A Phase II Trial of VAD ( Vincristine , Doxorubicin and Dexamethasone ) Chemotherapy for Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma

Kim, Seong Whan; Ryoo, Baek Yeol; Kim, Tae You; Im, Young Hyuck; Park, Yeon Hee; Kim, Bong Seog; Choi, Byung Kook; Kim, Kyung Hyun; Kang, Yoon Koo

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The combination of vincristine and doxorubicin by continuous infusion was reported to reduce tumor mass more rapidly than standard regimens, which maybe a result of effect on more slowly proliferating plasma cells. We conducted a phase II study to determine the activity and safety of VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone) chemotherapy, in which vincristine and doxorubicin are administered as a continuous infusion, for previously untreated multiple myeloma.
METHODS
VAD chemotherapy (vincristine 0.4 mg/day 24 hour-continuous infusion, days 1~4; doxorubicin 9 mg/m2/day 24 hour-continuous infusion, days 1~4; dexamethasone 40 mg/day p.o. days 1~4) was given to eligible patients every 4 weeks and we assessed response and toxicity of the regimen.
RESULTS
Between January 1991 and March 1997, total 25 patients entered this trial and 22 were evaluable. The complete response rate was 14%(3/22) and overall response rate was 59%(13/22, 95% C.I.: 38~80%). The time to response was 1.0~6.8(median 2.9) months. Progression free survival was 2~39+(median 11.5) months and the overall survival was 3+~42+(median 19.7) months. Toxicities of VAD regimen were leukopenia, infection, stomatitis and neurotoxicity, but there was no treatment-related death.
CONCLUSION
VAD chemotherapy was tolerable, but not more active than the alkylating agent-based chemotherapy as a front-line treatment for the patients with multiple myeloma. But, because of its rapid response and relatively mild myelotoxicity, it could play a role for advanced or highly complicated disease and for remission induction before consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy.