Vorinostat Plus Bortezomib for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Case Series Illustrating Utility in Clinical Practice

IntroductionIncreasing numbers of patients are presenting with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) following treatment with bortezomib. Therefore, there is a need for effective and well-tolerated treatment strategies after failure of bortezomib-based regimens. Vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has demonstrated antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity alone and in combination with bortezomib in preclinical models of MM. Preliminary results from ongoing phase I trials have demonstrated the clinical activity of vorinostat in combination with bortezomib in patients with MM. This case series reports our experience of combined vorinostat and bortezomib in 6 patients with relapsed/refractory MM after previous bortezomib.Materials and MethodsPatients received oral vorinostat 300 mg or 400 mg once daily (days 1-14) and bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 in a 21-day cycle.ResultsAll patients derived clinical benefit from combined vorinostat and bortezomib, with objective response observed in 5 of the 6 patients (≥ minimal response), including 1 very good partial response; stable disease was observed in the remaining patient. Patients remained on therapy until disease progression. Combined vorinostat and bortezomib therapy was well tolerated: grade 2 nausea and diarrhea were the only adverse events reported. No patients discontinued therapy because of toxicity, and no dose adjustments were required for either agent.ConclusionThese results suggest that combined vorinostat and bortezomib therapy is effective in patients with relapsed/refractory MM after failure of previous bortezomib-based regimens and support further evaluation of this combination in randomized trials.     

Final Results of a Phase 1 Study of Vorinostat,Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin,and Bortezomib in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Introduction/BackgroundDeacetylase inhibitors have synergistic activity in combination with proteasome inhibitors and anthracyclines in preclinical models of multiple myeloma (MM). We therefore evaluated the safety and efficacy of the deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and bortezomib in relapsed/refractory MM.Patients and MethodsThirty-two patients were treated with PLD and bortezomib in combination with escalating doses of vorinostat on days 4 to 11 or 1 to 14.ResultsThe maximum tolerated dose of vorinostat was 400 mg on days 4 to 11. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia attributable to protocol therapy were seen in 59% and 94% of patients, of which 37% and 47% were of grade 3 or higher severity, respectively. Constitutional and gastrointestinal adverse events of all grades were common, the majority of which were less than grade 3 in severity. The overall response rate (partial response rate or better) was 65% and the clinical benefit rate (minimal response rate or better) 74%. The overall response rate was 83%, 71%, and 45% for patients with bortezomib-naive, -sensitive, and -refractory MM, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 13.9 months and the 3-year overall survival 77%. Whole blood proteasome activity assays demonstrated a potential impact of vorinostat on the chymotryptic-like activity of the proteasome.ConclusionFurther evaluation of PLD, bortezomib, and deacetylase inhibitor combinations is warranted, with special attention directed toward strategies to improve tolerability.     

Bortezomib,doxorubicin and dexamethasone in advanced multiple myeloma

BackgroundBortezomib has shown significant activity in myeloma. In this multicenter trial, we assessed for the first time the combination of bortezomib, doxorubicin and low-dose dexamethasone (PAd) in the treatment of relapsed/refractory myeloma.Patients and methodsSixty-four patients were treated for a median of four 28-day cycles (1–6). Bortezomib was given at 1.3 mg/m² (days 1, 4, 8, 11) and dexamethasone at 40 mg (days 1–4); 34 patients receive doxorubicin at 20 mg/m² (days 1, 4) while 30 patients pegylated liposomal doxorubicin at 30 mg/m² (day 1).ResultsFifty-eight percent of patients had undergone prior autologous transplantation, 70% prior anthracycline and 27% prior bortezomib-based regimens. Forty-three patients (67%) achieved at least a partial response including 16 (25%) with at least a very good partial response. One-year event-free survival was 34% after PAd and 31% after the previous line of therapy (hazard ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 0.76–1.90, P = 0.43). One-year overall survival from the start of PAd was 66%. Grade 3–4 toxic effects included thrombocytopenia (48%), neutropenia (36%), infections (15%), anemia (13%), gastrointestinal disturbances (11%) and peripheral neuropathy (10%). Two patients had grade 3–4 cardiac heart failure.ConclusionsPAd is an active salvage therapy with manageable toxicity in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma.     

