OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of low dose thalidomide (TD) combined with modified VCMP (vincristine+cyclophosphamide+melphalan+prednisone) (TD+mVCMP) and VAD (vincristine+doxorubicin+dexamethsone) (TD+VAD) regimens for treating aged patients with MM.

METHODSA total of 47 patients with newly diagnosed MM were enrolled in this study. Among them 27 cases were treated with TD+mVCMP regimen (TD+mVCMP group), 20 cases were treated with TD+VAD regimen (TD+VAD group). The dose of TD in 2 groups all was 100 mg/d. Each patient received 4 or more courses of treatment.

RESULTSOut of 27 cases in TD+mVCMP group, 9 cases achieved complete remission (CR), 5 cases-very good partial remission (VGPR), 6 cases-partial remission (PR); among 20 cases in TD+VAD group, 3 cases achieved CR, 3 cases achieved VGPR, 4 cases achieved PR. The total effective rate in 2 group was 74.1% and 50% respectively, there was statistical difference between 2 groups (P<0.05). The differences of Hb level, plasmocytic ratio of bone marrow and M protein level in 2 groups before and after treatment were significant (P<0.05). The 5 years survival rate of patients in TD+mVCMP and TD+VAD group was 72.8% and 66.9% respectively, there was no statistical difference (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions including caxdiac toxicity, severe leucopenia and thrombocytopenia in TD+mVCMP group was lower than that in TD+VAD group.

CONCLUSIONLow dose TD combined with modified VCMP regimen for treatment of newly diagnosed aged patients with MM is safe and effective, which may be used as the first line treatment regimen for population in aged MM patients.