Bortezomib in first-line therapy is associated with falls in older adults with multiple myeloma

BackgroundBortezomib is a common multiple myeloma therapy that can cause treatment-related peripheral neuropathy, a risk factor for falls. The relationship between bortezomib and falls in older patients with multiple myeloma is unknown.MethodsWe analyzed the SEER-Medicare database for patients aged 65 or older diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 2007 and 2013. Claims were analyzed for myeloma treatments, falls, and covariates of interest. We evaluated accidental falls occurring within 12 months after starting first-line multiple myeloma treatment with bortezomib.ResultsBortezomib was used in first-line therapy for 2052 older adults with new diagnoses of multiple myeloma. Claims for falls were reported in 157 (8%) patients within 12 months after starting bortezomib, compared to 102 (5%) patients not receiving bortezomib (p < 0.001). Bortezomib was associated with a 36% increased risk of falls after controlling for covariates (aHR 1.36; 95% CI 1.05–1.75; p = 0.018). In a landmark analysis of those who survived 12 months after starting treatment, the median overall survival of those with a fall was 35.7 months compared to 49.1 months for those without (p < 0.0001). A fall in the first year after diagnosis was associated with a 26% increased risk in hazard for death (aHR 1.26; 95% CI 1.02–1.56; p = 0.033).ConclusionIn older adults with multiple myeloma, bortezomib was associated with an increased risk of having a diagnostic code for falls. Decreased overall survival was seen in those who fell within the year of starting therapy. Prospective trials involving fall assessments and fall-prevention interventions are needed in this population.     

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.     

Analysis of the Efficacy of Thalidomide Plus Dexamethasone-Based Regimens in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Who Received Prior Chemotherapy,Including Bortezomib and Lenalidomide: KMM-166 Study

BackgroundFor patients with multiple myeloma (MM) that relapsed after treatment with bortezomib- and lenalidomide-based regimens, there were no other treatment options in Korea until 2016. We aimed to determine the efficacy of thalidomide plus dexamethasone-based regimens in patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis in Korea for patients with RRMM treated with thalidomide-based regimens who previously received bortezomib and immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs), including thalidomide and lenalidomide.ResultsIn 47 patients with RRMM, the median age was 64 years and the median number of previous treatment lines, including bortezomib and IMiDs, was 3. Primary resistance to bortezomib and lenalidomide was observed in 12 (26%) and 8 (17%) patients, respectively. The most common regimen was a combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone. The overall response rate was 38%; 2 patients (4%) experienced a complete response, and 2 patients (4%) experienced a very good partial response. The overall response rate of patients previously exposed to thalidomide was 53%. The median progression-free survival was 5.9 months, and overall survival was 9.2 months. Patients with disease that responded to the thalidomide-based regimen had better progression-free survival compared to those who did not (median, 8.8 vs. 2.5 months; P = .008). The most common adverse events were anemia (51%) for hematologic toxicities and peripheral neuropathy (30%) for nonhematologic toxicities.ConclusionThalidomide-based regimens are potential salvage treatment options for patients with RRMM, even those with disease with prior resistance to IMiDs.     