An Expanded Treatment Protocol of Panobinostat Plus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients With Previously Treated Myeloma

Background

Panobinostat was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and European Commission in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for patients with multiple myeloma who have received ≥ 2 regimens, including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory drug. The PANEX (panobinostat expansion) treatment protocol provided access to panobinostat and gathered additional safety data before commercial availability.

Weekly Bortezomib,Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin,and Dexamethasone Is a Safe and Effective Therapy for Elderly Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

BackgroundThe synergic, additive effect of bortezomib and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) has never been tested in an elderly group of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM).Patients and Methods:In this study, 25 patients with a median age of 75 years were treated with bortezomib at usual doses of 1.3 mg/m² every 21 days. After 2 cycles, bortezomib was given intravenously (I.V.) weekly every 32 days. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/m² I.V. was given on day 4 for 2 cycles and then was given on day 8. Dexamethasone 40 mg I.V. was given on days 1-4 for 2 cycles and then 20 mg weekly.Results:Bortezomib/PLD/dexamethasone therapy resulted in 20 of 25 objective responses for an overall response rate of 80% (complete remission + very good partial remission, 66%). Median overall survival was not reached. Median duration of response (progression-free survival) was 8 months. Eleven of 16 patients (68%) with ≥ VGPR still maintain a response at a median of 12 months versus 4 months for patients with < VGPR (PFS, overall survival; P = .0001). Grade 3/4 toxicities were mild in most of the patients.ConclusionBortezomib/PLD/dexamethasone combination is safe and effective in elderly patients with resistant-relapsing MM.     

A Phase II Trial of Bortezomib and Vorinostat in Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Background

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has demonstrated marked preclinical activity when combined with the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat in leukemia, multiple myeloma, and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the combination in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Daratumumab,Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Chinese Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Phase 3 LEPUS (MMY3009) Study

BackgroundDaratumumab plus bortezomib/dexamethasone (D-Vd) significantly improved outcomes versus Vd in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in the phase 3 CASTOR study. We report the results of a prespecified interim analysis of the phase 3 LEPUS study of D-Vd versus Vd in Chinese patients with RRMM.Patients and MethodsChinese patients with ≥ 1 prior line of therapy were randomized 2:1 to receive 8 cycles (21 days/cycle) of bortezomib (1.3 mg/m² subcutaneously) and dexamethasone (20 mg orally/intravenously) ± daratumumab (16 mg/kg intravenously). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsA total of 211 patients were randomized (D-Vd, 141; Vd, 70). After an 8.2-month median follow-up, D-Vd significantly prolonged PFS versus Vd (median, not reached vs. 6.3 months; hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.47; P < .00001) and significantly improved the rates of overall response (83% vs. 65%; P = .00527), ≥ very good partial response (65% vs. 33%; P = .00002), ≥ complete response (33% vs. 11%; P = .00079), and minimal residual disease negativity (10^–5 sensitivity; 22% vs. 3%; P = .0002). The PFS benefit of D-Vd versus Vd was maintained across prespecified subgroups, including patients with prior bortezomib treatment and with high-risk cytogenetics. Thrombocytopenia (D-Vd, 51%; Vd, 37%), lymphopenia (44%; 29%), and lung infection (30%; 22%) were the 3 most common grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events. Although patients in both treatment groups experienced higher rates of grade 3/4 lymphopenia and infections versus patients in CASTOR, the safety profile was generally consistent with that of CASTOR.ConclusionThese data support the use of D-Vd in Chinese patients with RRMM.     

