Rapid control of previously untreated multiple myeloma with bortezomib–lenalidomide–dexamethasone (BLD)

Abstract

Between April 2006 and June 2009, 34 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma received one to three courses of bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² i.v. four times, lenalidomide 25 mg p.o. daily for 21 days and dexamethasone 20 mg/m² p.o. for 4 days beginning on days 1, 9 and 17 (BLD). There was rapid onset of remission in 30 patients (88%) similar to the frequency of 87% induced by a previous combination of bortezomib–thalidomide–dexamethasone (BTD). After a median of 3.6 months, 28 patients received intensive therapy with high-dose melphalan supported by autologous blood stem cells, so that the overall frequency of complete remission (CR) was 44%, similar to the frequency of 37% observed previously. Side effects due to thalidomide with previous BTD were less frequent and severe with BLD. The combination of BLD given for one or two courses was an effective primary treatment for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma.     

An overview of the VISTA trial: newly diagnosed, untreated patients with multiple myeloma ineligible for stem cell transplantation

Multiple myeloma, a plasma cell neoplasm, is the second most common hematologic malignancy after non-Hodgkins lymphoma and is responsible for 2% of cancer deaths. Melphalan and prednisone (MP) has been the standard treatment in elderly patients for many decades. The VISTA study evaluated the effect of this combination with or without the first-in-class proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in newly diagnosed myeloma patients who were not candidates for autologous stem cell transplantation. Altogether 682 patients were enrolled and prospectively randomized in this trial. All patients received nine 6-week cycles of oral melphalan (9 mg/m(2)) and prednisone (60 mg/m(2)) on days 1-4, either alone or with bortezomib administered intravenously (1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29 and 32 during the first four cycles and on days 1, 8, 22, 29 during remaining course of therapy). Median time to progression (the primary end point of the trial) was 24 months in the bortezomib-containing group compared with 16.6 months in the control group (p < 0.001). Response was evaluated in 337 patients receiving bortezomib compared with 331 patients in the control group who received MP alone; the percentages of partial response or better was 71 vs 35% (p < 0.001), with complete response seen in 30 vs 4%, respectively (p < 0.001). Median response duration in both groups was 19.9 versus 13.1 months, respectively. Median overall survival has not been reached in VMP group compared with 43 months in the MP group (p < 0.001), and this benefit is maintained after long term follow-up and subsequent antimyeloma therapies. Hematological adverse events (AEs) were similar in both groups, although patients in the bortezomib group experienced more frequent peripheral sensory neuropathy (including 13% grade 3, with less than 1% grade 4). Overall, the occurrence of grade 3 AEs was higher in patients receiving bortezomib (53 vs 44%, p = 0.02), but the risk of grade 4 AEs was identical (28 vs 27%). These results confirm the superiority of MP plus bortezomib combination over MP therapy in treatment-naive patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation.     

硼替佐米为主化疗方案治疗初治与复发难治多发性骨髓瘤近期疗效分析

目的:分析硼替佐米为主化疗方案治疗初治与复发难治多发性骨髓瘤(MM)患者的临床疗效和不良反应.方法:初治MM患者11例,复发、难治MM患者7例均采用VD方案化疗:硼替佐米1.0～1.3 mg/m2第1、4、8和11天快速静脉注射,地塞米松20 mg第1～4天(7例复发难治予地塞米松40 mg)静脉滴注,3周为1疗程,所...     

