Oral Melphalan, Prednisone and Thalidomide for Multiple Myeloma.

In newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, the combination melphalan, prednisone and thalidomide (MPT) induces a fast tumor response with a high response rate, but evidence that this translate into improved outcome is limited. This multicenter trial compared the efficacy and the toxicity of oral MPT with oral melphalan and prednisone (MP) in previously untreated patients. From January 2002 to December 2004, we randomised 255 patients, who were older than 65 years of age (median age 72). Data analysis was performed on July 2005. The MPT regimen included oral melphalan (4 mg/m 2 for 7 days) and prednisone (40 mg/m 2 7 days) for six four week cycles plus thalidomide (100 mg per day continuously until any sign of relapse or progressive disease) The MP regimen was as MPT without thalidomide. Patients who were not assigned to receive thalidomide were permitted to cross over to receive thalidomide after relapse or disease progression. Patients treated with MPT experienced higher response rates and a longer time to progression (primary end points) than patients who did not receive thalidomide. The overall response rate was 76% for MPT and 48% for MP alone (P