Combination chemotherapy, glucocorticoids, and interferon alfa in the treatment of multiple myeloma: a Southwest Oncology Group study.

Abstract

Higher-dose glucocorticoids increases frequency of response to chemotherapy and prolong survival in myeloma. IFN maintenance with the dose schedule used in this trial did not prolong relapse-free or overall survival. We cannot exclude a small effect of IFN, as most individual trials do not have sufficient statistical power. Meta-analysis of randomized trials evaluating IFN maintenance in myeloma might be of value. While IFN appeared ineffective, addition of higher-dose glucocorticoids improved outcome in myeloma.