passage-145
abstract
A systematic review of phase II trials of thalidomide/dexamethasone combination therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.  Thalidomide monotherapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) has a response rate of 30%. The combination of thalidomide with dexamethasone (Thal/Dex) is expected to improve responses, but it is unknown if the combination increases the rate of adverse events. Here, we conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating Thal/Dex in relapsed/refractory MM. Twelve studies were included, comprising 451 patients. The response rate (CR and PR) was 46% (95% CI 42-51%). Therapy-related toxicity was comparable to thalidomide monotherapy and included somnolence (26%, 95% CI 22-31%), constipation (37%, 95% CI 32-42%) and peripheral neuropathy (27%, 95% CI 23-32%). Only venous thromboembolism appeared to occur more often with Thal/Dex (5%, 95% CI 3-8%). Thus, using Thal/Dex results in an improved response rate in relapsed/refractory MM, with a toxicity rate comparable to thalidomide monotherapy.
entity-145-0
DISEASE
refractory multiple myeloma
entity-145-1
DISEASE
relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
entity-145-2
DISEASE
MM
entity-145-3
DISEASE
relapsed/refractory MM
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ADVERSE
Therapy-related toxicity
entity-145-5
ADVERSE
somnolence
entity-145-6
ADVERSE
constipation
entity-145-7
ADVERSE
peripheral neuropathy
entity-145-8
ADVERSE
venous thromboembolism
entity-145-9
DISEASE
relapsed/refractory MM