Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of bortezomib-based induction regimen followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed upon clinical data of 62 MM patients who received bortezomib-based induction regimen followed by ASCT from June 2006 to June 2011. All patients were followed up to September 30, 2011.
Results: Overall response rate [complete remission (CR) + near complete remission (nCR) + partial remission (PR)], ≥ nCR rate (CR/nCR) and CR rate of post-induction with bortezomib-based regimen were 88.7%, 66.1% and 24.2%, respectively. After ASCT, CR rate and CR/nCR rate were increased to 50.0% and 82.3%, respectively, with significant differences (P = 0.003 and P = 0.032). The median time of neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 12.0 (9 - 43) days and 13.5 (0 - 120) days, respectively. Significances were found in neutrophil and platelet engraftment between MM patients with and without prior exposure to alkylating agents. Furthermore, engraftment of neutrophil and platelet in patients receiving peripheral blood stem cell transplantation were faster than those receiving bone marrow transplantation. No unexpected side effects occurred. The median time of follow-up was 26.5 (7-61) months. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 30 months. There were significant differences in OS and PFS between patients obtaining CR/nCR and those with ≤ PR before ASCT.
Conclusions: Bortezomib-based induction regimen can improve the efficacy of ASCT in MM patients. The side effects are tolerant. Higher response quality before ASCT can translate to high rates of OS and PFS following high-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation.