Intermediate dose of intravenous melphalan in advanced multiple myeloma. |
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Authors: | S Tsakanikas K Papanastasiou M Stamatelou A Maniatis |
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Institution: | Greek Anticancer Institute, Athens. |
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Abstract: | Eighteen patients with advanced multiple myeloma resistant to VAD chemotherapy (vincristine, Adriamycin, dexamethasone) were treated with intravenous melphalan in a single-pulse dose of 50-70 mg/m2. Objective response (greater than or equal to 50% reduction of the monoclonal protein) was observed in 9 patients. The median duration of remission in the responding patients was 6 months and the median survival 11.5 months. The main toxicity noted was bone marrow suppression. We conclude that intermediate doses of intravenous melphalan are a useful therapeutic modality in refractory or relapsing myeloma patients. |
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