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Multiple myeloma in central and northern Norway 1981–1982: A follow‐up study of a randomized clinical trial of 5‐drug combination therapy versus standard therapy
Author(s) -
KildahlAndersen O.,
Bjark P.,
Bondevik A.,
Bull O.,
Burgess G.,
Dehli O.,
Hoel S.,
Jæger S.,
Kvambe V.,
Mürer F.,
Nordahl E.,
Ræder S.,
Seip T.,
Wilskow A.,
Ytrehus K.,
Grøttum K.,
Lamvik J.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1988.tb00867.x
Subject(s) - medicine , prednisone , randomized controlled trial , melphalan , regimen , vincristine , carmustine , multiple myeloma , chemotherapy , combination therapy , pharmacotherapy , maintenance therapy , surgery , oncology , cyclophosphamide
In a randomized study of 92 previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma, the intention was to document the possible beneficial effect of combination chemotherapy including vincristine, carmustine, alkylating agents and prednisone, as compared to conventional therapy with melphalan and prednisone. Major prognostic factors did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. With the 2‐drug therapy and 5‐drug combination therapy, 48 and 54% of the patients achieved remission, respectively. Median survival for patients treated with the 2‐drug regimen and 5‐drug regimen was 29 and 33.5 months, respectively. No significant difference was found between the survival curves for stage III patients treated with the two regimens. After 12 months, patients who had achieved remission were randomized to have treatment discontinued or to have maintenance treatment. The numbers of relapses, remission duration and survival of the two groups were similar.