Bendamustine, Bortezomib And Dexamethasone (Bvd): A Combination With A Substantial Activity And A Manageable Toxicity In Patients With Relapsed-Refractory Multiple Myeloma (Mm)

Bendamustine, a bi-functional alkylating agent comprising a purine-like benzimidazole ring an a nitrogen mustard group, exerts a peculiar mechanism of action if compared to most conventional alkylators and this may partially explain its effectiveness in alkylator-resistant cells. In patients with MM several studies demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of bendamustine as monotherapy or in combination with new drugs, particularly bortezomib that was found to enhance the in vitro sensitivity of MM cells to bendamustine.