In a recent phase 2 clinical trial published in the journal Leukemia and Lymphoma, ten out of 23 participants with recurring multiple myeloma or other plasma cell cancers reached partial or complete remission on a steroid-free treatment regimen of Velcade (bortezomib), Doxil (doxorubicin liposomal), and thalidomide (Thalomid). The scientists at the State University of New York who performed the trial were looking for a treatment for people who cannot tolerate steroids.

Steroid-based drugs such as dexamethasone (Decadron) are common and effective multiple myeloma treatments but can have serious side effects, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Those with diabetes or high blood pressure can still take steroid drugs, but may need extra monitoring, according to the International Myeloma Foundation (pdf).

The State University of New York study looked at patients with relapsed multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, or Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia who were receiving treatment at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.  Study participants were put on a four-week schedule of Velcade, Doxil and thalidomide.  Their progress was monitored after each four-week interval for four to six months.

After four to six cycles, four participants achieved complete remission and six achieved partial remission. Five out of the remaining 13 had minimal response or reached stable disease. Two people dropped out of the study early because they could not tolerate the side effects of the treatment.

The most common side effects, affecting at least half of the participants, included low numbers of platelets and infection-fighting white blood cells called neutrophils; mild paresthesia, or prickling feelings in the limbs, and moderate fatigue that made some everyday tasks difficult.

In their paper, the researchers said their steroid-free regimen was “promising” and called for research to repeat their results with a bigger pool of participants. The researchers also plan to study the regimen as a first-line treatment.

For more information, please see the study in the journal Leukemia and Lymphoma (abstract).