Evaluation of a Generic Bortezomib Molecule in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients

Abstract

Objective: Constantly increasing health expenditures lead use of generic molecules and generics of bortezomib have been used for a long time. The aim of this study is to retrospectively examine the effectiveness, side effects and reliability of generic bortezomib in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Materials and Methods: The data of 95 patients who received four cycles of bortezomib as a first- or second-line therapy in a single center were retrospectively recorded. Treatment responses, side effects and progression free survival (PFS) rates have been calculated and compared. Results: Of the 95 patients, 42 used the original and 53 used the generic molecule. Epidemiological data, MM types, genetic risk groups, laboratory values at diagnosis and bortezomib treatment lines (as a first line or second) were evaluated, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups. When the response rates were evaluated with International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria, there were no significant difference (p: 0,42). Partial response (PR) and above response rates were similar (%81 vs %79,2 p: 0,836). PFS values were 42.8 months in the original and 37.8 months in the generic molecule group (p: 0,68). Side effects were seen in 44,2% of patients, and the most common side effects were neuropathy, cytopenias and infections. They were similar in both groups (p: 0,67). Conclusion: Although this retrospective study is limited, it is the first study comparing the original molecule of bortezomib with its generic. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of treatment responses, PFS times and side effects. However, large-scale evaluations can help obtain healthier data on this subject.

Keywords

• bortezomib
• multiple myeloma
• equivalent