Phase II trial of rhIL-6 (interleukin-6) prior to and concurrently with VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone) chemotherapy for patients with multiple myeloma.

Abstract

We examined the tolerability and safety of interleukin-6 (rhIL-6) when administered prior to and concurrent with vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD) in patients with progressive multiple myeloma previously treated with VAD alone. Typical rhIL-6-related effects such as fever, chills, acute phase reactions and reversible abnormalities in liver function tests were observed. The study examined whether rhIL-6 predictably modulated indices of myeloma activity. No consistent, predictable change in myeloma-related parameters was documented upon rhIL-6 administration for either 8 days or 11 days prior to and concurrent with VAD. Two patients showed improved sensitivity to VAD chemotherapy when this was administered with rhIL-6. The overall response rate to rhIL-6 and VAD therapy in this study of relapsed and refractory patients was 50%, comparable to our previous experience with VAD alone in this cohort of patients.