Meral Uluköylü MENGÜÇ, İbrahim Talha ŞİŞMAN, Fatma ARIKAN, Seçil SALIM, Ahmet Mert YANIK, Özlem CANDAN, Derya DEMİRTAŞ, Hatice Gizem GÜNHAN, Asu Fergün YILMAZ, Tayfur TOPTAŞ, Işık ATAGÜNDÜZ, Ayşe Tülin TUĞLULAR
Journal of Current Hematology & Oncology Research - 2026;4(3):105-109
Aims : Relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) remains a therapeutic challenge due to treatment resistance, comorbidities, and limited options after multiple therapy lines. Carfilzomib, a second-generation proteasome inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy when administered once weekly at 70 mg/m² in combination with dexamethasone (wKd70), offering a convenient and effective alternative to twice-weekly schedules. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 32 RRMM patients treated with wKd70 between 2018 and 2023 at a single referral center. Methods : Thirty-two RRMM patients were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with RRMM who received at least one course of carfilzomib at a dose of 70 mg/m² (administered on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles) in combination with dexamethasone 40 mg/week were included in the study. Results : The median age was 57.5 years (range: 43-75), and patients had received a median of three prior therapy lines. The overall response rate (ORR) was 62.1%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 51 months. Prior autologous stem cell transplantation was associated with significantly improved PFS and OS. Adverse events were common but mostly mild (grades 1-2) forms. Conclusion : Our findings support wKd70 as an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for RRMM, even in heavily pretreated patients. The favorable survival outcomes compared to historical trials suggest a role for earlier use of this regimen.
