Reduced-dose of bortezomib for treatment of elderly patients with multiple myeloma: a clinical study

Objective To discuss the appropriate dose of bortezomib for treatment of elderly patients with multiple myeloma(MM) by evaluating the curative effects and toxicity of two different doses of bortezomib(1.0 mg/m2 and 0.7 mg/m2). Methods Twenty-six MM patients aged ≥60 years old received reduced-dose of bortezomib from June 2006 to January 2012,with 16 receiving a dose of 1.0 mg/m2 and the other 10 receiving a dose of 0.7 mg/m2.The curative effects and the adverse events were observed. Results After the first course of treatment 13 patients responsed in the 1.0 mg/m2 group and 8 in the 0.7 mg/m2 group.After the second course of treatment 9 patients still responsed in the 1.0 mg/m2 group and 5 in the 0.7 mg/m2 group,with no significant difference found between the two groups(P0.05).The main adverse effects of bortezomib treatment included digestive symptoms,peripheral neuropathy,thrombocytopenia and infection,with no significant difference found between the two groups(P0.05). Conclusion Bortezomib-based regimens at 1.0 mg/m2 and 0.7 mg/m2 are safe and effective for elderly MM patients;if the dose 1.0 mg/m2 can not be tolerated,0.7 mg/m2 can be chosen.