Low-dose thalidomide and donor lymphocyte infusion as adoptive immunotherapy after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma

Blood. 2004 Nov 15;104(10):3361-3. doi: 10.1182/blood-2004-05-2031. Epub 2004 Aug 3.

Abstract

To improve the antimyeloma effect of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma, we investigated in a phase 1/2 study the effect of low-dose thalidomide (100 mg) followed by DLI in 18 patients with progressive disease or residual disease and prior ineffective DLI after allografting. The overall response rate was 67%, including 22% complete remission. Major toxicity of thalidomide was weakness grade I/II (68%) and peripheral neuropathy grade I/II (28%). Only 2 patients experienced mild grade I acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) of the skin, while no grades II to IV aGvHD was seen. De novo limited chronic GvHD (cGvHD) was seen in 2 patients (11%). The 2-year estimated overall and progression-free survival were 100% and 84%, respectively. Adoptive immunotherapy with low-dose thalidomide and DLI induces a strong antimyeloma effect with low incidence of graft versus host disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Graft vs Host Disease / epidemiology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive*
  • Incidence
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Thalidomide / administration & dosage*
  • Thalidomide / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Thalidomide