Abstract
Background: Bortezomib has been shown to be effective in multiple myeloma (MM), but there is a limited experience in response to re-treatment.
Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of Bortezomib in refractory/relapsed MM.
Patients and methods: 41 patients treated with Bortezomib (1,3 mg/m2 on days 1,4,8,11 in a 21-day cycle) in second or more line as clinical practice protocol were included. The response was evaluated according EGBMT criteria (Bladé J, Samson D, Reece E et al). Patients that no have reached response after 4 courses or relapsed after CR or PR received a combination of: bortezomib+dexamethasone (group BD) or bortezomib+melphalan+prednisone (group BMP). Adverse effects were registered.
Results: 39 valuable patients (males 43.0%). Mean age 59.9 years (34–82), over 65 years (66.6%). Bortezomib was administered in second line: 10 (25.6%), in third or more: 29 (74.3%). Overall Response: 76.4%: (CR+PR 70.5%, MR 5.9%), (CR 41.1%/CR-IFE negative 14.7%), Mean courses to reached response: 4.7. No relation to response and presence or not chromosomal aberrations. At 32 months on follow-up 9 patients had dead (26.4%) and 15 (44.1%) maintained response without therapy. In 17 patients (43.5%), a combination of BD (10 patients) or BMP (7 patients) were administrated by relapse or progression. Responses: group BD 6 PR, 3 NR; 1NV group BM P 3 PR, 3 NR, 1NV. Adverse events: thrombocytopenia 38.4 (grade III: 17.9), fatigue 38.5%, peripheral neuropathy 33.3, constipation 35.8%, diarrhea 20.5%, ZHV 12.8%, infection 33.3, pyrexia 10.2%, hypotension 5.1%, grade 3 leucopenia 12.8%. In 3 patients (7.6%) the therapy was disrupted by toxicity. We haven’t found any differences in adverse events in patients treated with bortezomib in combination.
Conclusions: Related to the synergism of Bortezomib in combination, the re-treatment induces response (60%) in refractory MM without severe adverse effects. In spite of the scarce follow-up some patients could be benefit in re-treatment with Bortezomib. It is necessary to explore more combinations and to know the results of clinical trials. When there is not response after the 4th course of Bortezomib it is recommendable to use in combination
This study is partially sponsored by a grant from FEHHA.
Disclosure: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
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