Bortezomib in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary care center in India.

INTRODUCTION: Bortezomib is a novel proteasome inhibitor in myeloma. There is a paucity of data from India regarding the efficacy and tolerance to bortezomib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma from January 2008 to December 2011 treated with bortezomib as the first‑line therapy were studied in a retrospective analysis. The primary end point was the overall rate of response. Secondary end points were the progression free survival (PFS), reversibility of renal compromise and safety of bortezomib. RESULTS: Our study included 41 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. The overall response to bortezomib was 88.5% (complete response [CR] 31.4%, very good partial response 34.2%, partial response [PR] 22.8%). A renal response (CR renal, PR renal or Minimal Response renal combined) was documented 96.2% patients with initial renal impairment. The median time to the first renal response was 21 days. 17 patients (41.4%) had severe toxicity (Grade 3 and 4). Bortezomib induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) was the most common toxicity seen (53.6%) and the most common cause for discontinuation of therapy. At a median follow‑up of 9 months, median PFS was not reached. DISCUSSION: The results obtained in our study are comparable with those of established studies on bortezomib. Our patient population has similar responses and renal reversibility patterns. However, they are at an increased susceptibility to BIPN, leading to discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSION: Bortezomib as first‑line therapy has a good efficacy and safety.