Objective: To compare the effect and safety between Velcade-Dexamethasone (VD)and revised Vinorebine+Pirarubicin+ Dexamethasone (VAD) regiment for multiple myeloma (MM).
Methods: Thirty-six patients with MM were reviewed, 16 of whom were treated with VD (VD Group) and the others with VAD. European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplant (EBMT) criteria and National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCICTCAE) were chosen to analyze the efficacy and side effects.
Results: In the VD group and the revised VAD group, the rates of complete response, partial response, minimal response, no change and progress disease were 50% vs. 5%, 25% vs. 25%, 18.8% vs. 15%, 6.2% vs. 35% and 0 vs. 20%, respectively. The total response rates were 93.8% vs 45%. There was significant difference in the overall response rate between the 2 groups (P<0.05). The side effects were less serious, and the endurance was better in the VD group than those in the revised VAD group. No serious effects of hematology and cardiology were seen, and good endurance was showed in the renal dysfunction in the VD group.
Conclusion: Velcade combined with dexamethasone is a safe and effective regiment for multiple myeloma with good safety and endurance.