 227.11 70 pg/mL, p=0.04). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that thalidomide is active in patients with advanced relapsed/refractory MM and represent the basis for ongoing clinical trials aimed at testing the role of this drug as front line therapy for newly diagnosed disease.