[suzierose]

Why are Eight Cycles the Norm for multiple myeloma chemotherapy?

by suzierose on Fri Oct 14, 2011 8:01 am

How was the standard determined?
Why not 5 cycles or 12 cycles?

If CR or sCR are achieved in 6 cycles does therapy still continue?

If so what is the medical rationale?

Have 8 cycles been shown to increase overall survival?

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Why are Eight Cycles the Norm for multiple myeloma chemo

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Tue Oct 18, 2011 6:13 pm

This is a great question to which there is no satisfactory scientific answer. The optimal number of cycles for a particular regimen is not a question that has been addressed adequately in phase 3 trials to date. In large part, the cycle duration for a particular regimen is empiric, but based on a recognition that adequate disease control is necessary but cumulative toxicities of therapy frequently make it difficult to move beyond a particular number of cycles. The number of cycles in myeloma regimens varies quite broadly depending on whether a transplant is considered as an option, toxicities of therapy, etc.

Pete V.