Bortezomib-dexamethasone as maintenance therapy or early retreatment at biochemical relapse versus observation in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients: a randomized phase II study

Disease progression in multiple myeloma (MM) can occur as a biochemical relapse (an increase in monoclonal component without end-organ damage) or as a clinical relapse (a proliferation of plasma cells accompanied by MM-related symptoms). The International Myeloma Working Group recommends that treatment should be initiated in the presence of a clinical relapse or in case of a rapid increase in the monoclonal component. The suitability of early treatment at the occurrence of biochemical relapse is still a matter of debate.