[Combination chemotherapy of multiple myeloma--BCNU.cyclophosphamide.procarbazine.prednisolone and MCNU.cyclophosphamide.procarbazine.prednisolone therapy].

Forty-four patients with progressive symptomatic multiple myeloma were treated with a protocol combining cyclophosphamide (10 mg/kg weekly), procarbazine (2 mg/kg daily), prednisolone (20 mg daily), and either BCNU (1 mg/kg weekly) (BCPP protocol) or MCNU (0.8-1 mg/kg) (MCPP protocol). Of these, 34 patients were treated with the former, and 10 patients with the latter. With BCPP protocol, 12 achieved a complete response, 11 evidenced a 75% response, and 7 displayed a 50% response. With MCPP protocol, on the other hand 2 achieved a complete response, 6 showed a 75% response, and 1 exhibited a 50% response. The median tumor halving time in both groups was 77 days and 57 days respectively. The 5-yr disease-free survival of patients treated with BCPP protocol was 62.0 +/- 10.8%. In MCPP group, 8 of 10 patients are alive with more than 49-87 weeks survival. Although myelotoxicity was moderate, other toxicities were moderate. Toxicity requiring dose modification and discontinuation of the scheduled therapy was observed.