[Eric Hofacket]

Re: Dexamethasone vs prednisone for multiple myeloma

by Eric Hofacket on Tue Jan 27, 2015 11:28 am

Dr. Landau,

Thanks for replying back again. Though there is no definitive answer, it helps to know there is no definitive answer.

[Dr. Heather Landau]

Re: Dexamethasone vs prednisone for multiple myeloma

by Dr. Heather Landau on Tue Jan 27, 2015 3:44 pm

Just to follow up,

A trial of dex versus prednisone in multiple myeloma, with all else remaining the same, indeed has not been done. So, no, there is no evidence-based answer.

However, I think most investigators do have the sense that dexamethasone is the more potent steroid at roughly equivalent doses.

That being said, I am hopeful that, in the year 2015, one should not need to suffer through dex-related side effects since

1. The dex dose can be reduced to tolerable levels (even 8 mg or 12 mg weekly) and still have activity;
2. There is an alternate steroid (prednisone); and
3. We have more drug options than ever before!

Hope this helps!