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Multiple myeloma—intermittent, combination chemotherapy compared to continuous therapy
Author(s) -
George Ralph P.,
Poth James L.,
Gordon David,
Schrier Stanley L.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197206)29:6<1665::aid-cncr2820290634>3.0.co;2-4
Subject(s) - medicine , melphalan , regimen , prednisone , multiple myeloma , chemotherapy , cyclophosphamide , combination chemotherapy , surgery , oncology
Controversy exists regarding the efficacy of various treatment schedules and drug combinations for patients with multiple myeloma. Fifty‐three patients with this malignancy were evaluated. In a prospective program, 31 patients received an intermittent combination drug schedule using melphalan and prednisone, and the results were compared to a group of 22 patients, studied retrospectively, who had been treated with continuous cyclophosphamide or melphalan administered to hematologic tolerance. Objective response occurred in 74% of those receiving the intermittent combination regimen compared to a 41% response rate for those receiving continuous alkylating agents. Eight patients who relapsed while on continuous alkylators were switched to the intermittent combination regimen, and three responded. Morbidity was not increased with intermittent combination drug program.