Thalidomide combined with chemotherapy in treatment of multiple myeloma

Objective: To study the curative effect and side effect of thalidomide combined with chemotherapy in treatment of multiple myeloma.Methods: The treatment group(21 cases) was administered thalidomide at a dose of 200 mg/d and chemotherapy.The dosage increased to 300 mg/d after 4 weeks when the effect was not satisfactory,which was maintained for half a year.The chemotherapy regimens were MP,VAD and VMCP.The control group(24 cases) was given chemotherapy only.The chemotherapy regimens and doses were the same with the treatment group.Results: In the treatment group,3 cases had partial relief(61.90%),4 cases improved(19.05%) and 4 cases had no response(19.05%).The total efficacy rate was 80.95%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(with a total efficacy rate of 54.17%)(P<0.01).The improvement rate of most indexes in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05-P<0.005).The side effects included constipation,lethargy,dermatitis and edema in the two low limbs,which were all tolerable.Conclusions: Thalidomide combined with chemotherapy in treatment of multiple myeloma has the merits of fewer side effects,good tolerance,convenient administration and significant curative effect.It is worth popularizing.