Lenalidomide, bortezomib, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a phase 1/2 Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium trial

This phase 1/2 trial evaluated combination lenalidomide, bortezomib, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (RVDD) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Patients received RVDD at 4 dose levels, including the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Patients with a very good partial response or better (≥ VGPR) after cycle 4 proceeded to autologous stem cell transplantation or continued treatment. The primary objectives were MTD evaluation and response to RVDD after 4 and 8 cycles. Seventy-two patients received a median of 4.5 cycles. The MTDs were lenalidomide 25 mg, bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2), pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/m(2), and dexamethasone 20/10 mg, as established with 3-week cycles. The most common adverse events were fatigue, constipation, sensory neuropathy, and infection; there was no treatment-related mortality. Response rates after 4 and 8 cycles were 96% and 95% partial response or better, 57% and 65% ≥ VGPR, and 29% and 35% complete or near-complete response, respectively. After a median follow-up of 15.5 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. The estimated 18-month PFS and OS were 80.8% and 98.6%, respectively. RVDD was generally well tolerated and highly active, warranting further study in newly diagnosed MM patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00724568.     

硼替佐米联合沙利度胺在新诊断多发性骨髓瘤中的应用

目的 观察硼替佐米联合沙利度胺化疗方案治疗新诊断的多发性骨髓瘤(MM)患者的有效率和安全性以及完全缓解(CR)后的持续时间.方法 在整个方案中,硼替佐米1.3 mg/m2静脉注射,第1、4、8、11天(d1、d4、d8、d11),每21天为1个周期;沙利度胺100 mg/晚,连续服用21 d(d1～d21),共8个周期.按照欧洲血液与骨髓移植组织制定的标准判断疗效.结果 入组患者中男20例,女14例,中位年龄59岁;其中国际分期系统(ISS)Ⅲ期15例,Ⅱ期18例,Ⅰ期1例.4例患者因为不良反应退出试验,可以评价的患者共30例.共有28例患者完成了2个周期的化疗,总有效率(ORR)92.9%,完成8个周期并进行疗效评价的26例,ORR达100%,完全缓解率[CR+接近CR(nCR)]为53.9%.中位随访12个月,估计的无疾病进展率为62%,估计12个月的持续缓解率为62%,中位总生存时间未达到.毒副作用主要是血液学毒性(53.3%)、胃肠道反应(40.6%)、周围神经病变(38.0%)、疲乏无力(36.6%)以及发热(32.0%),大多都能耐受.结论 硼替佐米联合沙利度胺治疗新诊断的MM患者ORR及CR率均很高,而且毒副反应可以控制,缓解后患者需维持治疗.

Abstract：

Objective The aim of this phase Ⅱ study was to determine the efficacy and safety of combined bortezomib and thalidomide (VT) regime as initial treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) in China. Methods Thirty-four patients were enrolled in this study and received VT regime up to 21-day cycles. Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2) was administered intravenously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, while oral thalidomide ( 100 mg/day) was given from days 1 to 21. The primary end point was clinical response.The secondary end point was safety. Results Among the 34 patients, 20 were male, 14 were female, with a median age of 59 years, and 15 in international stage system (ISS) Ⅲ ,18 in ISS Ⅱ , 1 in ISS Ⅰ . Among them, 28 completed 2 cycles' treatment and achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 92.9%; 26 were able to complete the planned 8 cycles of therapy. After 8 cycles, the ORR was 100% ( complete response 30. 8%, near-complete response 23.1%, partial response 42. 3%, minimal response 3.8% ). After followed up with a median time of 12 months, the estimated rate without progress of disease was 62%, and the estimated continous remission rate of 12 months was 62%. The median survival time was not achieved. The most common adverse events were mild to moderate ( grades 1, 2). The main toxicities were hematologic (53. 3% ), gastrointestinal ( 40. 0% ), peripheral neuropathy ( 38.0% ), fatigue ( 36. 6% ) and fever (32. 0% ). Conclusions VT regime provides a very high ORR and complete response rate in the treatment of newly diagnosed MM patients. No patients experienced deep venous thrombosis. In conclusion,bortezomib in combination with thalidomide is a very effective regimen for newly diagnosed MM patients and the toxicities are manageable.     

硼替佐米联合化疗治疗10例多发性骨髓瘤

目的:观察硼替佐米联合化疗药物治疗初治、复发难治多发性骨髓瘤(MM)的疗效及安全性。方法:5例初治MM患者在每一疗程的第1、4、8、11天静脉注射硼替佐米0.7～1.3mg/m2,每3周为一疗程;每2个疗程(6周)的第1～4天,口服美法仑9mg/(m2·d)和泼尼松60mg/(m2·d);每例患者至少接受2～10个疗程。5例复发难治患者,在每3周1个疗程,第1、8天分别静脉注射硼替佐米3.5mg,或第1、4、8、11天1.0～1.3mg/m2。每次用硼替佐米前静脉注射地塞米松40mg;每例患者至少接受1～6个疗程。采用Blade标准评价疗效,按照美国国立癌症研究所(NCI)(第3版)判断不良反应。结果:中位随访8个月,5例初治患者中2例完全缓解(CR),1例接近完全缓解(nCR),1例部分缓解(PR),1例轻微反应(MR)。5例复发难治患者中,2例nCR,2例MR,1例无改变(NC)。主要不良反应包括胃肠道症状、不同程度的血小板减少、周围神经症状和乏力等。经对症治疗及调整用药剂量后均能改善。结论:硼替佐米对于初治或复发难治的MM患者,是一种可以耐受的、疗效确切的新的治疗选择。     

Bortezomib, melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide for relapsed multiple myeloma

In multiple myeloma (MM), the addition of thalidomide or bortezomib to the standard oral melphalan/prednisone combination significantly increased response rate and event-free survival. In this multicenter phase 1/2 trial, dosing, safety, and efficacy of the 4-drug combination, bortezomib, melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide (VMPT) was determined. Bortezomib was administered at 3 dose levels (1.0 mg/m2, 1.3 mg/m2, or 1.6 mg/m2) on days 1, 4, 15, and 22; melphalan was given at a dose of 6 mg/m2 on days 1 through 5 and prednisone at 60 mg/m2 on days 1 through 5. Thalidomide was delivered at 50 mg on days 1 through 35. Each course was repeated every 35 days. The maximum tolerated dose of bortezomib was 1.3 mg/m2. Thirty patients with relapsed or refractory MM were enrolled; 20 patients (67%) achieved a partial response (PR) including 13 patients (43%) who achieved at least a very good PR. Among 14 patients who received VMPT as second-line treatment, the PR rate was 79% and the immunofixation-negative complete response rate 36%. The 1-year progression-free survival was 61%, and the 1-year survival from study entry was 84%. Grade 3 nonhematologic adverse events included infections (5 patients), fatigue (1), vasculitis (1), and peripheral neuropathy (2); no grade 4 toxicities were recorded. Initial results showed that VMPT is an effective salvage therapy with a very high proportion of responses. The incidence of neurotoxicities was unexpectedly low.     

硼替佐米为主的联合方案治疗初治多发性骨髓瘤

目的 回顾性比较分析硼替佐米为主方案(VD/VT)与长春新碱联合阿霉素和地塞米松(VAD)方案治疗初治多发性骨髓瘤(MM)的疗效及不良反应.方法 18例初治MM患者采用硼替佐米1.0 mg/m2或1.3 mg/m2,1、4、8、11 d给药;12例联合地塞米松20～40mg,1～4 d;6例联合沙立度胺100mg/d,21d为一疗程.24例MM患者采用VAD方案.结果 硼替佐米组总反应率88.9%(16/18),完全缓解或接近完全缓解率38.9%(7/18),显著优于VAD组,分别为41.7%,4.2%.硼替佐米组主要的不良反应依次为血液系统毒性,胃肠道反应和周围神经病变.VAD组主要不良反应为感染、脱发及静脉炎.结论 硼替佐米为主的联合化疗在初治MM中疗效显著优于VAD组,尤其在高危人群如严重骨质破坏、肾功能不全及不良染色体表现的患者,缓解率高,毒副作用轻,应优先考虑使用.     