Phase 1 Trial Evaluating Vorinostat Plus Bortezomib,Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

IntroductionBortezomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) is a standard induction therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. Given preclinical and clinical data suggesting the synergistic activity of the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat with both bortezomib and lenalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma, we hypothesized that adding vorinostat to VRD (R2V2) would increase the rate and the quality of responses to induction treatment. Here we report the results of a phase 1 trial (NCT01038388) evaluating R2V2 as up-front treatment for NDMM patients.Patients and MethodsR2V2 was tested as induction therapy in a dose-escalation phase 1 study in 30 NDMM patients deemed eligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation. Treatment consisted of 4 induction cycles with R2V2, followed by either autologous stem-cell transplantation or 4 additional R2V2 cycles and lenalidomide maintenance therapy.ResultsThe maximum tolerated dose of vorinostat was 200 mg daily. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal (87%), fatigue and peripheral neuropathy (60%), and thrombocytopenia (33%). R2V2 induced an objective response in 96% of patients, with 48% obtaining at least a complete remission. Median progression-free survival was 52 months, with 77% of patients alive at 5 years.ConclusionR2V2 as induction treatment for NDMM patients resulted in remarkable response rates at the cost of increased toxicity.     

Varicella-Zoster Virus Prophylaxis with Low-Dose Acyclovir in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Bortezomib

BackgroundVaricella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is a common complication in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated with bortezomib, with an incidence rate of 10%-60%. The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of acyclovir prophylaxis in this patient population.Patients and MethodsWe studied 98 consecutive patients with relapsed MM treated with bortezomib. Bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² was given on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21-day cycle. At first, patients did not receive any VZV prophylaxis, but because of the high incidence of VZV reactivation, VZV prophylaxis with acyclovir was implemented subsequently.ResultsA total of 11 patients treated with bortezomib did not have any VZV prophylaxis, and 4 of these 11 patients (36%) developed VZV reactivation in the form of herpes zoster. No VZV reactivations were observed in the 32 patients who received acyclovir 400 mg 3 times daily or the 55 patients who received acyclovir in a dose reduced to 400 mg once daily during bortezomib treatment.ConclusionVaricellazoster virus reactivation is a common and serious adverse effect of bortezomib treatment. Acyclovir 400 mg once daily is sufficient to protect from VZV reactivation in patients with MM treated with bortezomib.     

Bortezomib and Dexamethasone Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Patients With Multiple Myeloma Complicated by Renal Impairment

BackgroundRenal impairment is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM) and is related to shorter overall survival and increased rates of early death. Bortezomib is a new agent for the treatment of patients with myeloma, with high response rates and controllable side effects. In this study, we will evaluate the efficacy and safety of bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed MM complicated by renal impairment.Patients and MethodsThis is a prospective study of the general characteristics, reversibility of renal impairment, response of myeloma, and side effects of 18 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with MM and renal impairment who received ≥ 2 cycles of bortezomib and dexamethasone.ResultsOf 18 patients newly diagnosed with MM, the median age was 60 years, and the median serum creatinine was 5.3 mg/dL. Patients received a median of 4 cycles of bortezomib and dexamethasone. Reversal of renal impairment was documented in 38.9% of the patients, and the median time to reversal was 16 days. Moreover, 33.3% of the patients achieved renal response (a 50% decrease in serum creatinine). The overall response rate of MM was 83.3%, including a 33.3% complete response (CR) rate, a 16.7% near-CR rate, a 16.7% very good partial response (PR) rate, and a 16.7% PR rate. Grade 3/4 adverse events consisted of infection (n = 3), peripheral neuropathy (n = 3), and ileus (n = 1). After a median follow-up of 15.7 months, the median progression-free survival for all patients was 12.6 months.ConclusionBortezomib plus dexamethasone is a safe and effective regimen for newly diagnosed patients with MM complicated by renal impairment.     

