Long-term survival of stage I multiple myeloma given chemotherapy just after diagnosis or at progression of the disease: a multicentre randomized study

2000

Survival in Stage I Multiple Myeloma: Early vs. Delayed Treatment

Sample size: 145 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Riccardi A, Mora O, Tinelli C, Valentini D, Brugnatelli S, Spanedda R, De Paoli A, Barbarano L, Di Stasi M, Giordano M, Delfini C, Nicoletti G, Bergonzi C, Rinaldi E, Piccinini L, Ascari E

Primary Institution: Università and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico S Matteo

Hypothesis

Does melphalan-prednisone treatment administered just after diagnosis improve survival of stage I multiple myeloma?

Conclusion

Starting treatment just after diagnosis does not improve survival in stage I multiple myeloma compared to delaying treatment until disease progression.

Supporting Evidence

Survival was not influenced by early treatment compared to treatment at progression.
The odds ratio of death comparing early to delayed treatment was 1.17.
Disease progression occurred within a year in about 50% of untreated patients.
Response rate was similar in both treatment groups, but duration of response was shorter for those treated at progression.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether starting treatment right away helps people with a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma live longer. It found that waiting to start treatment until the disease gets worse doesn't make things worse.