Once-Weekly 1.6 mg/m<Superscript>2</Superscript> Bortezomib BCD Regimen in Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Who are Unfit for Standard Dose Chemotherapy

Bortezomib has shown anti-myeloma effects in combination with alkylating agents, but clinical benefits can be limited by neurotoxicity. There is less information on the efficacy and tolerability of once-weekly 1.6 mg/m² bortezomib combined with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (BCD) regimen in elderly patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are unfit for standard dose chemotherapy. Here, we report our experience of weekly 1.6 mg/m² intravenous bortezomib in this group of patients. Between March 2010 and February 2015, we treated 34 newly diagnosed elderly patients with the combination of bortezomib 1.6 mg/m² intravenously on days 1 and 8; cyclophosphamide 200 mg/m² intravenously on days 1–4; dexamethasone 20 mg intravenously on days 1–4, and 8–11. Among the 34 patients, 14 (41 %) responded with complete response (CR), 6 (18 %) with very good partial response (VGPR) and 10 (29 %) with partial response (PR). The overall response rates were 88 %. After 2 cycles of treatments, the survival of patients who attained a response of VGPR or CR was significantly longer than those with PR or resistance to BCD, for both progression-free survival (PFS) (21.4 vs. 10.6 months, p = 0.002) and overall survival (OS) (23.0 vs. 16.8 months, p = 0.043). The 2-year PFS and OS were 26.5 and 64.7 % respectively in these elderly multiple myeloma patients in our study. Grade 1/2 neuropathy was observed in 20 % of the cycles while grade 3/4 neuropathy was not observed. No patients withdrew due to neuropathy or other side effects. Once-weekly bortezomib at 1.6 mg/m² BCD regimen is both effective and safe in elderly patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are unfit for standard dose chemotherapy.     

PAD combination therapy (PS-341/bortezomib, doxorubicin and dexamethasone) for previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma

Bortezomib (formerly PS-341) has significant activity in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM), its efficacy is increased with the addition of dexamethasone and it demonstrates synergy with doxorubicin, thus providing the rationale for combination therapy with bortezomib, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (PAD). Patients with untreated MM received four 21-d cycles of PAD, comprising bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8 and 11, along with dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1-4, 8-11 and 15-18 during cycle 1 and days 1-4 during cycles 2-4. During days 1-4, patients also received 0, 4.5 or 9 mg/m(2) of doxorubicin at dose levels 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Following peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection, patients received high-dose melphalan (MEL200) with PBSC transplantation (PBSCT). After PAD induction alone, 20 of 21 patients (95%) achieved at least a partial response (PR), including complete response (CR) in five patients (24%). Twenty of 21 had PBSC mobilized, and 18 of 20 received MEL200/PBSCT. In an intention-to-treat analysis, response rates were: CR 43%, near CR 14%, very good PR 24%, PR 14% and stable disease 5%. PAD was effective, did not prejudice subsequent PBSC collection, and should be further evaluated in prospective randomized trials.     

硼替佐米联合环磷酰胺和地塞米松治疗多发性骨髓瘤28例临床观察

目的:观察硼替佐米联合环磷酰胺和地塞米松治疗多发性骨髓瘤的临床疗效和药物不良反应。方法:对28例初发和复发难治性多发性骨髓瘤用硼替佐米1.0～1.3mg/m2,每疗程的第1、4、8、11天静脉注射;环磷酰胺0.3g/m2,每疗程的第1、4、8、11天静脉注射;地塞米松40mg/d,每疗程的第1～2天、第4～5天、第8～9天及第11～12天静脉滴注,每28d为1个疗程,接受4个疗程的治疗,同时在每个疗程的开始进行骨髓细胞学、血M蛋白、β2-微球蛋白(β2-MG)进行检测,并观察药物的不良反应。结果:①28例患者都有效,有效率为100%,其中完全缓解(CR)8例,CR率为28%,接近完全缓解(nCR)2例,部分缓解(PR)13例,轻微反应(MR)5例。②骨髓瘤细胞百分比、M蛋白含量、β2-MG含量在化疗前后均差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。③不良反应以胃肠道反应最为常见,同时也可出现血小板减少,带状疱疹,周围神经病变等。结论:硼替佐米联合环磷酰胺和地塞米松对初发和复发难治性多发性骨髓瘤有明显的临床疗效,且药物不良反应较轻,耐受性良好。     