Efficacy and safety of pegylated liposomal Doxorubicin in combination with bortezomib for multiple myeloma: effects of adverse prognostic factors on outcome

Introduction:Bortezomib with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is superior to bortezomib alone in the relapsed and/or refractory setting, based on the results of a randomized, parallel-group, open-label, multicenter phase III study. To identify patients who might most benefit from this new standard of care, we performed retrospective analyses evaluating the effects of clinically defined, high-risk features on the outcomes with this regimen.Patients and Methods:Patients received either bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of an every-21-day cycle with PLD 30 mg/m² on day 4 (n = 324) or bortezomib alone (n = 322). Four high- and low-risk subgroup categories were identified, including age ≥ 65, ≥ 2 previous therapies, International Staging System stage II/III, and disease refractory to last previous therapy.Results:Compared with bortezomib alone, PLD plus bortezomib significantly prolonged the time to progression and duration of response in all of these subgroups. PLD plus bortezomib was well tolerated in all subgroups, and had a safety profile that was not affected by response to previous therapy.Conclusion:Treatment of relapsed/refractory myeloma with the combination of PLD plus bortezomib provides better outcomes over bortezomib alone, even in the presence of high-risk prognostic factors. These results suggest that PLD plus bortezomib may represent an additional standard of care for this population of patients with multiple myeloma.     

Safety of prolonged therapy with bortezomib in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND: Bortezomib, a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor, is active with manageable toxicities in relapsed and/or refractory myeloma. METHODS: Bortezomib 1.0 or 1.3 mg/m2 was administered Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 21 days for up to 8 cycles to patients with relapsed and/or refractory myeloma participating in two Phase II trials. Dexamethasone could be added because of progressive disease after 2 cycles or stable disease after 4 cycles. Continuation of or retreatment with bortezomib was offered to patients who, in the investigator's opinion, would benefit from extended treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma treated in this extension trial received a median of 7 additional cycles of therapy, for a total of 14 cycles (range, 7-32) over a median duration of therapy of 45.1 weeks in the parent and extension studies. Seventy-eight percent of patients completed this study at the same or higher bortezomib dose than they started on during this study, and the treatment schedule of twice-weekly administration remained unchanged in 89%. Overall, 75% of patients received dexamethasone in combination with bortezomib for a median of 5 cycles starting either in the parent or extension study. The safety profile was similar between the extension and parent trials, with no evidence of new cumulative toxicity. The most commonly reported Grade 3/4 toxicities were thrombocytopenia (29%), with a consistent pattern of recovery during the rest period of each cycle, diarrhea (11%), anemia (11%), and neutropenia (10%). Neuropathy was reported less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Retreatment with or continuation of bortezomib +/- dexamethasone beyond 6 months was safe, and toxicities were manageable, in patients with relapsed and/or refractory myeloma.     

Outcomes of Daratumumab,Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone,Followed by High-dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation,in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

BackgroundThe number of therapeutic options for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) has increased significantly. Our institute treated a series of patients with RRMM using DPd (daratumumab, pomalidomide, dexamethasone) as salvage therapy, followed by high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).Patients and MethodsWe treated 18 patients with RRMM from May 2016 to April 2020, with DPd as salvage therapy, followed by HDCT and ASCT. DPd was administered as daratumumab 16 mg/kg weekly for cycles 1 and 2, every 2 weeks for cycles 3 to 6, and then every 4 weeks. Pomalidomide was given at 4 mg orally on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle, and dexamethasone at 20 or 40 mg weekly.ResultsThe patients had received a median of 2 (range, 1-4) previous regimens. Of the 18 patients, 13 (72%) had received ASCT before this treatment. In addition, 78% had disease refractory to proteasome inhibitors, 78% refractory to immunomodulatory agents, and 72% double refractory to immunomodulatory agents and proteasome inhibitors. The overall response rate after salvage treatment with DPd was 100% and at day 100 after ASCT was 100%; 67% had achieved a complete response or better and 78% had achieved a very good partial response or better. No treatment-related mortality had occurred by day 100. The 2-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 83.3% and 94.4%, respectively. The most common grade ≥ 3 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (100%), neutropenia (100%), and neutropenic fever (67%).ConclusionsDPd as salvage therapy, followed by HDCT and ASCT, demonstrated deep, durable, and clinically meaningful responses with a manageable safety profile in patients with RRMM.     

硼替佐米为主方案治疗复发难治性多发性骨髓瘤

 目的 探讨硼替佐米联合地塞米松等治疗复发难治性多发性骨髓瘤（MM）的疗效及毒副作用。方法 5例复发难治的MM采用硼替佐米1.1 ~ 1.3 mg／m2,联合地塞米松30 mg ~ 40 mg,第1、4、8、11天;沙利度胺100 ~ 200 mg,第1天至第21天,第4天加或不加表柔比星,3周为1个疗程,每位患者治疗1 ~ 4个疗程。根据欧洲血液病和骨髓移植组（EBMT）标准判断疗效、WHO抗癌药毒副作用的分度标准判断不良反应。结果 5例患者均有效,疗效出现在治疗3周后,1个疗程近似完全缓解（CR）2例,轻微有效（MR）2例,另1例3个疗程后达部分缓解（PR）。患者不良反应主要是贫血、白细胞和血小板减少,其减少的程度和治疗前水平相关,其次为腹泻、末梢神经炎和乏力,经对症处理缓解。结论 硼替佐米联合地塞米松等能有效治疗复发难治性MM,耐受性良好。     

Intravenous injection of bortezomib,melphalan and dexamethasone in refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma

BackgroundA combination of bortezomib (1.3 mg/m²), melphalan (5 mg/m²), and dexamethasone (40 mg) (BMD), with all three drugs given as a contemporary intravenous administration, was retrospectively evaluated.Patients and methodsFifty previously treated (median 2 previous lines) patients with myeloma (33 relapsed and 17 refractory) were assessed. The first 19 patients were treated with a twice-a-week (days 1, 4, 8, 11, ‘base’ schedule) administration while, in the remaining 31 patients, the three drugs were administered once a week (days 1, 8, 15, 22, ‘weekly’ schedule).ResultsSide-effects were predictable and manageable, with prominent haematological toxicity, and a better toxic profile in ‘weekly’ schedule (36% versus 66% in ‘base’ schedule). The overall response rate was 62%. After median follow-up of 24.5 months (range 2.7–50 months), the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 21.6 with no difference between the two schedules and the median overall survival (OS) was 33.8 months. Independently from the adopted schedule, we found that also in a cohort of relapsed/refractory patients achieving at least partial remission improved PFS (35.2 versus 9 months) and OS (unreached median versus 18 months).ConclusionTaken together, our observations suggest that BMD is an effective regimen in advanced myeloma patients with acceptable toxicity.     

Bortezomib,melphalan, and prednisone in elderly patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND:

In elderly patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), the addition of bortezomib to standard, combined oral melphalan and prednisone (MP) significantly increases the response rate and event‐free survival compared with MP alone.

METHODS:

In this phase 1/2 trial, the authors assessed the dosing, efficacy, and safety of a lower dose‐intensity MP schedule plus weekly bortezomib as salvage treatment for elderly patients with MM. To assess the maximum tolerated dose, 19 patients who had relapsed/refractory MM after 1 or 2 lines of treatment entered the first phase of the study. They received melphalan at a dose of 24 mg for 28 days; bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² on days 1, 8, 15, and 22; and prednisone at a dose of 50 mg every other day of a 28‐day cycle for a total of 9 cycles. At the end of the first phase, based on the good efficacy and acceptable toxicity of this combination, an additional 23 patients were enrolled.

RESULTS:

After a median follow‐up of 21 months, of 42 patients who relapsed, 24 (57%) obtained at least a partial response, 4 had stable disease, and 11 had progressive disease. The median time to progression was 18 months, and the median overall survival was 30 months. Grade 3 and 4 toxicity was observed in 16 of 42 patients (38%) and was more frequent during the early cycles.

