BTD Regimen May Be Viable Salvage Option for Multiple Myeloma

Bendamustine plus thalidomide and dexamethasone may be a viable salvage option for the treatment of patients with double-relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, a recent study published in the journal Annals of Hematology has shown.

For the study, researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 30 patients with double-relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who received bendamustine with a cumulative dose up to 200 mg/m2, thalidomide 50-150 mg daily as tolerated, and dexamethasone 160 mg/cycle in 28-day cycles. Patients received a median of 5 cycles.

Results showed that 87% of patients achieved stable disease or better. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 4.0 and 7.2 months, respectively, at a median follow-up of 12.1 months. 

In regard to safety, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Other common treatment-associated side effects were infection, pain, and sensory neuropathy.

Reference

1. Lau I-J, Smith D, Aitchison R, et al. Bendamustine in combination with thalidomide and dexamethasone is a viable salvage option in myeloma relapsed and/or refractory to bortezomib and lenalidomide. Ann Hematol. 2015;94(4):643-649.