Thalidomide–dexamethasone plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin vs. thalidomide–dexamethasone: a case‐matched study in advanced multiple myeloma

Abstract

Overall response rate was significantly higher in ThaDD group (92% vs. 63.5%; P < 0.0001) as partial response rate (> or =PR) (75.5% vs. 59.5%; P = 0.077), very good partial response rate (> or =VGPR) (36% vs. 15%; P = 0.018) and near complete remission rate (> or =nCR) (30% vs. 10.5%; P = 0.002). Non-hematologic toxicity was similar in the two groups of patients whereas hematologic toxicity and infections were significantly higher in ThaDD patients. Median progression-free survival, event-free survival, and overall survival were significantly longer in patients receiving ThaDD than in those treated with Thal-Dex. ThaDD regimen significantly improved response rate and overall survival in comparison with Thal-Dex. Although the frequency of hematologic toxicity and infections resulted higher in ThaDD group compared with control group, they were not particularly frequent after adequate prophylaxis was added and were easily managed when occurred.