CONCLUSIONS:

A weekly infusion of bortezomib associated with lower dose‐intensity MP induced a high proportion of responses and was well tolerated in elderly patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.     

Oprozomib,pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone in Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

IntroductionThis phase Ib study evaluated oprozomib, an oral proteasome inhibitor, plus pomalidomide-dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).Patients and MethodsPatients received oprozomib once-daily on days 1 to 5 and 15 to 19 (5/14 schedule; 150 mg/day starting dose) or on 2 consecutive days weekly (2/7 schedule; 210 mg/day starting dose) of 28-day cycles, pomalidomide on days 1 to 21 (4 mg/day starting dose), and dexamethasone 20 mg on 2 consecutive days weekly. A 3 + 3 dose-escalation schema was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose.ResultsThirty-one patients were treated (5/14, n = 4; 2/7, n = 27). Oprozomib maximum tolerated dose was not defined. The 2/7 schedule (oprozomib 210 mg/day, pomalidomide 4 mg/day) was selected for dose expansion based on overall safety (n = 17). In this group, the most common adverse events (AEs) were gastrointestinal (diarrhea [88.2%], nausea [58.8%], and vomiting [58.8%]); grade ≥ 3 gastrointestinal AEs were uncommon. The most common grade ≥ 3 AEs were hematologic (anemia [47.1%], neutropenia [35.3%], and thrombocytopenia [29.4%]). One dose-limiting toxicity (gastric hemorrhage) occurred; 3 patients discontinued owing to AEs. The overall response rate was 70.6%.ConclusionSafety and pharmacokinetic profiles were concerns with the oprozomib formulation used in this study and need to be improved. Oprozomib-pomalidomide-dexamethasone (2/7 schedule) had encouraging efficacy, supporting an ongoing phase Ib study evaluating new oprozomib formulations for this combination in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.     

Bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone and subsequent thalidomide for newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma: A Chinese experience

ObjectiveBortezomib–dexamethasone–thalidomide has been reported to be effective in newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) with an overall response rate of 92% and a CR rate of 18% (Alexanian et al, Hematology 2007;12(3):235–9), but this regimen has not been tested in the Chinese patients. We report here our results testing with this combination in the Chinese population and to investigate the efficacy and safety of bortezomib in combination of dexamethasone plus subsequent thalidomide as primary treatment for MM.MethodsBetween June 2006 and March 2008, 20 consecutive newly-diagnosed patients with symptomatic MM were treated with bortezomib at 1.3 mg/m² IV on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 and dexamethasone at 20 mg/m² IV daily on the day of bortezomib and the day after. All patients received daily oral thalidomide that was escalated from 100 mg to 200 mg. Fourteen patients were male and 6 were female. Median age was 59 years (range 43–86 years). 11 patients were stage 2 according to the International Staging System, 8 were stage 3, only 1 patient was stage 1. All patients received a median of two cycles of therapy (range 1–6). The EBMT criteria were used for response evaluation. Toxicities were evaluated according to the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.Results16 out of 20 patients (80%) achieved PR and 3 (15%) achieved CR; therefore the overall response rate was 95%. With a median follow-up duration of 7.8 months (4–22 months), no patients died. Grade 3–4 toxicities included fatigue (3/20), thrombocytopenia (10/20) diarrhea (5/20) and orthostatic hypotension (3/20) Grade 2 neuropathy occurred in four out of 20 patients and herpes zoster occurred in four out of 20 patients. Routine anticoagulation or anti-thrombosis was not used. Only 1 patient suffered from DVT/PE.ConclusionsOur preliminary experience in Chinese patients indicated that bortezomib–dexamethasone–thalidomide is highly effective in newly-diagnosed MM. Grade three and 4 toxicities are rare after median 2 cycles of therapy. The relative lower rates of neuropathy and DVT/PE in the Chinese patients with MM are being cautiously observed.