OBJECTIVE:

To explore the clinical effect and toxicity of (cisplatin, etoposide, ifosfamide & dexamethasone) DECP combination chemotherapy in the treatment of relapsing and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) with extramedullary plasmacytomas.

METHODS:

A total of 20 relapsed and refractory MM patients with extramedullary plasmacytomas treated with DECP regimen from May 2005 to May 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. DECP protocols included cisplatin 20 mg/m(2), Day 1-3; etoposide 100 mg/d,Day 1-3; ifosfamide 500 mg·m(-2)·d(-1), Day 1-4; dexamethasone 20 mg/d, Day 1-4. Efficacy was evaluated after 2 therapeutic cycles.

RESULTS:

After 2 therapeutic cycles, the objective response rate (ORR) was 55% (11/20). After 3 therapeutic cycles, the ORR was 7/12.Seven patients completed 4 cycles with an ORR of 4/7. Two patients had finished 6 cycles and continued to maintain partial remission. The most common adverse events included gastrointestinal reaction and myelosuppression. The median follow-up time was 30 (12-80) months. The median time of overall survival (OS) was 30 (9-121) months. The 1-year OS was 73%, 2-year OS 28% and 3-year OS 21%.

CONCLUSION:

The DECP chemotherapy is both effective and safe in the treatment of relapsed and refractory MM patients with extramedullary plasmacytomas.