Characterisation of the clinical trial data sets.

Comparison of the two independent HOVON65/GMMG-HD4 and MRC Myeloma IX cohorts with respect to demographic data, ISS staging, TC classification and time to disease progression (PFS) suggesting that clinical expression of resistance was identical. Both trials contained high dose melphalan as a mainstay in the standard therapy for all patients enrolled.VAD = Induction with vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone. PAD = Induction with bortezomib, adriamycin and dexamethasone. CVAD = Induction with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone. CTD = Induction with cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone.