Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous administration of bortezomib in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
Methods: A total of 26 MM patients were enrolled in this study and treated with BDT (bortezomib-dexamethasone-thalidomide). In the 26 MM patients, 12 patients received subcutaneous administration of Bortezomib while 14 patients received conventional intravenous administration. The outcomes and adverse effects of two groups were retrospectively evaluated and compared.
Results: Overall response (OR) rates in the two groups were 75.00% and 71.43% respectively, in which complete remission (CR) plus very good complete remission (VGPR) rates were 50.00% and 47.14%, while CR rates were 16.67% and 28.57%. There were no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Time to achieve effectiveness in two groups was similar (P > 0.05). More than half patients in both groups achieved partial remission after the first treatment course and CR after the fourth course. Compared to the intravenous group, peripheral neuropathy rates remained significantly lower in subcutaneous group (16.67% vs. 64.29%, P = 0.021). The intravenous group had 7.14% grade 3 or worse, peripheral neuropathy but none found in the subcutaneous group. Rash occurred only in subcutaneous group (66.67%), but it was local, mild and transitional. No significant differences of other adverse events between the two groups were observed.
Conclusion: Subcutaneous administration of bortezomib offers similar efficacy to standard intravenous administration in the treatment of multiple myelom, with an improved safety for lower rate of peripheral neuropathy.