Case-adjusted bortezomib-based strategy in routine therapy of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma shown to be highly effective--a report by Polish Myeloma Study Group.

The observational study was aimed at evaluating response, survival and toxicity of bortezomib-based, case-adjusted regimens in real-life therapy of 708 relapsed/refractory MM patients. Bortezomib was combined with anthracyclines, steroids, thalidomide, alkylators or given in monotherapy. The ORR was 67.9% for refractory and 69.9% for relapsed MM. The median PFS was 14 months and OS 57 months. Patients responding to the therapy had the probability of a 4-year OS at 67.0%. No toxicity was noted in 33.1% of patients. Severe events (grade 3/4) were reported in 35.9% of patients: neurotoxicity (16.7%), neutropenia (9.2%), thrombocytopenia (8.5%), and infections (6.5%). Bortezomib-based, case-adjusted regimens are in real-life practice effective in salvage therapy offering reliable survival with acceptable toxicity for relapsed/refractory MM patients.