Bortezomib plus Melphalan and Prednisone for Multiple Myeloma

Patients who received the three-drug front-line therapy achieved higher response rates and longer time to disease progression than did those who received melphalan and prednisone alone.

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Velcade) has single-agent activity against relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, even in patients with poor-risk clinical and prognostic features (N Engl J Med 2003; 348:2609). The drug also can be safely administered to patients with moderate-to-severe renal insufficiency. To test the role of bortezomib as a component of front-line myeloma therapy, investigators conducted an industry-supported, multinational, phase III, randomized trial in which they compared melphalan (Alkeran) and prednisone with or without bortezomib in previously untreated myeloma patients who were ineligible for high-dose therapy plus stem-cell transplantation (HDT-SCT). The primary endpoint was median time to progression (TTP)…

Reviewing Author

Michael E. Williams, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee

Michael E. Williams, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee