Outcome of response of multiple myeloma to induction treatment in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract EN

Background : Nowadays, the therapy of multiple myeloma (MM) has successful and hopeful outcomes.

Worldwide, various treatment regimens are prescribed by clinical hematologists.

Objectives: The objective was to evaluate response to induction treatment and survival of MM patients treated with various treatment regimens in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Materials and Methods: A total of 114 patients in the KRI were included in a retrospective study through the period of January 1, 2010, to September 31, 2019.

The diagnosis of MM was confirmed using the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) guidelines.

The treatment responses were assessed according to the IMWG response criteria.

Results : Complete response among the MM patients was 35.7%, very good partial response (VGPR) was 28.7%, partial response reached 9.1%, and stable disease reached 16.5%.

The Kaplan–Meier curve showed those with VGPR had better survival than the rest of the response categories.

Meanwhile, there was a significant association between MM patients on bortezomib and dexamethasone treatment regimen and complete remission was noticed (P = 0.02).

Conclusions : The combination therapy of bortezomib and dexamethasone is effective in achieving a better response to treatment and good survival than other therapy regimens.