Phase 2 study of two sequential three‐drug combinations containing bortezomib,cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone,followed by bortezomib,thalidomide and dexamethasone as frontline therapy for multiple myeloma

Novel sequential combination therapy for induction may improve the quality of response and therefore prolong survival in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. We report results from a phase 2 study of two sequential three‐drug combinations. Forty‐four previously untreated, symptomatic MM patients received: bortezomib 1·3 mg/m² (days 1, 4, 8, 11), cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m² (days 1, 8), plus dexamethasone 40 mg (day of and day after bortezomib) for three 21‐day cycles, followed by bortezomib 1·0 mg/m², dexamethasone 40 mg and thalidomide 100 mg daily for three cycles. Overall response rate for 42 evaluable patients was 95%, including 19% stringent complete response (sCR), 26% CR, and 57%≥ very good partial response. Twenty‐two patients have undergone stem‐cell transplantation. After a median follow‐up of 20·9 months, five patients have died; none was induction therapy‐related. Median event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) have not been reached; estimated 1‐year EFS and OS rates were 81% and 91% respectively. Both three‐drug combinations were well tolerated; 82% of patients completed all six cycles. Toxicities were predictable and manageable; the most‐commonly reported grade 3/4 toxicity was neuropathy (11%). This novel sequential three‐drug combination therapy is effective and well‐tolerated in previously untreated MM patients.     

A phase 2 study of two doses of bortezomib in relapsed or refractory myeloma

In a phase 2 open-label study of the novel proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, 54 patients with multiple myeloma who had relapsed after or were refractory to frontline therapy were randomized to receive intravenous 1.0 or 1.3 mg/m(2) bortezomib twice weekly for 2 weeks, every 3 weeks for a maximum of eight cycles. Dexamethasone was permitted in patients with progressive or stable disease after two or four cycles respectively. Responses were determined using modified European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation criteria. The complete response (CR) + partial response (PR) rate for bortezomib alone was 30% [90% confidence interval (CI), 15.7-47.1] and 38% (90% CI, 22.6-56.4) in the 1.0 mg/m(2) (8 of 27 patients) and 1.3 mg/m(2) (10 of 26 patients) groups respectively. The CR + PR rate for patients who received bortezomib alone or in combination with dexamethasone was 37% and 50% for the 1.0 and 1.3 mg/m(2) cohorts respectively. The most common grade 3 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (24%), neutropenia (17%), lymphopenia (11%) and peripheral neuropathy (9%). Grade 4 events were observed in 9% (five of 54 patients). Bortezomib alone or in combination with dexamethasone demonstrated therapeutic activity in patients with multiple myeloma who relapsed after frontline therapy.     

An open‐label phase I/II study of cyclophosphamide,bortezomib, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin,and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed myeloma

We conducted a phase 1/2 trial evaluating the combination of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (CVDD) for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). The primary objective of the phase 1 was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of maximum planned dose (MPD) and the phase 2 was to assess the overall response rate. Patients received 6–8 cycles of CVDD at four dose levels. There were no dose‐limiting toxicities. The MPD was cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m² IV on day 1, bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² IV on days 1, 4, 8, 11, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/m² IV on day 4, and dexamethasone 20 mg orally on the day of and after bortezomib (21‐d cycle). Forty‐nine patients were treated at the MPD of which 22% had high‐risk myeloma. The most common grade ≥3 toxicities included myelosuppression, infection, and fatigue. Overall response and complete response rates were 91% and 26% in standard‐risk, and 100% and 58% in high‐risk cohort, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 34 months, the median progression‐free survival was 31.3 months. The 2‐yr overall survival was 91.1% in the standard‐risk and 88.9% in the high‐risk cohort, respectively. CVDD regimen was well tolerated and was highly active in newly diagnosed MM.     

