Drug Formulary information is intended for use by healthcare professionals. It is not intended to be medical advice. Some of the information, including information about funding for cancer drugs, does not apply to all patients. Cancer treatment plans are unique to each patient. If you are a patient, please speak with your healthcare team to understand how this information applies to you.
CYBORD
(in patients eligible for ASCT)
Regimen is considered appropriate as part of the standard care of patients; meaningfully improves outcomes (survival, quality of life), tolerability or costs compared to alternatives (recommended by the Disease Site Team and national consensus body e.g. pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review, pCODR). Recommendation is based on an appropriately conducted phase III clinical trial relevant to the Canadian context OR (where phase III trials are not feasible) an appropriately sized phase II trial. Regimens where one or more drugs are not approved by Health Canada for any indication will be identified under Rationale and Use.
Induction therapy for patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma, prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).
This regimen may also be used for light-chain amyloidosis.
cyclophosphamide
ODB - General Benefit (cyclophosphamide - oral tablets) (ODB Formulary )
bortezomib
New Drug Funding Program (Bortezomib - Previously Untreated - Multiple Myeloma Pre-Stem Cell Transplant) (NDFP Website)
dexamethasone
ODB - General Benefit (dexamethasone) (ODB Formulary )
| cyclophosphamide † | 300 mg /m² | PO | Days 1, 8, 15, 22 |
(Outpatient prescription; available as 25 mg or 50 mg tablets) | |||
| bortezomib * | 1.5 mg /m² | IV / Subcut | Days 1, 8, 15, 22 |
* Missed doses should not be made up, and there should be a minimum of 72 h between bortezomib doses.
Cycles 1 and 2: | |||
| dexamethasone ^ | 40 mg | PO | Daily on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, 17 to 20 |
(outpatient prescription in 4 mg tablets)
| |||
| dexamethasone ^ | 40 mg | PO | Once weekly (on days 1, 8, 15, 22) |
^The dexamethasone dose should be reduced in elderly patients.
REPEAT EVERY 28 DAYS
unless disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. Assess at the end of 4 cycles for response and suitability for transplant.
Low
Consider prophylaxis daily for cyclophosphamide PO
Other Supportive Care:
- Oral hydration is encouraged to prevent dose-related hemorrhagic cystitis.
- Consider prophylaxis for herpes zoster
- Prophylaxis with a proton pump inhibitor and an antibiotic (e.g. quinolone) were also used in clinical trials.
- Use of anti-fungal mouthwash was recommended in the clinical trial.
- Consider prophylaxis for tumour lysis syndrome in high risk patients (e.g. plasma cell leukemia).
Also refer to CCO Antiemetic Recommendations.
Doses should be modified according to the protocol by which the patient is being treated. The following recommendations have been adapted from clinical trials or product monographs and could be considered.
Dosage with toxicity
Suggested dose levels
| Dose level | Cyclophosphamide (mg/m2 ) | Bortezomib (mg/m2 ) | Dexamethasone (mg) cycles 1 and 2 | Dexamethasone (mg) cycles 3 and onwards |
| -1 | 300 days 1, 8, 15 | 1.3 days 1, 8, 15, 22 | 20 days 1-4, 9-12, 17-20 | 20 days 1, 8, 15, 22 |
| -2 | 300 days 1 and 8 | 1 days 1, 8, 15, 22 | 20 days 1-4 | 20 days 1, 8, 15 |
| -3 | 300 day 1 | 0.7 days 1, 8, 15, 22 | 10 days 1-4 | 10 days 1, 8, 15 |
| -4 | Discontinue | Discontinue | Discontinue | Discontinue |
Exercise clinical discretion in patients with low counts due to bone marrow infiltration of myeloma. Full dosing of drugs should be considered and patients to be monitored closely for the first 2 cycles.
Hematologic Toxicities (Table A)
| Cycle | Toxicity / Counts (x 109/L) | Bortezomib | Cyclophosphamide | Dexamethasone |
| Day one of Cycle | Platelets < 50 and/or ANC < 1 on day 1 of cycle | Hold until recovery*; ↓ by 1 dose level for next dose/cycle | Hold until recovery*; then ↓ by 1 dose level (if occurs on day 15, omit for rest of cycle then ↓ 1 dose level) | No change. For day 1, delay until start of bortezomib and cyclophosphamide. |
| During Cycle | Grade 4 neutropenia, or febrile neutropenia or grade 3 neutropenia ≥ 7 days# | Day 1: Hold until recovery* then ↓ by 1 dose level Other days: Omit for rest of cycle AND ↓ 1 dose level for next cycle | ||
| During Cycle | platelets < 50 or thrombocytopenic bleeding# | Hold until recovery* then ↓ by 1 dose level |
*Restart treatment if platelets ≥ 50 x 109/L, ANC ≥ 1 x 109/L, toxicities recovered to ≤ grade 2 (or as defined in table B).
