Thalidomide–dexamethasone as primary therapy for advanced multiple myeloma

Abstract

The value of thalidomide–dexamethasone was assessed in 26 consecutive, previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma of high tumor mass. All showed Hgb < 8.5 g/dL, serum calcium > 11.5 mg/dL, or both. The response rate was 73%, frequency of early death < 3 months was 5%, projected median survival was 30 months, and projected median remission time was 25 months. There were no occurrences of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, so that serious infection occurred in only 12% of patients. Thalidomide–dexamethasone was useful for these patients with advanced disease because of the high response rate and acceptable survival, with a low frequency of serious complications. Am. J. Hematol. 79:194–197, 2005.