DSMM XI study: dose definition for intravenous cyclophosphamide in combination with bortezomib/dexamethasone for remission induction in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma

A clinical trial was initiated to evaluate the recommended dose of cyclophosphamide in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone as induction treatment before stem cell transplantation for younger patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Thirty patients were treated with three 21-day cycles of bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 plus dexamethasone 40 mg on the day of bortezomib injection and the day after plus cyclophosphamide at 900, 1,200, or 1,500 mg/m² on day 1. The maximum tolerated dose of cyclophosphamide was defined as 900 mg/m². At this dose level, 92% of patients achieved at least a partial response. The overall response rate [complete response (CR) plus partial response (PR)] across all dose levels was 77%, with a 10% CR rate. No patient experienced progressive disease. The most frequent adverse events were hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities as well as neuropathy. The results suggest that bortezomib in combination with cyclophosphamide at 900 mg/m² and dexamethasone is an effective induction treatment for patients with newly diagnosed MM that warrants further investigation.     

Bortezomib salvage followed by a Phase I/II study of bortezomib plus high-dose melphalan and tandem autologous transplantation for patients with primary resistant myeloma

We conducted a Phase 1/2 study of bortezomib administered in combination with high-dose melphalan followed by tandem autologous transplants in patients with primary resistant multiple myeloma. Thirty patients received two cycles of salvage bortezomib followed by stem cell mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and harvest. Melphalan 100 mg/m(2) per day on two consecutive days was administered, immediately followed by one dose of bortezomib (dose escalation) and stem cell infusion. The median beta 2-microglobulin was 4·35 mg/l (range: 1·8-11·4); albumin was 37 g/l (range: 3·1-4·9); high-risk karyotypes were noted in 45% of patients. The maximum planned dose of bortezomib at 1·3 mg/m(2) was well tolerated and a formal maximum tolerated dose was not determined. The peak of best overall response (≥partial response) and complete response rates after tandem transplants were 84% and 36%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 48 months, the median progression-free survival was 15 [95% confidence interval (CI): 11-21] months and the median overall survival was 35 (95% CI: 22-43) months. Correlative studies demonstrated decreased expression of BRCA2 (P = 0·0072) and FANCF (P = 0·0458) mRNA following bortezomib treatment. Bortezomib combined with high-dose melphalan is a well-tolerated conditioning with some activity in patients with resistant myeloma.     

Combination of high-dose melphalan and bortezomib as conditioning regimen for autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Bortezomib and melphalan have synergistic effects against multiple myeloma (MM) cells. We conducted a pilot study on the combination of bortezomib and high-dose melphalan (Bor-HDM) as a conditioning regimen followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in 17 Japanese patients with newly diagnosed MM, in comparison with a historical control of patients who received high-dose melphalan (HDM) only followed by ASCT. Nine patients received a single dose of bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² on day ?1 in combination with melphalan 100 mg/m² on days ?3 and ?2 (Bor1-HDM), and eight received two doses of bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² on days ?4 and ?1 (Bor2-HDM) in combination with HDM. Engraftment of autologous peripheral blood stem cells and regimen-related toxicities (RRT) were comparable among the HDM and Bor-HDM groups. Probability of upgrading from a less than very good partial response (VGPR) to VGPR after ASCT was approximately two times higher in the Bor-HDM group than in the HDM group. However, we observed no significant differences in engraftment, RRT, and response rates between the Bor1-HDM and Bor2-HDM groups. The present study showed that concurrent administration of at least two doses of bortezomib in combination with HDM can be safe in Japanese patients. Additional large prospective randomized trials are required to address the optimal dosages and schedules of bortezomib administration, as well as the efficacy of the Bor-HDM conditioning regimen for ASCT.     

