Bortezomib-containing regimens are effective in multiple myeloma--results of a non-interventional phase IV study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The incorporation of bortezomib into the chemotherapeutic regimens for non-transplant patients with multiple myeloma resulted in improved outcomes in controlled studies. This prospective, non-interventional study assessed the effectiveness and safety of bortezomib-containing regimens in daily practice. METHODS: Patients with untreated or relapsed multiple myeloma not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation and who were scheduled for bortezomib mono- or combination therapy or melphalan-prednisone (MP) alone were included in this study. Dosage and treatment decisions were at the discretion of the physicians. RESULTS: 353 patients received bortezomib-containing therapies and 37 patients MP alone. Overall response rates at treatment end were 65.9% for bortezomib-containing therapies and 50.0% for MP. Partial or complete remissions considered best responses were achieved in 82.6% (first line) and 63.8% (second or later line) of the bortezomib-treated patients. The median duration of response to bortezomib-containing therapies was 18.2 months in 109 first-line and 11.3 months in 110 second- or later-line patients. Adverse drug reactions of any grade were reported during the treatment phase in 79.6% (bortezomib) and 70.3% (MP) of treated patients. CONCLUSION: Bortezomib-containing therapies were effective in patients with multiple myeloma in a real-life setting. The increasingly individualized treatment regimens of multiple myeloma require standardized assessments of response in daily practice.