A randomized study (WOS MM1) comparing the oral regime Z-Dex (idarubicin and dexamethasone) with vincristine, adriamycin and clexamethasone as induction therapy for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma

Cook, G., Clark, R., Morris, T., Robertson, M., Lucie, N., Anderson, S., Paul, J. and Franklin, I. (2004) A randomized study (WOS MM1) comparing the oral regime Z-Dex (idarubicin and dexamethasone) with vincristine, adriamycin and clexamethasone as induction therapy for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma. British Journal of Haematology, 126(6), pp. 792-798. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2004.05127.x)

Abstract

Whilst infusional vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone (VAD) is an effective treatment for patients with multiple myeloma (MM), administration may be complicated by line-associated infections and thromboses. The oral regime, Z-Dex (idarubicin and dexamethasone) has been shown to be efficacious in MM. We conducted a randomized study comparing Z-Dex with VAD as induction therapy in newly diagnosed MM patients. A total of 106 patients (median age, 56 years; range: 37-73; Durie-Salmon stage II/III) were randomized to receive four to six cycles of Z-Dex or VAD. Central line complications were reported in 38 patients on 57 cycles, primarily because of infection. Neutropenia (all grades) was more common in the Z-Dex arm (P = 0.009) although grade III/IV neutropenia was not significantly different between the treatment groups (P = 0.06). Infections (all grades) were more commonly seen in the VAD arm (P = 0.001) although grade III/IV infections were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.081). The responses to therapy (complete/partial response) in evaluable patients were: VAD 74% vs. Z-Dex 58%, with an estimated difference in response of 16% (95% Cl -2-33, P = 0.075). VAD recipients (15%) suffered early treatment-related mortality compared with 12% of Z-Dex recipients. Overall, 45 patients have died: disease progression (Z-Dex n = 13, VAD n = 10), regimen-related toxicity (Z-Dex n = 2, VAD n = 2), infection (Z-Dex n = 0, VAD n = 3), other causes (Z-Dex n = 7, VAD n = 2), unknown (Z-Dex n = 3, VAD n = 2). This study demonstrated that Z-Dex might be a suitable oral alternative to VAD for treating newly diagnosed MM patients, although definitive evidence for equivalence is not provided.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Paul, Mr James and Robertson, Mrs Michele and Franklin, Prof Ian
• Authors: Cook, G., Clark, R., Morris, T., Robertson, M., Lucie, N., Anderson, S., Paul, J., and Franklin, I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre; ?? 20206000 ??; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: British Journal of Haematology
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
• ISSN: 0007-1048