A phase I safety study of enzastaurin plus bortezomib in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and identify the recommended doses of enzastaurin and bortezomib in combination for future Phase II studies in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Three dose levels (DLs) of oral enzastaurin and intravenous bortezomib were used according to a conventional "3 + 3" design. A loading dose of enzastaurin (250 mg twice/day [BID]) on Day 1 was followed by enzastaurin 125 mg BID for 1 week, after which bortezomib was added (Cycle 1, 28 days, 1.0 mg/m(2) : Days 8, 11, 15, and 18; seven subsequent 21-day cycles, 1.3 mg/m(2) : Days 1, 4, 8, and 11). Twenty-three patients received treatment; all patients received prior systemic therapy. Most patients received ≥3 regimens; 17 patients were bortezomib-refractory. A median of four treatment cycles (range 1-24) was completed. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed; thus, DL 3 was the recommended Phase II dose. The most common drug-related Grade 3/4 toxicities were thrombocytopenia (n = 6) and anemia (n = 2). No patients died on therapy. One patient (DL 1) achieved a very good partial response; three patients (DLs 2 and 3), a partial response; nine patients, stable disease; and four patients, progressive disease. The recommended Phase II doses in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma are as follows: enzastaurin loading dose of 375 mg three times/day on Day 1 followed by 250 mg BID, with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21-day cycle. The combination was well-tolerated and demonstrated some antimyeloma activity.     

Tanespimycin and bortezomib combination treatment in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: results of a phase 1/2 study

This open-label, dose escalation, multicentre phase 1/2 trial was undertaken to determine the safety and tolerability of the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor tanespimycin (100-340 mg/m(2) )+ bortezomib (0·7-1·3 mg/m(2) ) given on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 in each 21-d cycle. Phase 2 expansion occurred at the highest tested dose of tanespimycin at 340 mg/m(2) and bortezomib at 1·3 mg/m(2) . Seventy-two patients (median age, 60 years) with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) were enrolled; 63 patients (89%) completed the study. Tanespimycin in combination with bortezomib was well tolerated; few patients experienced significant neutropenia, constipation and anorexia (<10%), and no patients developed severe peripheral neuropathy. Among 67 efficacy-evaluable patients, there were 2 (3%) complete responses and 8 (12%) partial responses, for an objective response rate (ORR) of 27%, including 8 (12%) minimal responses. Response rates were highest among bortezomib-naive patients and proved durable in all patient subgroups, including those with bortezomib-refractory disease. Pharmacodynamic analyses indicated that tanespimycin plus bortezomib effectively inhibited the proteasome, as evidenced by decreased 20S proteasome activity, and inhibited HSP90, as reflected by increased HSP70 expression. The results of this study support additional studies of this combination approach in MM.     

Bortezomib in combination with intermediate-dose dexamethasone and continuous low-dose oral cyclophosphamide for relapsed multiple myeloma

A phase 2 trial was performed to study the combination of bortezomib (VELCADE) with intermediate-dose dexamethasone (DEX), and continuous low-dose oral cyclophosphamide (CY) in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). Fifty-four patients with advanced MM were enroled to receive eight 3-week treatment cycles with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, followed by three 5-week cycles with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Within all cycles, DEX 20 mg/d was given orally on the day of bortezomib injection and the day thereafter. In addition, patients received CY continuous oral treatment at a dose of 50 mg/d p.o. once daily. Fifty patients completing at least one treatment cycle were evaluable for response. Complete, partial, and minor responses occurred in 16%, 66% and 8% of patients, respectively; overall response rate 90% (efficacy analysis). Median event-free survival was 12 months, with a median overall survival of 22 months. Adverse events (AE) of grades 3 or 4 occurring in at least 10% of patients comprised leucopenia, infection, herpes zoster, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy and fatigue. Bortezomib combined with DEX and CY is a highly effective treatment for relapsed MM at an acceptable rate of grade 3/4 AE. Antiviral prophylaxis appears to be mandatory.