[Jason]

How many VCD cycles are feasible before stem cell collect.?

by Jason on Sun Sep 09, 2012 5:15 pm

My dad (53) was diagnosed with multiple myeloma this June and has been treated with one VRD-PACE cycle (non-Barlogie regime) and 3 VCD cycles. He will complete his third cycle of VCD by the end of next week.

So far, he has only achieved a PR. Based on the blood results next week we will likely continue with a mobilization therapy in order to collect stem cells and continue with an autologous stem cell transplant.

With every cycle VCD the blood results have been improved significantly, so far.
Thats why we wonder if it might be better to add another VCD cycle to further improve his blood results and to hopefully achieve a VGPR before an autologous stem cell transplant.

How many VCD cycles are commonly given in the US before stem cell collection? Are there any reasons why one should not continue with a 5th or 6th cycle of VCD?

In contrast to Revlimid, Cyclophosphamid and Velcade dont cause problems regarding harvesting stem cells, right?

Best wishes from Europe,
Jason

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: How many VCD cycles are feasible before stem cell collec

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Sun Sep 09, 2012 9:21 pm

Dear Jason,

4 cycles of induction therapy is highly reasonable and typical for someone moving forward with high-dose melphalan therapy and stem cell transplant. The more cycles of induction he gets before moving forward with high-dose therapy, the harder it will be to tolerate. If the disease burden is still not ideal after the dust settles after transplant, you have other things you can do (consolidation post-transplant, maintenance) to reduce disease burden further if appropriate

Best of luck!

Pete V.