Reducing the intensity of induction therapy for older, newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma does not compromise the efficacy of treatment but it does significantly cut down on the incidence of severe toxicity, according to newly published research.
For decades, standard therapy for these patients has been prednisone and melphalan; recent trials have shown that the addition of either thalidomide or bortezomib (Velcade) to this regimen boosts effectiveness, but adding Velcade has come at a price—higher incidence of adverse events, specifically peripheral neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity.
The goal of the study then was to maintain regiman efficacy while reducing toxicity, and they achieved this, reducing neurotoxicity incidence by over half and gastrointestinal toxicity incidence by almost 80% with a reduced-intensity regimen of Velcade, melphalan and prednisone coupled with maintenance therapy.
CANCER TYPE(S)
Multiple myeloma
TREATMENT TYPE(S)
Chemotherapy
WHERE WAS THIS RESEARCH PUBLISHED?
The Lancet Oncology
By Ross Bonander
Source
medpagetoday
The information provided on CancerTreatment.net is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute the practice of medicine. We encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician or nutritionist if they have any concerns regarding health issues related to diet, personal image and any other topics discussed on this site. Neither the owners or employees of CancerTreatment.net nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.