VINCRISTINE AND ORAL ETOPOSIDE IN REFRACTORY MULTIPLE-MYELOMA

A total of 15 patients with refractory multiple myeloma (MM; 4 primary unresponsive and 11 relapsed and resistant to re-induction/salvage th erapy) received i.v. vincristine on day 1 and oral etoposide daily for 4 days, the treatment being repeated at 3-weekly intervals. The patie nts were re-assessed after three cycles of chemotherapy, and non-respo nders received no further therapy. There was no complete or partial re sponse. A minimal response was seen in two patients, and two others sh owed stable disease. None of the responses was sustained, and all pati ents eventually had progressive disease. Tt is concluded that combinat ion chemotherapy with vincristine and oral etoposide given by this sch edule is unlikely to be of any value in refractory myeloma.