Neurotoxicity of bortezomib therapy in multiple myeloma: a single-center experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Bortezomib is active in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients; the dose-limiting toxicity is peripheral neuropathy (PN). METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the incidence, severity, and risk factors for PN in 78 patients who received bortezomib. The median age was 57 years (range, 33-80 years), 62% of patients were men, and 37% of patients were African Americans. Seventeen patients (22%) had diabetes mellitus (DM), and 66 patients (85%) had received thalidomide. Before bortezomib treatment, 37% of the patients reported subjective, grade 1 or 2 PN. Patients received bortezomib alone (n = 10 patients) plus dexamethasone (n = 36 patients) and thalidomide (n = 20 patients) or chemotherapy (n = 12 patients). PN affected 52% of patients, including grade 3 and 4 PN in 15% and 7%, respectively. RESULTS: Twelve patients stopped bortezomib because of side effects that included PN (n = 9 patients), diarrhea (n = 2 patients) and cytomegalovirus pneumonia (n = 1 patient); 11 patients had dose reductions because of PN. Grade 4 PN affected 6 patients (sensory, n = 4 patients; motor/sensory, n = 2 patients). The onset of grade 4 PN was sudden rather than cumulative. Factors that were predictive of PN grade were baseline PN (P = .002), prior thalidomide use (P = .03), and the presence of DM (P = .03). Multiple myeloma responses included complete, near complete, and partial responses in 5% of patients, 10% of patients, and 27% of patients, respectively. Responses were independent of PN and of whether bortezomib was combined with chemotherapy or thalidomide. Patients remained on therapy longer for a median of 5 cycles (range, 2-36 cycles) when they received bortezomib plus thalidomide versus 3 cycles (range, 1-19 cycles) for the other combinations. PN therapy was mostly supportive. It was noteworthy that 6 of 9 patients with PN who received lenalidomide as salvage therapy after bortezomib had significant improvement in their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of bortezomib-related PN was greater in patients who had PN and DM at baseline. The authors concluded that an unexpected, symptomatic improvement of PN on lenalidomide is worth further investigation.     

Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma: A comparison between previously treated and untreated patients

Peripheral neuropathy (PN), with neuropathic pain as main symptom, represents the dose-limiting toxicity of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Aim of this study was to compare the incidence, risk factors, severity and outcome of PN and neuropathic pain in patient treated with bortezomib up-front or at relapse. We studied 55 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who received bortezomib as first line therapy and 70 pre-treated patients who received bortezomib in relapse or progression. Regarding PN, no differences were found among untreated and pre-treated patients in the incidence (55% vs 52%, p = 0.43), severity (NCI grade 3–4 9% vs 14%, p = 0.27), and outcome (improved/resolved 90% vs 91%, p = 0.58). Concerning neuropathic pain, the incidence was lower (50% vs 81%, p = 0.008) and solved earlier (35 days vs 91 days, p = 0.02) in untreated compared with pre-treated patients. Untreated patients needed dose modification less frequently (36% vs 73%, p = 0.012). No correlation was found between development of PN and prior exposure to potentially neurotoxic drugs such as thalidomide, vincristine, and cysplatin. Age represented the main risk factor for PN (p = 0.036) with an increase in risk of PN amounting to 6% per year of age. In conclusion, incidence, severity and outcome of bortezomib-related PN are similar in untreated and pre-treated MM patients except for neuropathic pain which has lower incidence and shorter duration in untreated patients with less frequent need for bortezomib discontinuation. Age emerges as the most relevant risk factor for peripheral neuropathy, with a risk increase for PN of 6% per year of age.     

Analysis of Efficacy and Prognostic Factors of Lenalidomide Treatment as Part of a Dutch Compassionate Use Program

Background and Methods:To obtain efficacy and safety data on lenalidomide treatment outside of clinical trials, we analyzed the clinical data of 114 patients with refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide on a compassionate use basis. The recommended treatment consisted of lenalidomide 25 mg given on days 1-21 of a 28-day cycle, in combination with dexamethasone. A median of 3 previous lines of therapy were given, including thalidomide in 91%. Most patients were treated until progression or intolerable toxicity.Results:The median number of cycles was 7 (range, 1-21+ cycles) with a maximum response after a median of 3 cycles (range, 1-10 cycles). The overall response rate was 69%, including complete response in 6%, very good partial response in 19%, and partial response in 44%. The response rate was not influenced by previous thalidomide and/or bortezomib treatment. The median time to progression (TTP) was 9 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 22 months. A significantly longer TTP was observed in patients who previously underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (12.5 months vs. 8 months; P = .036). Overall survival was significantly affected by performance status (P < .0001). Lenalidomide toxicity was predominantly hematologic (37%; Common Toxicity Criteria ≥ 3) and the incidence of venous thrombotic events was low (5%) using the recommended prophylaxis.Conclusion:This analysis confirms that, outside clinical prospective trials, treatment with lenalidomide is highly effective and feasible in heavily pretreated patients with multiple myeloma.     

Impact of Body Mass Index on the Incidence of Bortezomib-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

BackgroundPeripheral neuropathy is one of the most common dose-limiting toxicities associated with bortezomib; it can lead to dose reductions or therapy discontinuation. Obesity has been identified as being a risk factor for the development of peripheral neuropathy with other neurotoxic anticancer agents. We aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on the incidence and severity of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy.Patients and MethodsThis is a retrospective, single-center study of patients treated with subcutaneous bortezomib between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2017. Eligible patients received at least 1 full cycle of subcutaneous bortezomib and had previously untreated, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Patients who received intravenous bortezomib or concomitant thalidomide were excluded. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their body mass index (BMI): normal/underweight (BMI < 25), overweight (BMI = 25-29.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 30).ResultsA total of 143 patients fitting the inclusion criteria were identified. Patients across the 3 groups received bortezomib at similar doses and schedules (weekly vs. biweekly). Obese patients had an increased incidence in developing bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (56.4%) compared with normal/underweight (17.3%) and overweight patients (26.9%). Further analysis showed that, compared with normal/underweight and overweight patients, obesity was not found to be associated with an increased risk of grade 3 to 4 bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (P = .451).ConclusionObese patients were found to be at higher risk for the development of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy compared with non-obese patients.     

Bortezomib–thalidomide-based regimens improved clinical outcomes without increasing toxicity as induction treatment for untreated multiple myeloma: A meta-analysis of phase III randomized controlled trials

Novel agents thalidomide and bortezomib have significantly improved myeloma treatment. However, it remains unclear whether patients will benefit more from the combination therapy of these two agents. Our meta-analysis aims to compare the efficiency, and more importantly, the safety of bortezomib–thalidomide-based (VT-based) versus bortezomib-based or thalidomide-based (V-based/T-based) regimens as induction therapy in patients with previously untreated myeloma. Overall, five phase III RCTs including 1765 patients were identified. Compared with V-based or T-based regimens, VT-based regimens significantly improved CR (OR = 2.22, 95% CI [1.44, 3.43]), ORR (OR = 2.19, 95% CI [1.51, 3.19]) as well as PFS (HR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.54, 0.88]), but not OS (HR = 1.04, 95% CI [0.91, 1.19]). Notably, most expected side effects of bortezomib or thalidomide were comparable in both groups, including hematologic (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), nonhematologic (peripheral neuropathy, deep venous thrombosis, infections, gastrointestinal events) side effects and discontinuation during or after induction therapy. These results suggest that combination of thalidomide and bortezomib might be a better first-line choice for patients with untreated myeloma.     

An analysis of clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of single-agent thalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

Given that the efficacy/safety of thalidomide for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma have not been well characterized in a randomized, controlled setting, an analysis of larger, single-agent trials was conducted. Nine trials met the following inclusion criteria: primary population of multiple myeloma; all patients relapsed or refractory; single-agent thalidomide; and sample size ≥50. At median doses of 200 - 800 mg per day, the pooled overall response rate (ORR) was 28.2% (95% CI: 22.6 - 33.7%), including a complete response (CR) rate of 1.6% (95% CI: 0.3 - 2.9%) and partial response rate of 26.0% (95% CI: 20.1 - 32.0%). Response was typically based on M-protein reduction alone. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) incidence varied from 12 - 44%, possibly impacted by the short median follow-up (9 - 29 months). Pooled venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence was 2.7% (95% CI: 1.1 - 4.3%) and discontinuation due to intolerance (DDI) rate was 14.9% (95% CI: 12.0 - 17.7%). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and PN incidence were not pooled due to lack of reporting and trial heterogeneity. Prognostic factors identified included B₂M (PFS) and advanced age (PFS and OS). Overall, thalidomide demonstrated an ORR approaching 30%, with low CR rate of 1.6% and VTE and DDI incidences of 3% and 15%, respectively.     

