The Use of Novel Drugs Can Effectively Improve Response, Delay Relapse and Enhance Overall Survival in Multiple Myeloma Patients with Renal Impairment

BackgroundRenal impairment is a common feature in multiple myeloma and is considered a poor prognostic factor.AimTo determine the impact of novel drugs (i.e. bortezomib, lenalidomide and thalidomide) in the treatment of myeloma patients with renal impairment. The primary endpoint was overall survival and secondary endpoints were time to next treatment and response.MethodsThe study population included all patients diagnosed with treatment-demanding multiple myeloma January 2000 to June 2011 at 15 Swedish hospitals. Renal impairment was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate under 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.ResultThe study population consisted of 1538 patients, of which 680 had renal impairment at diagnosis. The median overall survival in patients with renal impairment was 33 months, which was significantly shorter than 52 months in patients with normal renal function (PPConclusionHigh dose treatment and novel drugs, especially bortezomib, can effectively overcome the negative impact of renal impairment in patients with multiple myeloma.