BOSTON, MA – A novel drug combination given on a unique schedule has improved the overall and complete response rates among patients with multiple myeloma, according to a study led by Kena Miller, FNP, Department of Nursing at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). The research will be presented at the 31^st Annual Congress of the Oncology Nursing Society, May 4-7, in Boston, MA.*

Multiple myeloma is an incurable hematologic cancer. Treatment with the approved drug, Bortezomib, has produced a response rate of only about 25 percent, with only 11 percent of patients achieving complete response. Patients also experienced significant side effects.

In an attempt to improve response rate in these patients, researchers at RPCI designed a phase II clinical study to evaluate the combination of Bortezomib, Doxil and Thalidomide in treating patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. The researchers also modified the dosing schedule of Bortezomib to mitigate the side effects. The combination of Bortezomib, Doxil and Thalidomide produced an overall response rate of 62.5 percent and a complete response rate of 25 percent in 21 patients treated. Patients also tolerated treatment with Bortezomib better on the new dosing schedule.

Although the sample size was small, the combination of Bortezomib, Doxil and Thalidomide is now being used at RPCI as effective salvage regimen in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

“This novel combination can help improve response rates and the unique dosing schedule has improved tolerability when treating relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients. It is an excellent option for patients who cannot tolerate steroid therapy or whose disease is steroid refractory,” noted Miller.

The Oncology Nursing Society is a professional organization of more than 33,000 registered nurses and other healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research and administration in oncology nursing. The overall mission of ONS is to promote excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment, and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org

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*Editor’s Note: Abstract # 155 “Bortezomib (V) in Combination with Doxil (D) and Thalidomide (T) Yields High Response Rate in Patients with Refractory Multiple Myeloma” by Kena Miller, FNP, and Laurie Musiali, RN, BSN, will be presented Thursday, May 4, 11:30 am – 1 pm and Saturday, May 7, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm in the Exhibit Hall at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.