Hypersensitivity reactions to iv melphalan during treatment of multiple myeloma: Cancer and Leukemia Group B experience.

Ten patients developed allergic reactions to iv melphalan (L-PAM) during therapy for multiple myeloma. The incidence of such reactions was 2.4% among 425 patients receiving iv L-PAM with or without other drugs and 3.9% among 255 patients receiving iv L-PAM alone. Only one such reaction was demonstrated in 294 patients who initially received oral L-PAM. The median day of first reaction to iv L-PAM was Day 222 (range, Days 44-909) and the median total dose prior to a reaction was 185 mg (range, 51-250 mg). Of five patients who subsequently received oral L-PAM, four developed a reaction similar to that experienced with the iv drug.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes