DVd vs. VAD
Results published in the journal Cancer show the chemotherapy agent Doxil® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin) is preferred to Adriamycin® (doxorubicin) in VAD. Doxil reduces the risk of serious side effects to the heart while still being effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
VAD is a common treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (Oncovin® [vincristine], doxorubicin, and dexamethasone). However, cumulative exposure to doxorubicin can lead to serious heart problems.
A new version of Doxil has a slow release mechanism. Smaller doses are delivered, it stays in the body longer, increased concentrations of the drug accumulate in cancer cells vs. healthy cells, and side effects are reduced.
A phase III clinical trial was recently conducted in the U.S. to evaluate Doxil as a replacement for doxorubicin in the VAD regimen among MM patients. This trial included 192 patients with newly diagnosed MM who were treated with either conventional VAD or with a DVd regimen, which substitutes Doxil for doxorubicin. The DVd regimen showed responses achieved in 44.4% of patients, and 39% of patients treated with VAD. Progression-free survival was similar between the two treatment groups.
Heart complications were reduced with DVd compared to VAD. Myeloma patients planning to undergo treatment with VAD may wish to speak with their physician regarding their individual risks and benefits of treatment with DVd (note however, Doxil is not yet approved for multiple myeloma).
Reference: Rifkin RM, Gregory SA, Mohrbacher A, et al. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone provide significant reduction in toxicity compared with doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Source: Cancer. 2006;106: 848 – 858.
VAD is a common treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (Oncovin® [vincristine], doxorubicin, and dexamethasone). However, cumulative exposure to doxorubicin can lead to serious heart problems.
A new version of Doxil has a slow release mechanism. Smaller doses are delivered, it stays in the body longer, increased concentrations of the drug accumulate in cancer cells vs. healthy cells, and side effects are reduced.
A phase III clinical trial was recently conducted in the U.S. to evaluate Doxil as a replacement for doxorubicin in the VAD regimen among MM patients. This trial included 192 patients with newly diagnosed MM who were treated with either conventional VAD or with a DVd regimen, which substitutes Doxil for doxorubicin. The DVd regimen showed responses achieved in 44.4% of patients, and 39% of patients treated with VAD. Progression-free survival was similar between the two treatment groups.
Heart complications were reduced with DVd compared to VAD. Myeloma patients planning to undergo treatment with VAD may wish to speak with their physician regarding their individual risks and benefits of treatment with DVd (note however, Doxil is not yet approved for multiple myeloma).
Reference: Rifkin RM, Gregory SA, Mohrbacher A, et al. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone provide significant reduction in toxicity compared with doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Source: Cancer. 2006;106: 848 – 858.
posted by gwg at 5:25 PM
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