Thalidomide–dexamethasone as primary therapy for advanced multiple myeloma

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Abstract
The value of thalidomide–dexamethasone was assessed in 26 consecutive, previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma of high tumor mass. All showed Hgb < 8.5 g/dL, serum calcium > 11.5 mg/dL, or both. The response rate was 73%, frequency of early death < 3 months was 5%, projected median survival was 30 months, and projected median remission time was 25 months. There were no occurrences of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, so that serious infection occurred in only 12% of patients. Thalidomide–dexamethasone was useful for these patients with advanced disease because of the high response rate and acceptable survival, with a low frequency of serious complications. Am. J. Hematol. 79:194–197, 2005.