EMA Review of Daratumumab (Darzalex) for the Treatment of Adult Patients Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma

The use of daratumumab in combination with established regimens for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma has recently been authorized by the European Medicines Agency based on results from three separate phase III randomized, active controlled, open‐label studies that have confirmed enhanced efficacy and tolerability in both transplant‐ineligible (MMY3008 and MMY3007) and transplant‐eligible (MMY3006) patients, without compromising transplant ability. Trial MMY3008 showed an improvement in progression‐free survival (PFS) when daratumumab was added to lenalidomide and dexamethasone compared with lenalidomide and dexamethasone; the median PFS had not been reached in the daratumumab arm and was 31.9 months in the control arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43–0.73; p < .0001). Trial MMY3007 showed an improvement in PFS when daratumumab was added to bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone compared with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone; PFS had not been reached in the daratumumab arm and was 18.1 months in the control arm (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.38–0.65; p < .0001). In trial MMY3006, daratumumab added to bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone was compared with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone as induction and consolidation treatment prior to autologous stem cell transplant. The stringent complete response rate at day 100 after transplant in the daratumumab group was 29% compared with 20% in the control group (odds ratio, 1.60; 1.21–2.12 95% CI; p = .0010). Overall adverse events were manageable, with an increased rate of neutropenia and infections in the daratumumab arms. Regulatory assessment of efficacy and safety results from trials MMY3006, MMY3007, and MMY3008 confirmed a positive benefit‐risk ratio leading to an approval of the extensions of indication.Implications for PracticeA set of extensions of indication was recently approved for daratumumab (Darzalex) in the setting of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in combination with established regimens. Results of the MMY3006, MMY3007, and MMY3008 trials have shown enhanced efficacy and a favorable side effect profile of several daratumumab‐based combinations in patients both ineligible and eligible for transplant, without compromising transplant ability. The combinations of daratumumab with either lenalidomide and low‐dose dexamethasone or bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone were approved for transplant‐ineligible patients. The combination of daratumumab with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone was approved for transplant‐eligible patients. These combinations are expected to improve the survival outlook for patients with multiple myeloma, without an unacceptable risk of increase in adverse events, and updated information on progression‐free survival and overall survival is expected from the above trials.     

Therapy‐related peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients

This review discusses the most common issues concerning multiple myeloma (MM)‐related peripheral neuropathy (PN). This is an important MM complication, observed in up to 54% of newly diagnosed patients, caused by the disease itself or its treatment. Although its aetiology is largely unknown, a number of mechanisms are suspected. It is important to know the neurological status of a patient, as many new antimyeloma medicines can trigger or exacerbate any pre‐existing neuropathy. Examples include thalidomide‐induced and bortezomib‐induced PN (TiPN and BiTN, respectively), which are key MM treatment options. TiPN is usually sensory and sensorimotor, whereas BiPN is typically sensory. The mechanisms of chemotherapy‐induced neurotoxicity in MM are well known; thalidomide seems to induce PN through its antiangiogenic properties, whereas bortezomib neurotoxicity is connected with disrupted calcium homeostasis. TiPN incidence ranges from 25% to 75%, and its prevalence and severity appears to be dose‐dependent. BiPN incidence is almost 40% and is dose‐related as well. Poor (25%) reversibility of TiPN prompted the recommendations for dose and exposure reduction, whereas BiPN cases are mostly reversible (64%). Peripheral sensory neuropathy is very rare in patients receiving bendamustine monotherapy. Because of this favourable toxicity profile, bendamustine may be considered a promising option for combination therapies in pre‐existing PN in myeloma patients. Considering the lack of curative therapy for treatment‐emergent PN, prevention is a key management strategy in MM patients. All patients should be evaluated for PN before the administration of a neurotoxic drug, and those under treatment should be closely monitored by a neurologist. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Daratumumab,Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients With Previously Treated Multiple Myeloma: Three-year Follow-up of CASTOR

