Objective: To investigate the effect of the combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
Methods: 20 relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients received thalidomide (200 mg/d), cyclophosphamide (300 mg.m(-2).d(-1), d1-4, every 4 weeks) and pulsed dexamethasone (20-40 mg/d, d1-4, every 4 weeks).
Results: After 3 cycles of therapy, 9 cases obtained partial remission (PR), 4 had minimal responses (MR), 5 were of no change and 2 had progressive disease. After 6 cycles of therapy, 13 patients achieved PR and 5 had MR.
Conclusion: The combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone is a promising treatment regime for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.