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Multiple myeloma in central Norway 1981–1982: A randomized clinical trial of 5‐drug combination therapy versus standard therapy
Author(s) -
KildahlAndersen O.,
Bjark P.,
Bondevik A.,
Bull O.,
Dehli O.,
Kvambe V.,
Nordahl E.,
Ytrehus K.,
Lamvik J.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0036-553X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1986.tb02304.x
Subject(s) - medicine , melphalan , prednisone , randomized controlled trial , vincristine , carmustine , combination therapy , maintenance therapy , multiple myeloma , chemotherapy , pharmacotherapy , surgery , combination chemotherapy , clinical trial , oncology , cyclophosphamide
67 previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma were entered on a randomized clinical trial to determine whether the use of combination chemotherapy including vincristine, carmustine, alkylating agents, and prednisone was more effective than conventional therapy with melphalan and prednisone. The treatment groups did not show significant differences with respect to major prognostic factors. With the 2‐drug combination therapy and 5‐drug combination therapy, 67 and 74% of the patients achieved remission, respectively. Moreover, no significant difference was found between the two treatment schedules in terms of median survival (30 + months). The survival curves for stage III patients treated with the two regimens did not differ significantly. After 12 months, patients who had achieved remission were randomized to have treatment discontinued or to have maintenance treatment. 7 of 15 patients on maintenance therapy relapsed, whereas 9 of 14 patients who had their therapy discontinued relapsed, and the survival of the two groups was similar.