BackgroundIn the phase III CASTOR study in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (D-Vd) demonstrated significant clinical benefit versus Vd alone. Outcomes after 40.0 months of median follow-up are discussed.Patients and MethodsEligible patients had received ≥ 1 line of treatment and were administered bortezomib (1.3 mg/m²) and dexamethasone (20 mg) for 8 cycles with or without daratumumab (16 mg/kg) until disease progression.ResultsOf 498 patients in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (D-Vd, n = 251; Vd, n = 247), 47% had 1 prior line of treatment (1PL; D-Vd, n = 122; Vd, n = 113). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly prolonged with D-Vd versus Vd in the ITT population (16.7 vs. 7.1 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.40; P < .0001) and the 1PL subgroup (27.0 vs. 7.9 months; HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.15-0.32; P < .0001). In lenalidomide-refractory patients, the median PFS was 7.8 versus 4.9 months (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28-0.68; P = .0002) for D-Vd (n = 60) versus Vd (n = 81). Minimal residual disease (MRD)–negativity rates (10⁻⁵) were greater with D-Vd versus Vd (ITT: 14% vs. 2%; 1PL: 20% vs. 3%; both P < .0001). PFS2 was significantly prolonged with D-Vd versus Vd (ITT: HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.38-0.61; 1PL: HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24-0.51; P < .0001). No new safety concerns were observed.ConclusionAfter 3 years, D-Vd maintained significant benefits in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma with a consistent safety profile. D-Vd provided the greatest benefit at first relapse and increased MRD-negativity rates.     

KD-PACE Salvage Therapy for Aggressive Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma,Plasma Cell Leukemia and Extramedullary Myeloma

BackgroundPatients with advanced/aggressive multiple myeloma have limited treatment options to achieve rapid disease control. In eligible patients, bortezomib, dexamethasone, thalidomide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide is often used. However, many patients are refractory to or have toxicities from bortezomib and there is a need for bridging therapy. We have used a modified regimen incorporating the second-generation proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib (carfilzomib, dexamethasone, thalidomide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide [KD-PACE]) instead of bortezomib for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.Patients and MethodsThis 2-center retrospective study included consecutive patients receiving KD-PACE for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, or extramedullary myeloma. The primary outcome was the feasibility of KD-PACE as a bridging therapy to a more definitive treatment option.ResultsFifty-two patients were included. The median age was 57 years, and 67% were male. Thirty-one patients were bridged with KD-PACE to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (29%), allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (27%), or a clinical trial (12%). Patients bridged to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant, allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, or a clinical trial had a superior progression-free survival (8.3 months vs 2.3 months in the nonbridged group; P < .001) and overall survival (median, 16.7 months vs 4.3 months in the nonbridged group; P < .001). No unexpected toxicities occurred from the treatment regimen.ConclusionKD-PACE is a promising treatment option for select patients with advanced/aggressive forms of myeloma requiring rapid disease control before a more definitive salvage therapy such as auto/allotransplantation or a clinical trial.     

Long-Term Outcomes of Autologous Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: Significant Survival Benefit of Novel Drugs in Post-Transplantation Relapse

BackgroundAutologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) has an important role in the treatment of patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM). Treatment options for myeloma have expanded in the past decade, and it seems that patients who are treated with novel drugs such as thalidomide and bortezomib for relapse after autoSCT have longer overall survival (OS).Patients and MethodsHerein, we describe the long-term outcome of a cohort of 185 patients with newly diagnosed MM treated with autoSCT. We have analyzed factors that might predict for long-term survival.ResultsFollowing autoSCT, the overall response rate was 94% (173 of 185 patients); 29% (53 of 185 patients) were in complete remission (CR). Median time to progression (TTP) and OS from start of therapy were 39.8 months and 77.9 months, respectively. The median follow-up was 103.8 months (range, 60.8-144.8 months); 23% of the patients are alive and disease free, 21% of the patients are alive with relapse, and 56% of the patients have died. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with significantly better OS were International Staging System (ISS) disease stage < III (hazard ratio [HR], 2.6; P < .001), achievement of CR after autoSCT (HR, 2.8; P < .001) and use of thalidomide (HR, 4.3; P < .001) and/or bortezomib (HR, 7.3; P < .001) in posttransplantation relapse treatment. The patients' age, renal impairment, disease status before autoSCT and maintenance therapy with interferon-α (IFN-α) or IFN-α and dexamethasone did not significantly affect TTP and OS after transplantation.ConclusionAccording to our results, the achievement of CR after transplantation, ISS stage other than III, and administration of thalidomide or bortezomib in posttransplantation relapse were significant parameters favoring long-term posttransplantation survival.     

