Melphalan and prednisone (MP) versus vincristine, BCNU, adriamycin, melphalan and dexamethasone (VBAM Dex) induction chemotherapy and interferon maintenance treatment in multiple myeloma. Current results of a multicenter trial. The German Myeloma Treatment Group

277 untreated multiple myeloma patients of stage 1 (n = 33), II (n = 106) and III (n = 138) entered the study. Patients of stage II presenting a progressive tumor (n = 64) initially or during observation (n = 14) were treated with MivP (remissions: 61%). 138 patients of stage III were randomized to receive MivP or VBAMDex treatment. 51% of MivP treated patients responded versus 70% of the VBAMDex group. 71 responders of stage II and III with stable disease were randomized on Ifn-alpha maintenance versus no maintenance treatment. The relapse rate in both groups was 50% after 7 months. 75% survival was greater than 36 months in stage II and 11 months in stage III patients.