Oncology · 2009 · 10 citations · 0 references
MedicineOncologyPharmacotherapyChemotherapyHematologic OncologyMedical OncologyChemotherapy In Hematologic MalignanciesHematologic Malignancy PharmacotherapyHematologic Malignancy TherapyHematologic Toxicity ManagementHigh-dose ChemotherapyMultiple MyelomaIntravenous Chemotherapy DosingMelphalan DosingMonoclonal ProteinMultiple Myeloma ChemotherapyMultiple Myeloma TherapyMultiple Myeloma TreatmentRefractory Multiple MyelomaSingle-dose Administration
Eighteen patients with advanced multiple myeloma resistant to VAD chemotherapy (vincristine, Adriamycin, dexamethasone) were treated with intravenous melphalan in a single-pulse dose of 50-70 mg/m2. Objective response (greater than or equal to 50% reduction of the monoclonal protein) was observed in 9 patients. The median duration of remission in the responding patients was 6 months and the median survival 11.5 months. The main toxicity noted was bone marrow suppression. We conclude that intermediate doses of intravenous melphalan are a useful therapeutic modality in refractory or relapsing myeloma patients.