Toxicity profile of chemotherapy regimens for multiple myeloma patients using CTCAE Criteria

Abstract

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy of B-cells of plasma cells. The increasing incidence of MM and because of the scarcity of Indian studies on this topic, a detailed study regarding the toxicity profile of chemotherapy regimens for multiple myeloma patients using CTCAE criteria is necessary. Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the toxicity profile of various chemotherapy regimens in MM patients, specifically using the CTCAE criteria.Methodology: The study is retrospective and clinically based, focusing on MM patients who received different chemotherapy regimens (CyBorD, VD, VRD, TD, and RD) at the Caritas Cancer Institute in Kottayam between 2015 and 2019. Patients meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Toxicity profiles were analyzed at two-time points: after 4 cycles of treatment (4 months) and at the end of therapy. Results: The study involved 87 patients with a mean age of 64 ± 11.8 years. The majority of patients (83.9%) had MM for less than 2 years. A total of 575 adverse events were reported and categorized based on the CTCAE criteria: 43.5% were Grade 1 (mild), 34.8% were Grade 2 (moderate), 19.1% were Grade 3 (severe), and 2.6% were Grade 4 (life-threatening). The most commonly reported toxicities included anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal failure, and peripheral neuropathy Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that while toxicities were common among MM patients receiving chemotherapy, the majority were of Grade 1 (mild) severity. Very few cases reached Grade 4, which indicates life-threatening consequences. This information can help healthcare professionals and patients make informed decisions regarding the choice of chemotherapy regimens for MM treatment.