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.     

Clinical activity of bortezomib in relapsed/refractory MALT lymphomas: results of a phase II study of the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG)

BackgroundThe nuclear factor-kappa B activation in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma pathogenesis provided the rationale for the evaluation of bortezomib in this malignancy.Patients and methodsThirty-two patients with relapsed/refractory MALT lymphoma were enrolled. Thirty-one patients received bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² i.v., on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, for up to six 21-day cycles.ResultsMedian age was 63 years (range, 37–82 years). Median number of prior therapies was 2 (range, 1–4). Nine patients had Ann Arbor stage I, 7 patients had stage II, and 16 patients had stage IV. Primary lymphoma localization was the stomach in 14 patients; multiple extranodal sites were present in 10 patients. Among the 29 patients assessable for response, the overall response rate was 48% [95% confidence interval (CI) 29% to 67%], with 9 complete and 5 partial responses. Nine patients experienced stable disease and six had disease progression during therapy. The most relevant adverse events were fatigue, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and peripheral neuropathy. After a median follow-up of 24 months, the median duration of response was not reached yet. Five deaths were reported, in two patients due to disease progression.ConclusionBortezomib is active in relapsed MALT lymphomas. Further investigations to identify optimal bortezomib dose, schedule, and combination regimens are needed since the frequent detection of dose-limiting peripheral neuropathy.     

Longitudinal Real-World Neuropathy and Patient-Reported Outcomes With Bortezomib and Lenalidomide in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

BackgroundPeripheral neuropathy is a common treatment-emergent side effect during the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Although bortezomib is most commonly implicated, real-world data suggest that lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRd) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) may also contribute to neuropathy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsThe Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass Registry was queried for all patients who received frontline VRd or bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCd). Incidence of neuropathy and patient-reported HRQoL outcomes over the first 12 months after diagnosis were compared between patients receiving VRd or VCd with or without early ASCT before 6 months.ResultsThere were 368 and 191 patients treated with VRd and VCd, respectively. VRd with early ASCT was associated with worse grade 1 neuropathy compared to VRd without early ASCT, as well as compared to VCd with early ASCT. There were no differences in neuropathy between VRd and VCd without early ASCT, and no differences in grade ≥2 neuropathy. There were significant improvements in HRQoL between baseline and 12 months in both VRd and VCd cohorts, regardless of early ASCT. Development of neuropathy was not associated with decrements in progression-free survival or overall survival.ConclusionsIn this longitudinal database analysis, there were no differences in grade ≥2 neuropathy between VRd and VCd frontline induction, and overall HRQoL significantly improved across all cohorts. However, differences in grade 1 neuropathy between VRd and VCd induction suggest that lenalidomide and high-dose melphalan may augment the risk of neuropathy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.     

Bortezomib (Velcade) for progressive myeloma after autologous stem cell transplantation and thalidomide

Twenty-one patients with multiple myeloma, all relapsed after frontline autologous stem cell transplantation and all relapsed again after or resistant to thalidomide (employed as second line treatment) received bortezomib (1.3 mg/m(2) body surface twice weekly for 2 weeks followed by an interval of 10-12 days) without adjunct of steroids as third line therapy. Three patients died of progressive disease during the first 2 cycles with bortezomib. Eighteen patients received at least 2 cycles and were evaluated for response. According to EBMT criteria, two complete (negative immunofixation) and seven partial (reduction of M-component > 50-75%) remissions were achieved (ITT response rate 42.8%). Duration of response lasted from 2 to 14+ months. Grades 3-4 toxicities (thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, peripheral neuropathy and vasculitis) were observed in seven patients, but no patient interrupted the treatment due to side effects. We conclude that bortezomib alone may induce high quality responses as third line salvage therapy with acceptable toxicity in a significant proportion of homogeneously pre-treated myeloma patients with progressive disease after autologous transplantation and thalidomide.