Dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, idarubicin and etoposide (DC-IE) : a novel, intensive induction chemotherapy regimen for patients with high-risk multiple myeloma
Ballester, O.F.; Moscinski, L.C.; Fields, K.K.; Hiemenz, J.W.; Zorsky, P.E.; Goldstein, S.C.; Saba, H.I.; Spiers, A.S.; Kronish, L.; Sullivan, P.; Elfenbein, G.J.
British Journal of Haematology 96(4): 746-748
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0007-1048 PMID: 9074417 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.1997.d01-2083.x
Accession: 045764561
We evaluated toxicities and responses to a novel, dose intensive and time sequenced, chemotherapy programme (DC-IE) in 45 patients with high-risk myeloma. DC-IE consisted of: dexamethasone (days 1-4); cyclophosphamide (day 5); idarubicin and etoposide (days 8-10). Complete response (CR) was achieved in four patients, six patients achieved near complete responses (nCR) and 21 patients achieved a partial remission (PR). Overall response rate was 76% (CI 56-94%) for newly diagnosed patients (n = 21) and 62% (CI 36-81%) for relapsed/refractory patients (n = 24). Toxicities were limited to myelosuppression; two patients died of sepsis during neutropenia (4%). DC-IE is active and tolerable for high-risk multiple myeloma, including patients with relapsed or refractory disease to anthracycline containing regimens.