Abstract |
Adjunctive anti- bone resorption therapy has become an important part of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. Currently, no definite evidence exists that this therapy increases survival. We examined a cohort of 13 of 167 patients (8%) treated with the M-2 protocol who received adjuvant gallium nitrate (GN) treatment for osteolysis, and then compared the outcome of these patients to all individuals treated with the M-2 regimen. The stage at diagnosis was IA in two patients, IIIA in 10 patients and IIIB in one. Median age at diagnosis was 51 years (range 35-73). Median (range) of entry data were: paraprotein level: 6000mg/dl (3058-8675); beta2M: 2.7mg/l, (1.2-9.6); LDH: 166U/l (142-237); hemoglobin: 10.2 g/dl (8.3-12.6); albumin: 3.7 g/dl (2.5-5.0); calcium: 10.0 mg/dl (8.3-14.5); creatinine: 1.2 mg/dl (0.7-2.7). Median survival in these patients was 87+ months from time of diagnosis compared with 48 months for all other patients treated on the M-2 protocol. We identified a subgroup of patients with remarkably prolonged survival who had received M-2 chemotherapy and GN. Survival in this group markedly exceeds expectations for patients with advanced stage disease and poor prognostic features. The administration of GN may have a positive impact on survival either by decreasing skeletal complications or through a direct action of GN on the complex cytokine network involved in the proliferation of the malignant myeloma cell.
|
Authors | Ruben Niesvizkya, C Galen Choy, David Siegel, Larry Lyons, Joseph Michaeli |
Journal | Leukemia & lymphoma
(Leuk Lymphoma)
Vol. 43
Issue 3
Pg. 603-5
(Mar 2002)
ISSN: 1042-8194 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12002765
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Gallium
- gallium nitrate
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Antineoplastic Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(administration & dosage)
- Bone Resorption
(drug therapy, etiology, mortality)
- Cohort Studies
- Drug Evaluation
- Female
- Gallium
(administration & dosage)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Multiple Myeloma
(complications, drug therapy, mortality)
- Retrospective Studies
- Survival Analysis
- Treatment Outcome
|