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Thalidomide (Thalomid), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and bortezomib (Velcade) all improve overall response and complete response (CR) rates, as well as lengthen survival, for multiple myeloma (MM) patients in comparative studies versus traditional cytotoxic therapies and regimens incorporating autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The unique mechanisms of action and additive or synergistic activity shown for bortezomib plus thalidomide (and for each agent when it is combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy) suggested that a regimen of these two agents plus melphalan (Alkeran) and prednisone might be even more effective.
In a partially industry-supported phase I/II clinical trial, researchers in Italy treated 30 patients with relapsed or refra…