[Treatment of multiple myelomas resistant to alkylating agents by continuous vincristine-adriamycin perfusion and dexamethasone. Group for the Study and Research on Myelomas].

Twenty-two patients with myeloma refractory to alkylating agents received the VAD regimen (vincristine, adriamycine by continuous infusion during 4 days, and high dose dexamethasone) (Barlogie 1984). Sixteen patients were improved with good response in 10. Six out of 9 patients, who had previously received vincristine and adriamycine in other ways, were improved. The VAD regimen is highly toxic and requires careful management of infectious complications. Nevertheless, it appears to be more effective in these refractory myelomas than other types of combined chemotherapy.