# since last dose – for example if day 1, would be since last cycle; or if on D8, would be since day 1
Non-Hematologic Toxicities (Table B)
Toxicity | Dose modification and delay |
Grade 1 or 2 hemorrhagic cystitis | ↓ cyclophosphamide by 1 dose level |
Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhagic cystitis | Discontinue cyclophosphamide |
Grade 3 related non-hematologic toxicity (see table C for neurotoxicity) | Hold suspect drugs until ≤ grade 1/baseline then restart with 1 dose level ↓ |
Grade 4 related non-hematologic or any grade RPLS/ PML/ pneumonitis^ | Discontinue all drugs |
Severe corticosteroid related toxicity (e.g. GI, hyperglycemia, confusion, mood changes or muscle weakness interfering with activities of daily living) | ↓ dexamethasone by 1 dose level |
*Restart treatment if platelets ≥ 50 x 109/L, ANC ≥ 1 x 109/L, toxicities recovered to ≤ grade 2 (or as defined in table B). If treatment held for > 2 weeks, discontinue.
^Patients with symptoms of pneumonitis/ARDS should have all drugs held, be appropriately investigated and managed; if diagnosis is confirmed, permanently discontinue.
Dosage for Neurotoxicity (Table C)
Patients with pre-existing severe neuropathy should be treated with bortezomib only after careful risk/benefit assessment. Dose reductions are not required for cyclophosphamide or dexamethasone.
Severity of Peripheral Neuropathy | Bortezomib Dosage Modification |
Grade 1 (paresthesias and/or loss of reflexes) without pain or loss of function | No action |
Grade 1 with pain or Grade 2 (interfering with function but not with activities of daily living) | ↓ 1 dose level |
Grade 2 with pain or Grade 3 (interfering with activities of daily living) | Hold bortezomib until ≤ grade 1, then ↓ 1 further dose level than above |
Grade 4 OR RPLS (sensory neuropathy which is disabling or motor neuropathy that is life-threatening or leads to paralysis) | Discontinue |
Hepatic Impairment
No dosage adjustment required for dexamethasone.
Bortezomib is metabolized by liver enzymes and exposure is increased in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Patients with hepatic impairment should be treated with extreme caution, should be closely monitored for toxicities, and dose reduction should be considered.
Bilirubin | AST | Bortezomib Starting Dose (mg/m2) | Cyclophosphamide Dose |
≤ 1 x ULN | > ULN | No change | No change |
> 1 – 1.5 x ULN | Any | No change | No change |
> 1.5 – 3 x ULN | Any | First cycle: ↓ to 0.7 Subsequent cycles: Consider ↑ dose to 1 or further ↓ dose to 0.5 based on patient tolerability | Caution |
> 3 x ULN | Any |
Renal Impairment
No dosage adjustment required for dexamethasone.
Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) | Cyclophosphamide (% previous dose) | Bortezomib (% previous dose) |
>60 | No change | No change |
>30-60 | No change | No change |
10-30 | 50% to 75% | No change (monitor carefully) |
<10 | 50% or omit | No change (monitor carefully) |
*may escalate dose as creatinine clearance improves
Dosage in the Elderly
No dose modification routinely required for cyclophosphamide, but should be used with caution. There is no evidence to suggest that bortezomib dosage adjustments are necessary in elderly patients.
Refer to cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone drug monograph(s) for additional details of adverse effects.
Very common (≥ 50%) | Common (25-49%) | Less common (10-24%) | Uncommon (< 10%), but may be severe or life-threatening |
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Refer to cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone drug monograph(s) for additional details
Exercise caution and monitor blood glucose when co-administered with hypoglycemic agents
Avoid co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers. If co-administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors, monitor closely for toxicity. Avoid grapefruit juice 48 hours before and on the day of receiving cyclophosphamide.
Caution and monitor with drugs associated with neuropathy, hypotension, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, thromboembolism (additive effects)
Avoid green tea and preparations containing green tea during bortezomib treatment given potential for reduced efficacy.
Avoid vitamin C supplementation during bortezomib treatment given potential for reduced efficacy. If must give, suggest vitamin C up to 500 mg given 12 hours before or after bortezomib dose.
Use with caution with allopurinol, thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors as increased myelosuppression with cyclophosphamide has been reported.
Avoid concomitant use of cyclophosphamide and lovastatin, as increased rhabdomyolysis has been reported.
Prolonged post-operative apnea may occur with depolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g. succinylcholine). Notify anesthesiologist prior to use; succinylcholine dose modification may be required.
Cyclophosphamide may decrease absorption of digoxin and verapamil; monitor for reduced drug effects
Refer to cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone drug monograph(s) for additional details
Administration
Cyclophosphamide:
Oral hydration is strongly encouraged; for PO cyclophosphamide: 8-10 (8oz) glasses of fluid per day. Inadequate total hydration may result in dose-related hemorrhagic cystitis. Patients should be encouraged to empty their bladder frequently to minimize dwell times.
Oral tablets should be administered as a single dose in the morning, with or without food.
Store in the original packaging at room temperature, away from heat, light or moisture.
Bortezomib:
Bortezomib should be administered via intravenous or subcutaneous routes only.
