Doxil®, Oncovin®, Revlimid®, and Dexamethasone Effective in Recurrent Multiple Myeloma

According to a recent report, the combination of Revlimid® (lenalidomide), Oncovin® (vincristine), Doxil® (pegylated doxorubicin), and dexamethasone appears highly effective in multiple myeloma that has recurred or progressed following prior therapies.

Determining optimal treatment choices for patients with multiple myeloma that has recurred (returned following therapy) or for those with refractory disease (stopped responding to therapy) is more challenging than for those who have not received prior therapies.

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic recently conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the combination of Doxil, Oncovin, Revlimid, and dexamethasone in the treatment of patients with recurrent or refractory multiple myeloma. Both Doxil and Oncovin are chemotherapy agents commonly used for multiple myeloma. This trial included 62 patients, 65% of whom had recurrent or refractory multiple myeloma.

• Seventy-five percent of patients achieved an anticancer response.
• Twenty-nine percent of patients achieved a complete or near complete disappearance of detectable cancer.
• Progression-free survival was one year.
• Overall survival has not yet been reached.
• The main side effect from the addition of Revlimid to this treatment combination was infection.

The researchers concluded that the treatment combination including Revlimid, Doxil, Oncovin, and dexamethasone appears to provide high anticancer activity in recurrent or refractory multiple myeloma. Patients whose multiple myeloma has returned or progressed following prior therapies may wish to speak with their physician regarding participation in clinical trials further evaluating novel treatment combinations.

Reference: Baz R, Walker E, Karam MA, et al. Linalidomide and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: safety and efficacy. Annals of Oncology. 2006; doi:10.1093/annonc/mdl313.