ALBERT

Description: Abstract 2891 Poster Board II-867 Thalidomide maintenance therapy after completion of induction therapy plus ASCT and also after conventional therapy yielded conflicting results with some trials showing improvement in overall survival and others not. This study evaluates the efficacy of Thalidomide plus Interferon a2b (Thal-IFN) in comparison to interferon a2b (IFN) as maintenance therapy in elderly pts with multiple myeloma. For induction therapy, 289 pts had been randomized to either Thalidomide-Dexamethasone or to Melphalan-Prednisolone; results of this part of the study had been reported previously (BLOOD, 113, 3435-3442, 2009). 137 pts who had completed 9 cycles of induction therapy and had achieved stable disease or better were eligible for maintenance treatment, and 128 (median age 72 years, range 54 - 86 years) had finally been randomized to either Thal (starting dose: 200mg/day) in combination with IFN-a2b (Schering-Plough, 3 Mega U, TIW) or IFN a2b (IFN) at the same dose/schedule only. All pts were scheduled for zoledronate 4mg, q 4 weeks. Median follow up from randomization to maintenance: 35 mos. Median duration of maintenance therapy: 13.2 mos and 8.3 mos for pts randomized to Thal-IFN or to IFN, respectively (logrank test p=0.20). Maintenance therapy with Thal-IFN resulted in an improvement in the depth of response from PR to VGPR or CR in 5 (8%) and with IFN in 2 (3%) pts, respectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the Thal-IFN (27.7 mos) compared to the IFN only maintenance group (13.2 mos), (HR, 0.55; 95% 95% CI, 0.36-0.86; log-rank test, p=0.0068). Analysis of PFS by either Thal-Dex or MP induction therapy showed a significantly shorter PFS in pts started on Thal-Dex and subsequently randomized to IFN maintenance only (7.8 mos, log-rank test, p=0.037). PFS was 27.7 mos in pts started on Thal-Dex followed by Thal-IFN, 20.2 mos in those with MP induction therapy followed by IFN, and 27.6 mos in pts with Thal-IFN maintenance after MP induction therapy. Overall survival (OS) was similar in both groups (Thal-IFN 52.6 mos and IFN 51.4 mos, HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.53-1.66, log-rank test; p=0.81). OS by induction therapy did not vary significantly between the four treatment groups (logrank test, p=0.99). No significant difference in OS was seen between pts younger than 75 years and those aged 75 years or older (logrank test, p=0.39). Survival after progression of disease tended to be longer in pts who received IFN maintenance therapy only compared to those started on Thal-IFN (HR: 1.75, 95% CI, 0.97 – 3.14, logrank test: 0.056), while OS was similar between both groups when analyzed from termination of maintenance therapy (HR: 1.20, 95% CI, 0.65 – 2.20, log rang test 0.57). Baseline scores of the EORTC QLQ C30 items general health (Thal-IFN, mean 56; IFN, mean 59) and overall quality of life (Thal-IFN, mean 58; IFN, mean 60) were markedly below the score obtained in an healthy population (mean 75.3 and 73.3 respectively), but did neither differ at baseline between both groups nor did they vary significantly during the course of the maintenance (statistics will be provided). Cytogenetic data were available in 66 pts. PFS tended to be longer in pts with adverse FISH findings [t (4; 14), t (14; 20) Del 17p and abnormalities of 1q21] compared to the standard risk group, but differences were not significant (median: 31.5 vs. 21.6 mos, HR: 1.69, 95% CI, 0.13 – 3.07, log-rank test 0.084). The median of OS was 72.3 mos in those with standard risk and 39.6 mos in those with high risk features (HR: 1.94, 95% CI 0.91-4.13, log rank test: 0.082). In multivariate analysis (Cox model) only Thal-IFN maintenance therapy was shown to correlate significantly with PFS (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.89, p=0.04) while for poor performance status, low hemoglobin, and low albumin a statistically non-significant correlation with survival was noted. Hematologic toxicity was similar between both groups. Pts on Thal-IFN maintenance experienced significantly more neuropathy (p=0.0024), constipation (p=0.0007) and skin toxicity (p=0.0063) and increase in renal impairment (p=0.037). In addition, there was a tendency for more dyspnea (p=0.40) and more fatigue (p=0.11) in pts on Thal-IFN maintenance therapy. Other non-hematological toxicities were similarly distributed in both therapy arms. In conclusion, Thal-IFN maintenance therapy resulted in increased PFS compared IFN maintenance treatment only, but OS was similar between both groups. Disclosures: Ludwig: Celgene: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria; AMGEN: Honoraria; Ortho-Biotech : Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria. Hajek:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Kuhn:Schering-Plough: Employment.

