Once-versus Twice-weekly Bortezomib Induction Therapy with Dexamethasone in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

In this study,we administered a modified schedule of weekly intravenous Bortezomib at 1.6 mg/m 2 with dexamethasone(BD) and compared it to the standard 1.3 mg/m 2 twice-weekly BD regimen in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma(MM).We assessed the difference in efficacy,safety profile and survival between the once-weekly and twice-weekly cohorts(13 vs.24 patients).The over response rate was similar with both arms of the study,being 77% in the once-weekly schedule and 74.9% in the twice-weekly schedule(P=0.690).The median overall survival was not reached in either schedule.Also,the median progression-free survival and duration of response of the once-weekly schedule did not significantly differ from those of the twice-weekly schedule(8 months vs.10 months,P=0.545 and 6 months vs.7 months,P=0.467 respectively).Peripheral sensory neuropathy and grade 3/4 hematologic toxic effects were more frequently reported in the twice-weekly schedule than the once-weekly schedule,but there was no statistically significant difference.This preliminary experience in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed MM indicated that once-weekly infusion of Bortezomib plus dexamethasone may improve safety without affecting outcome.