Bortezomib is FATAL IF GIVEN INTRATHECALLY.
Bortezomib has a narrow therapeutic range. If a different reconstituted concentration is used for each route of administration, exercise caution when reconstituting and calculating the dose volume.
The Canadian product monograph recommends the following concentrations to be used for injections: ► Intravenous: 1 mg/mL; ► Subcutaneous: 2.5 mg/mL.
Some centres have routinely used the bortezomib 1mg/mL concentration for all subcutaneous injections.
If local injection site reactions occur following subcutaneous bortezomib, consider using a less concentrated solution subcutaneously (1 mg/mL), or administer as IV.
IV: Administered as a 3 to 5 second IV push through a peripheral or central IV catheter, followed by a standard saline flush; no central line is required.
For subcutaneous use, bortezomib solution is injected into the right or left sides of the thighs or abdomen. Rotate injection sites with subsequent injections. Give new injections at least 2.5 cm from an old site and never into areas where the site is tender, bruised, erythematous, or indurated.
Dexamethasone:
Oral self-administration.
Give tablets with food, preferably in the morning.
Contraindications
Patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment.
Patients with severe myelosuppression and/or immunosuppression.
Patients who have a hypersensitivity to bortezomib or cyclophosphamide or any of its components.
Patients with active infection, particularly varicella zoster infection.
Warnings/Precautions
Patients with urinary outflow obstruction.
Patients with adrenal insufficiency.
In combination with neuromuscular blockers.
Avoid live or live-attenuated vaccines as use may result in serious or fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. Reduced immunogenicity may occur with use of inactivated vaccines.
Caution should be exercised when driving or using machinery, and in patients on medication(s) that may lead to hypotension, or patients with dehydration or history of syncope, due to the risk of hypotension and dizziness.
Use with caution in patients with amyloidosis or risk factors for seizures.
Use with caution in patients with risk factors for or existing cardiac disease.
Use with caution in patients with pre-existing peripheral or autonomic neuropathy.
Pregnancy/lactation
Cyclophosphamide is mutagenic, carcinogenic, genotoxic, teratogenic and fetotoxic in humans. Testicular atrophy and sterility may occur in males. Sperm-banking before treatment should be considered. Amenorrhea and ovarian failure may occur in females. Gonadal dysfunction may reverse with time, but future reproductive capacity is uncertain.
Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with bortezomib. Adequate contraception should be used by both genders during bortezomib treatment and for 3 months after treatment completion.
Breastfeeding is not recommended.
Treating physicians may decide to monitor more or less frequently for individual patients but should always consider recommendations from the product monograph
Recommended Clinical Monitoring
Blood glucose levels, especially in patients using antidiabetic medications; baseline and regular
CBC; baseline and at each visit
CXR; baseline, then CXR and lung function assessment if ILD is suspected;
Liver and renal function tests, electrolytes; baseline and regular
Routine clinical assessment of fatigue, neurotoxicity, infection, bleeding, hypotension, cystitis, thromboembolism, respiratory symptoms, tumour lysis syndrome, cardiovascular and GI side effects
Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version
Suggested Clinical Monitoring
- Urinalysis; baseline and regular
- LVEF monitoring in patients with cardiac risk factors; baseline and as clinically indicated
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Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone: Outpatient prescription for home administration
Bortezomib and cyclophosphamide drug monographs, Cancer Care Ontario.
Reeder CB, Reece DE, Kukreti V, et al. Cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone induction for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: high response rates in a phase II clinical trial. Leukemia 2009; 23: 1337–41.
Reeder CB, Reece DE, Kukreti V, et al. Once- versus twice-weekly bortezomib induction therapy with CyBorD in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Blood 2010; 115(16): 3416-7.
September 2019 Added note on dexamethasone dose in the elderly
Regimen Abstracts
A Regimen Abstract is an abbreviated version of a Regimen Monograph and contains only top level information on usage, dosing, schedule, cycle length and special notes (if available). It is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice, and all uses of the Regimen Abstract are subject to clinical judgment. Such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability, and Cancer Care Ontario disclaims all liability for the use of this information, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits that arise from such use.
Information in regimen abstracts is accurate to the extent of the ST-QBP regimen master listings, and has not undergone the full review process of a regimen monograph. Full regimen monographs will be published for each ST-QBP regimen as they are developed.
Regimen Monographs
Refer to the New Drug Funding Program or Ontario Public Drug Programs websites for the most up-to-date public funding information.
The information set out in the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information (for health professionals) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects of a particular drug, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition. The information in the Formulary is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.
The format and content of the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information contained in the Formulary will change as they are reviewed and revised on a periodic basis. The date of last revision will be visible on each page of the monograph and regimen. Since standards of usage are constantly evolving, it is advised that the Formulary not be used as the sole source of information. It is strongly recommended that original references or product monograph be consulted prior to using a chemotherapy regimen for the first time.
Some Formulary documents, such as the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets and symptom management information (for patients), are intended for patients. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions regarding any information set out in the Formulary documents.
While care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in the Formulary, such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability.
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