Bortezomib-based induction improves progression-free survival of myeloma patients harboring 17p deletion and/or t(4;14) and overcomes their adverse prognosis

Providing a risk-adapted treatment strategy has been a key goal in the ongoing research efforts aimed at providing treatment tailored to the individual genetic make-up. Eighty myeloma patients have been tested for presence of 17p deletion and/or t(4;14) by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Based on FISH results, they have been categorized into patients lacking them (standard risk) and those harboring them (high risk). Patients in each category were randomly assigned 1:1 to induction treatment by either vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone (VAD), or bortezomib and dexamethasone (VD) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation and thalidomide maintenance and were followed up for 32 months. 32.5 % of patients were high risk. Following induction, there were significantly higher rates of at least very good partial response achievement in VD arms in standard- and high-risk patients. Regarding complete response achievement, there were insignificant differences between VAD and VD arms in standard and high-risk patients. After a median follow-up of 17.5 months, there was insignificant difference in overall survival (OS) between VAD and VD arms in standard and high-risk patients. There was superior progression-free survival (PFS) in VD arms in standard- and high-risk patients. Among patients who received VD, those belonging to standard and high-risk groups had similar PFS. In conclusion, bortezomib-based induction is superior to non-bortezomib-based one in patients harboring 17p deletion and/or t(4;14) in terms of improving PFS but not OS. Also, it reduces progression risk in patients harboring these high risk cytogenetics.