Combination therapy of M2-protocol and interferon-alpha as remission induction in refractory multiple myeloma.

Abstract

A successful induction of remission in two patients with resistant multiple myeloma using a new combination therapy of modified M-2 protocol and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is described. The first case was a 32-year-old man with K type urinary Bence-Jones protein who became resistant after treatment with melphalan and prednisone (MP protocol). IFN-alpha alone had a marginal response. The modified M-2 protocol proved insufficient. Therefore, IFN-alpha was administered in the interval of M-2 protocol. This combination therapy showed remarkable responses. The second case was a 59-year-old woman with advanced IgA myeloma who was treated with M-2 protocol and became resistant. IFN-alpha alone resulted in a slight response. After addition of IFN-alpha to the modified M-2 protocol, a rapid reduction in the level of serum IgA was found and clinical symptoms including bone pain, anaemia and so on were dramatically improved. No infection and/or intolerable side effects were observed in either case. This combination treatment appears worthy to try in cases of resistant or relapsing myeloma patients.

• Authors: Y Shimamoto, M Matsuzaki, K Ono, M Sano, M Yamaguchi
• Journal: Haematologia (Haematologia (Budap)) Vol. 24 Issue 1 Pg. 9-11 ( 1991) ISSN: 0017-6559 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 1813363 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Interferon-alpha
• Vincristine
• Cyclophosphamide
• Melphalan
• Carmustine
• Prednisone

Topics

• Adult
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Carmustine (therapeutic use)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Cyclophosphamide (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Interferon-alpha (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Melphalan (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Multiple Myeloma (therapy)
• Prednisone (therapeutic use)
• Prognosis
• Remission Induction (methods)
• Vincristine (therapeutic use)