The treatment combination of Revlimid (lenalidomide), Oncovin (vincristine), Doxil (pegylated doxorubicin) and dexamethasone appears to be highly effective in multiple myeloma that has recurred or progressed following prior therapies.

According to an article published in the Annals of Oncology, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic conducted a clinical trial to evaluate this combination of drugs. The trial included 62 patients, 75 percent of the patients achieved an anticancer response and 29 percent of patients achieved a complete or near complete disappearance of detectable cancer.

The researchers note that determining treatment choices for those patients who recur after initial therapy is more challenging than treating patients that have not received prior therapy. Multiple myeloma is usually treated with chemotherapy -- however -- new treatments are evolving that are better tolerated, especially in older patients who cannot handle aggressive chemotherapy. The researchers continue to evaluate strategies in order to offer patients individualized treatment options.