Haematologica Reports 2005; 1(issue 11):
14-15[prev][index][next]
Thalidomide plus dexamethasone as initial therapy for
multiple myeloma: overview of Mayo Clinic and Eastern Cooperative
Oncology Group experience
Robert A. Kyle, S. Vincent Rajkumar
Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Stabile Building, 6th Floor
Rochester, Minnesota 55905
Phone: 507.284.3039 Fax: 507.266.9277
E-mail: rajkumar.vincent@mayo.edu
Dexamethasone has been shown to produce a response in at least
45% of patients who are newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM)
and in approximately one quarter of patients with relapsed or
refractory disease.1,2A synergistic effect between
dexamethasone and thalidomide has been identified, which is
illustrated by the efficacy of this combination in relapsed
MM.3 Studies of thalidomide and dexamethasone used to
treat patients who are newly diagnosed with MM have yielded
response rates from 64% to 72%.4,5 These results and
others suggest that the combination of thalidomide and
dexamethasone is an effective treatment choice for patients with
MM. [>Read full article in PDF]
