Conditions: Multiple Myeloma
Keywords: Multiple Myeloma Bortezomib Newly diagnosed Newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Allocation: NA | Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP
Enrollment: 50
Healthy volunteers: no

Brief summary:
This is a research study to see if a new drug called bortezomib is useful to treat multiple myeloma in people who are newly diagnosed, and have not yet received treatment for their disease. VELCADE® (bortezomib) for Injection is a drug under development by Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Detailed description:
This study is a multi-site study which will enroll up to 50 patients with multiple myeloma who have not had prior treatment.

Prior to starting treatment individuals will be evaluated to determine if they are eligible to participate in the study. There are certain prestudy test that are required: physical exam, blood tests, ECG, chest x-ray, skeletal survey, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and to determine baseline health status.

Before beginning each treatment cycle and at the end of the study, patients will have protein studies (including blood and urine) to see if they are responding to the treatment. Before each weekly treatment cycle patients will also have blood tests for red and white blood cells and platelets, and blood chemistry tests for electrolytes, kidney and liver function, calcium and blood sugar.

Patients may receive up to 6 cycles of treatment. At the end of the study, individuals who have responded to treatment will be seen every two months to check for disease progression.

Arms:
arm 1: Bortezomib is administered at a dose of 1.6mg/m2 IV push over 3 to 5 seconds. Treatment is administered once a week for four weeks followed by one week off. This 5 week period is considered a treatment cycle. Dexamethasone is also administered at a dose of 40mg daily on day of and day after each dose of Bortezomib, with a dose reduction to 20mg on the same schedule if the patient cannot tolerate the higher dose of dexamethasone. The study duration for a given subject will be approximately 30 weeks.

Interventions: intervention 1: Bortezomib
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Bortezomib will be administered at a dose of 1.6 mg/m2 IV push. Treatment will be administered once a week for four weeks followed by one week off. This 5 week period is considered a treatment cycle.

Dexamethasone will also be administered at a dose of 40mg on the day of and day after each dose of bortezomib, with a dose reduction to 20mg on the same schedule if the patient cannot tolerate the higher dose of dexamethasone.

Protocol document: