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.
MPT
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.
For previously untreated multiple myeloma patients who are unsuitable for stem cell transplantation.
melphalan
ODB - General Benefit (melphalan - oral tablets) (ODB Formulary )
prednisone
ODB - General Benefit (prednisone) (ODB Formulary)
thalidomide
Exceptional Access Program (thalidomide - Multiple myeloma in patients ≥65 years of age in combination with melphalan and prednisone, with specific criteria) (EAP Website)
Standard schedule*:
| melphalan | 4 mg /m² | PO | Days 1 to 7 |
(Outpatient prescription in multiples of 2mg tablets) | |||
| prednisone | 40 mg | PO | Days 1 to 7 |
(Outpatient prescription in multiples of 5mg tablets) | |||
| thalidomide | 100 mg | PO | Days 1 to 28 |
(Outpatient prescription in 50 or 100 mg capsules) | |||
Q 28 Days
*Refer to section E (dose modifications) and consider the table below
Alternative schedule**:
melphalan 9 mg/m2 PO Days 1 to 4
prednisone 100 mg PO Days 1 to 4
thalidomide 200 mg PO Daily
Q 42 Days
**Starting dose based on age and blood counts:
Age (years) | Blood counts x 109/L | Melphalan# (mg/kg daily) | Prednisone (mg/kg daily) | Thalidomide (mg daily) |
≤ 75 | ANC ≥ 1.5 AND platelets ≥ 100 | 0.25 | 2 | 200 |
>75 | ANC ≥ 1.5 AND platelets ≥ 100 | 0.20 | 2 | 100 |
≤ 75 | ANC < 1.5 but ≥ 1 OR Platelets < 100, but ≥ 50 | 0.125 | 2 | 200 |
>75 | ANC < 1.5, but ≥ 1 OR Platelets < 100, but ≥ 50 | 0.10 | 2 | 100 |
#max daily dose 24 mg (patients ≤ 75 years); 20 mg (patients > 75 years)
Standard schedule: REPEAT EVERY 4 WEEKS for up to 6 cycles
Alternative schedule: REPEAT EVERY 6 WEEKS for up to 12 cycles
Unless disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Minimal – No routine prophylaxis; PRN recommended
Other Supportive Care:
- Thalidomide may only be prescribed and dispensed by physicians and pharmacists registered with RevAid®. Patients must also be registered and meet all conditions of the RevAid® program. Call 1-888-RevAid1 or log onto www.RevAid.ca.
- Prophylactic anticoagulants should be used, especially in patients with other risk factors and for at least the first five months of treatment.
- Patients at risk of tumour lysis syndrome should have appropriate prophylaxis and be monitored closely.
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
Thalidomide dose level (Q 42 day schedule) | Age ≤ 75 years | Age > 75 years |
0 | 200 mg daily | 100 mg daily |
-1 | 100 mg daily | 50 mg daily |
-2 | 50 mg daily | 50 mg every other day |
-3 | 50 mg every other day | Discontinue |
Hematologic conditions to be met before starting a new cycle of MPT:
Baseline counts (x 109/L) | Conditions met:
Start a new cycle if non-heme toxicity ≤ grade 2 and: | Conditions NOT met:
HOLD x 1 week*, then start new cycle if: |
ANC ≥ 1.5 and platelets ≥ 100 | ANC ≥ 1.5 and platelets ≥ 100 | ANC < 1.5, but ≥ 1 and platelets < 100, but ≥ 50; and ↓ melphalan 50%** |
ANC ≥ 1.5 and platelets < 100, but ≥ 50 | ANC ≥ 1.5 and platelets ≥ 50 | ANC < 1.5, but ≥ 1 and platelets ≥ 50; and ↓ melphalan 50%** |
ANC < 1.5, but ≥ 1 and platelets ≥ 100 | ANC ≥ 1 and platelets ≥ 100 | ANC ≥ 1 and platelets < 100, but ≥ 50; and ↓ melphalan 50%** |
ANC < 1.5, but ≥ 100 and platelets < 100, but ≥ 50 | ANC ≥ 1 and platelets ≥ 50 | ANC ≥ 1, but < 1.5 and platelets ≥ 50; and ↓ melphalan 50%** |
*If ANC < 1 and platelets < 50, omit melphalan for that cycle
**No dosage adjustment suggested for thalidomide
Non-hematologic toxicity:
Toxicity | Thalidomide Dose and Action | Melphalan/Prednisone Dose and Action |
Grade 3 or 4 thromboembolism | Hold, ensure adequately anticoagulated. Maintain dose level unless occurred despite adequate anticoagulation; if so, discontinue | No change
|
Grade 3 neurotoxicity | Hold until resolves to ≤ grade 1, then decrease by 1 dose level | No change |
Grade 4 neurotoxicity | Discontinue | Discontinue |
Grade 3 rash or mild hypersensitivity | Hold until rash resolves to ≤ grade 1, then decrease by 1 dose level | No change |
Grade 4 rash or severe hypersensitivity | Discontinue | Discontinue |
Grade 3 or 4 constipation | Initiate bowel regimen and hold until resolves to ≤ grade 2, then decrease by 1 dose level | No change |
Over sedation | Consider short drug holiday or ↓ dose; may restart at the same or lower dose when recovered | No change |
Severe syncope/bradycardia | Consider ↓ dose or discontinue | No change |
Other grade 3 toxicity | Hold until resolves to ≤ grade 2 then decrease by 1 dose level | No change |
Other grade 4 toxicity | Discontinue | |
Hepatic Impairment
Melphalan: No adjustment required.
Thalidomide: Not specifically studied in patients with hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment
Melphalan: Increased incidence of severe myelosuppression has been observed in patients with BUN ≥ 10.7 mmol/L. Dose reduction should be considered in patients with renal insufficiency receiving melphalan.
| Creatinine clearance (mL/min) | Melphalan (% usual dose) |
| 10-50 | 50% and monitor |
| <10 | 50% and monitor |
Thalidomide:
Not specifically studied in patients with renal impairment. Monitor patients with severe renal impairment as metabolites are eliminated via urine. Some data suggested that no dose modification is needed in renal impairment (including patients on dialysis); however monitor closely as there have been reports of fatal hyperkalemia in renally impaired patients.
Dosage in the Elderly
For patients > 75 years old, the recommended starting dose is 100 mg/day.
The frequency of serious adverse effects, such as atrial fibrillation, back pain and fall, including fatal reactions was higher in patients > 75 years old compared to younger patients.
Refer to melphalan, prednisone, thalidomide 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 melphalan, prednisone, thalidomide drug monograph(s) for additional details
- Use with caution when combined with other neurotoxins and sedatives given increased risk of neurotoxicity and sedation
- Use beta-blockers with caution given increased risk of bradycardia
- Use with caution and consider thromboembolism prophylaxis when used with hormonal therapy, contraceptives, erythropoietic agents and corticosteroids
- H2 receptor antagonists may reduce absorption of melphalan; avoid or monitor if used together
- Use with caution and monitor renal function when given with cyclosporine or cisplatin
- Avoid concurrent treatment with nalidixic acid
- Use with caution with BCNU and interferon
Refer to melphalan, prednisone, thalidomide drug monograph(s) for additional details
Administration
Melphalan:
- Oral self-administration; drug available by outpatient prescription.
- Keep refrigerated.
- Take on an empty stomach.
Thalidomide:
- Oral self-administration; taken usually once daily preferably with a glass of water, with or without food at about the same time each day.
- Swallow capsules whole; they should not be broken, chewed, or opened.
- Thalidomide should be administered at bedtime to minimize adverse effects such as dizziness and somnolence.
- Avoid use of alcohol since this may potentiate sedation.
- Do not extensively handle the capsules. Females who may become or plan to become pregnant can handle thalidomide if they are using latex gloves.
- Remove capsule from the original packaging only at administration time. Do not put the capsule on the counter or dish/container before taking it; give the capsule directly from the packaging and place into the mouth.
- If a dose is missed, take it if it is within 12 hours from the missed dose, otherwise skip this and give the next dose as scheduled. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten one.
Warnings/precautions (melphalan)
- Melphalan is contraindicated in patients whose disease has demonstrated a prior resistance to this agent, or have demonstrated hypersensitivity to melphalan or to any of its excipients. There is cross-sensitivity between melphalan and chlorambucil, which is manifested as a rash.
- Avoid the use of live vaccines.
- Melphalan should be used with extreme caution in patients whose bone marrow reserve may have been compromised by prior radiation or chemotherapy, or whose marrow function is recovering from previous chemotherapy. Melphalan should not be administered concurrently with radiotherapy.
Warnings/precautions (thalidomide)
- Thalidomide is contraindicated in patients with peripheral neuropathy, or with known hypersensitivity to thalidomide, lenalidomide, or pomalidomide, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and patients unable to follow or comply with the required contraceptive measures of the RevAid program (see pregnancy lactation section below).
- Patients should be warned of the risk of drowsiness, dizziness or orthostatic hypotension. Caution in patients using sedatives or alcohol.
- May increase viral load if used in patients with HIV.
- Use with caution in patients with risk factors for VTE or ATE, or using thrombogenic agents. Oral contraceptives should be avoided due to the increased risk of VTE.
- Use with caution in combination with corticosteroids in myeloma due to the risk of thromboembolism - consider prophylactic anticoagulation.
- Use with caution in patients with risk factors for peripheral neuropathy, taking neurotoxic drugs, or taking drugs that may cause severe skin reactions.
Pregnancy and Lactation
- Thalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women and in females of childbearing potential and in males who do not comply with the contraception conditions of the RevAid® program. Refer to the thalidomide drug monograph for details.
- Breastfeeding is contraindicated.
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
- CBC; baseline and before each cycle
- RevAid requirements regarding pregnancy tests for women of childbearing potential; before starting and as indicated per RevAid
- Neurological exams; baseline and periodic (ie: monthly for the first 3 months, and periodically thereafter); consider using electrophysiologic testing at baseline and every 6 months.
- Liver and renal function tests; baseline and periodic, especially in patients with pre-existing liver disorders or concurrent use of hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic drugs
- ECG as clinically indicated
- Clinical toxicity assessment for bleeding, infection, pulmonary, GI (including constipation), rash, CNS effects (including seizures), arterial and venous thromboembolism, syncope/bradycardia, at each visit
Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version
Suggested Clinical Monitoring
- Uric acid levels; baseline and periodic
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Hulin C, Facon T, Rodon P, et al. Efficacy of melphalan and prednisone plus thalidomide in patients older than 75 years with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: IFM 01/01 trial. J Clin Oncol 2009;27(22):3664-70.
Melphalan and thalidomide drug monographs, Cancer Care Ontario.
Palumbo A, Bringhen S, Caravita T, et al. Oral melphalan and prednisone chemotherapy plus thalidomide compared with melphalan and prednisone alone in elderly patients with multiple myeloma: randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2006;367(9513):825-31.
Waage A, Gimsing P, Fayers P, et al. Melphalan and prednisone plus thalidomide or placebo in elderly patients with multiple myeloma. Blood 2010 Sep 2;116(9):1405-12.
June 2019 Updated emetic risk category; added PEBC guideline link
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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