Multiple Myeloma Therapy in Tawam Hospital. First Report from United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Conclusion:This is the first report on the management of MM patients in UAE. With a median follow-up of 216 days (range 3 to 839 days) the response rate to induction therapy was 72% (CR+ VGPR). We are unable to report progression free survival due to short follow-up. This response rate of 72% (VGPR or better) is less than the reported in the literature. This may partly be due to lack of patient data regarding induction therapy elsewhere, the use of double over triplet regimens and the absence of autoSCT facilities. Outcome measurement is a difficult task due to tendency of local citizens to travel outside UAE for treatment and the transient nature of the large expatriate population (88% of the total population of approximately 5.4 million)We are working on developing an infrastructure for consistent testing (CD138-selected FISH, consistent staging, use of PET-CT and bone marrow MRI as well as developing auto SCT facilities). We have formulated a uniform treatment plan based on weekly RVd based therapy for 16 weeks as induction followed by recommendation for Auto SCT. If auto SCT is not possible then patients will continue RVd therapy for a total of 12 cycles followed by maintenance lenalidomide till progression. The standardization of diagnosis, therapeutic approach and follow-up should optimize the care and outcomes of UAE MM patients.DisclosuresMcCarthy: Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy,...
Source: Blood - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation Source Type: research