Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin plus Bortezomib in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Efficacy and Safety in Patients with Renal Function Impairment

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of patients (n = 193) with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance [CrCl] < 60 mL/min) from a phase III trial comparing bortezomib ± pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in relapsed/refractory myeloma (n = 646). The response rate (49% vs. 42%) and median time to disease progression (331 days vs. 199 days) were comparable or slightly better for patients with renal insufficiency treated with PLD/bortezomib compared with patients treated with bortezomib alone. There was a steady, clinically meaningful improvement in renal function for patients with renal insufficiency in both treatment arms. However, patients with impaired renal function were at a slightly increased risk of a drug-related serious adverse event (28% vs. 19% for CrCl < 60 and ≥ 60 mL/min, respectively).