Description: Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (TD) is an active regimen both in patients (pts) with relapsing/refractory and in untreated pts with multiple myeloma (MM). Here we compare TD with standard Melphalan-Prednisone (MP) in previously untreated elderly pts with MM. 274 pts have been enrolled (median age: 72 yrs, stage I: 9 (3%), stage II: 84 (31%), stage III: 179 (65%). Pts were randomized to T 200mg/day and D 40mg, days 1–4 and 15–18 (on odd cycles) and days 1–4 (on even cycles) or M 0.25mg/kg days 1–4 and P2mg/kg days 1–4, q 4–6 weeks. T should be dosed up to 400mg/day, if feasible. Pts achieving response or SD were randomized to maintenance therapy either with T (≤200mg/day)-Interferon-a2b (IFN, 3Mega U, TIW) or IFN (3Mega U/TIW). Zoledronic acid (4mg) was administered monthly to all pts during the entire treatment period. Response is defined according Blade’s criteria, plus nCR defined as IF positive or 〉90%↓ in PP and VGPR defined as 〉75% ↓reduction in PP. 231 pts are evaluable per protocol. Best response to TD: CR (14%) nCR 17%, VGPR 17%, PR 21%, yielding an ORR (CR-PR) of 68%. Best response to MP: CR 7%, nCR 8%, VGPR 14%, PR 22%; ORR 51% (ORR in TD vs. MP p=.0044). Time to response and time to best response were shorter in the TD (6, 16 weeks, respectively) compared to the MP group (16, 25 weeks, respectively; p

Description: In this study we compare the efficacy and toxicity of double T with M 200 with triple T using M 100 in newly diagnosed pts with MM. 175 pts have as yet been enrolled and 135 have been randomized after VAD induction treatment and stem cell collection to either tandem or triple transplantation. Reasons for non-randomization were too early for T (n=22), PD after induction (n=5), early death (n=3), toxicity (n=3), pt. refusal (n=3), and others (n=4). Median age of the 135 pts randomized was 59 years (range: 27–70 years). Stage I: 8%, stage II: 17%, stage III: 75%, Paraprotein Isotypes: IgG: 55%, IgA: 25%, IgD: 2%, IgM: 1%, Light chain: 17%. Induction treatment: 3 cycles of VAD; stem cell priming: IEV (ifosfamide (2g/m2)-etoposide (150mg/m2), d1–3; epirubicin (50mg/m2), d1) and G-CSF (5mg/kg) from d4. Conditioning regimen: M 200 mg/m2 or M 100 mg/m2 plus G-CSF; day 5 until WBC 〉2000/ml. Pts with ≥ SD after T were subsequently randomized to interferon 3MU, TIW (Schering Plough) plus prednisone (25mg, po., TIW), or interferon alone. QoL was assessed with the EORTC QLQ C30 instrument. Chi2 test for trend was used for comparison of response and survival endpoints were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. Response rates after VAD were CR: 11%, PR: 65%, SD: 22% and PD: 2%. Median time from start of VAD to start of T was 137 in the double and 139 days in the triple T arm. Response rates did not differ between pts treated with double or triple T (CR: 47% vs. 43%, PR: 47% vs. 47%, SD 2% vs. 6%, PD: 4% vs. 4%, p=0.60, respectively). Median PFS for both groups combined was 36 mos, but showed a tendency for shorter PFS in pts on triple T (23 mos. vs. 37.5 mos; HR 1.26, 95% CI: 0.72–2.23, p=0.21). Median of OS has not been reached yet, but did not differ between both groups. Hematological toxicity was similar in both groups. There was a tendency for more grade 2–4 mucositis and for grade 3–4 vomiting, nausea, and fatigue in the double T group. Global QoL (questions 29 and 30) was comparable between both groups, before (5 (2.5–6.5) vs. 5 (4.5–6)) and after double (5.8 (3–8.5) or triple T (6 (2.5–7)). In conclusion, triple T with intermediate dose M resulted in similar response rates, slightly shorter PFS but similar OS and was associated with less mucositis and slightly less vomiting, nausea and fatigue. Progression-free survival by randomization group Progression-free survival by randomization group

Description: Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (TD) is an active regimen in patients with relapsing/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Recent phase II and III studies revealed an even higher response rate in previously untreated patients. In the present trial we compare TD with standard Melphalan-Prednisone (MP) in previously untreated elderly patients with multiple myeloma. The trial is designed to include 350 pts with MM, 190 patients have been enrolled so far (median age: 72 years, stage I: 9 (5%), stage II: 61 (32%), stage III: 120 (63%). Patients are randomized to Thalidomide 200mg/day and Dexamethasone 40mg, days 1–4 and 15–18 (on odd cycles) and days 1–4 (on even cycles) or Melphalan 2.5mg/kg day 1–4 and Prednisone 2mg/kg days 1–4, q 4–6 weeks. Thalidomide should be dosed up to 400mg/day, if feasible. Patients achieving response or stabilization are randomized to maintenance treatment either with Thalidomide (maximal dose 200mg/day)-Interferon alpha-2b (3Mega U, TIW) or Interferon alpha-2b (3Mega U/TIW). All patients are scheduled for monthly Zometa (4mg) during the entire period. Response is defined according Blade’s criteria, statistical results are given by intend to treat analysis. 125 patients are evaluable for response as yet. Best response to TD was: CR 6 (10%), NCR 7 (12%), and VGPR 9 (15%) PR 9 (15%), MR 10 (16%) yielding an ORR of 67%. Four pts had SD (7%) and 16 PD or failure (26%). The respective results in pts on MP were: CR 2 (3%), NCR 4 (6%), VGPR 5 (8%), PR 13 (20%), MR 7 (11%), ORR 48% (p

Description: Previous studies showed a survival advantage of double over single transplantation in proportion of patients. In this study we aimed to explore whether triple transplantation with intermediate melphalan 100mg/m2 (M100) yields at least similar treatment results with less toxicity than double transplantation with melphalan 200mg/m2 (M200). 219 Patients were entered in the study and started on 3 cycles of VAD induction therapy followed by IEV (ifosfamide (2g/m2)-etoposide (150mg/m2), d1-3; epirubicin (50mg/m2) d1) and G-CSF (5mg/kg) from d4 for stem cell priming and collection. Thereafter, 178 patients were randomized to either double or triple transplantation with M200 or M100. Reasons for non-randomization were PD (n=21), toxic side effects during induction or insufficient mobilization (n=9), withdrawal of consent (n=3), too early (n=1), death (n=1), second neoplasia (n=1), protocol violation (n=2), other (n=3). Patients achieving better than PD had subsequently been randomized to prednisolone plus interferon-a2b (Schering Plough) 3MU TIW or to interferon only maintenance therapy. Median age was 58 years (range: 27–71 years, n=172). DS stage I: 7%, stage II: 18%, stage III: 75%, M-component: IgG: 60%, IgA: 24%, IgD: 1%, IgM: 1%, light chain: 11%, non-secretory:1%. QoL was assessed with the EORTC QLQ C30 instrument. Chi2 test for trend was used for comparison of response and survival endpoints were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. Median follow up is 34 months. Response rates in 186 patients evaluable for response after VAD (≥ 2 cycles of VAD) were: CR: 10%, PR: 58%, SD: 21% and PD: 11%. Median time from start of VAD to start of transplantation was 141 in the double and 144 days in the triple transplantation arm. Response rates after transplantation did not differ between pts treated with double or triple transplantation (CR: 41% vs. 41%, PR: 50% vs. 49%, SD 8% vs. 8%, PD: 1% vs. 3%, p=0.91. Median PFS for both groups combined was 39 mos, but showed a tendency for shorter PFS in pts on triple transplantation (median 44 mos. vs. 38 mos; HR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.77–1.81, p=0.22). Median OS has not been reached as yet, but did not differ between both groups with 3-year rates of 85% and 81%, respectively, and a HR of 1.01. Except for more cases of grade 1 and 2 anemia in the triple transplantation arm, hematological toxicity was similar in both groups. There was a tendency for more grade 2–3 mucositis and grade 3–4 vomiting, nausea in the double transplantation group. In conclusion, triple transplantation with intermediate dose M resulted in similar response rates, slightly shorter PFS but similar OS and was associated with less mucositis and slightly less vomiting, and nausea. Figure Figure

Description: We compared thalidomide-dexamethasone (TD) with melphalan-prednisolone (MP) in 289 elderly patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Patients received either thalidomide 200 mg plus dexamethasone 40 mg, days 1 to 4 and 15 to 18 on even cycles and days 1 to 4 on odd cycles, during a 28-day cycle or to melphalan 0.25 mg/kg and prednisolone 2 mg/kg orally on days 1 to 4 during a 28- to 42-day cycle. Patients achieving stable disease or better were randomly assigned to maintenance therapy with either thalidomide 100 mg daily and 3 MU interferon α-2b thrice weekly or to 3 MU interferon α-2b thrice weekly only. TD resulted in a higher proportion of complete and very good remissions (26% vs 13%; P = .006) and overall responses (68% vs 50%; P = .002) compared with MP. Time to progression (21.2 vs 29.1 months; P = .2), and progression-free survival was similar (16.7 vs 20.7 months; P = .1), but overall survival was significantly shorter in the TD group (41.5 vs 49.4 months; P = .024). Toxicity was higher with TD, particularly in patients older than 75 years with poor performance status. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00205751.