Treatment Of Multiple Myeloma With Oral High-dose Melphalan Supported By Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Report Of 2 Cases

It has been demonstrated that intravenous high-dose melphalan supported by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) can improve the complete remission rate and event free survival in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). At the same time, the treatment related toxity and the treatment related motality can be reduced. APBSCT-supported high-dose melphalan is now considered standard therapy for MM. The probability of this therapy should be evaluated even in old patients up to 70. We have experienced the use of APBSCT and pulse oral melphalan in stead of intravenous melphalan in 2 cases of MM. The results showed that the myelosuppression and the nonhematologic toxicity of oral melphalan were matched with what had been reported in intravenous use. It is considered that pulse oral melphalan has the similar efficacy and safety as intravenous melphalan. IT needs further clinical study to approve whether pulse oral melphalan can be a alternate to intravenous agent.