Evaluating carfilzomib plus dexamethasone for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the Kd regimen (carfilzomib, dexamethasone) for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. This study concluded that this regimen was effective for these patients, with mild side effects.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a type of cancer of the bone marrow that can lead to abnormal immune cells. Combination treatments are usually recommended for patients with newly diagnosed MM. Lenalidomide and bortezomib (Velcade) are two commonly used agents. Using combinations of agents rather than chemotherapy can help minimize side effects. However, this may also lower the effectiveness of treatment.

Previous studies have shown that the Kd regimen has been effective for patients with MM that has come back or stopped responding to treatment. In particular, the Kd regimen may be safer and more effective than other combinations, such as the Vd regimen (bortezomib, dexamethasone). Whether the Kd regimen is safe and effective for patients with newly diagnosed MM remains unclear.

This study included 72 patients with newly diagnosed MM. All patients were treated with Kd. Patients received an average of 5 rounds of treatment. Each round of treatment lasted 28 days. 

Overall, 90% of patients responded to treatment. 58% of patients had very good tumor shrinkage. On average, patients had tumor shrinkage after 2 rounds of treatment. On average, patients achieved their best response after 3 rounds of treatment.

Overall, 99% of patients had side effects. The most common of these were insomnia (39%), diarrhea (33%), and fatigue (28%). 23% of patients had severe side effects. The most common of these were high blood pressure (7%), low white blood cell count (6%), and lung infections (6%). 11% of patients also reported side effects of the heart. This included high blood pressure.

This study concluded that the Kd regimen was effective for patients with newly diagnosed MM, with mild side effects.

This study had a small number of patients. Also, a control group for comparing the effects of the study treatment was not included in this study. This may limit the conclusions that can be drawn from these results. More studies are needed to determine the role of the Kd regimen in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed MM.