Velcade (Bortezomib) Consolidation After Transplant

This is an open-label (patients will know the identity of study treatments), randomized (patients will be assigned by chance to different treatments) study of bortezomib administered as consolidation therapy (therapy given once a remission is achieved) with thalidomide and prednisolone versus thalidomide and prednisolone alone in previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow. Patients in this study will receive initial therapy with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (referred to as VCD induction therapy) and will undergo autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) (a procedure where patients receive an infusion of immature blood cells [stem cells] from their own body to replenish the body's supply of healthy blood-forming cells) before randomization to one of two treatments: Treatment A (thalidomide for up to 12 months or until disease progression and prednisolone on alternate days continued indefinitely or until disease progression) or Treatment B (bortezomib for 32 weeks in addition to thalidomide up to 12 months or until disease progression and prednisolone on alternate days, continued indefinitely or until disease progression.

Throughout the study, the patient's response to therapy will be assessed according to protocol-defined efficacy evaluations and by implementing defined disease response criteria (International Myeloma Working Group [IMWG] criteria). Safety will be evaluated throughout the study. Follow up for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) will be conducted from time of randomization to 3 years post-randomization.

Two interim analyses are planned. The final analysis will be conducted after all patients have completed 12-month consolidation treatment phase or discontinued. The primary endpoint of number and percent of patients with complete response and very good partial response defined by IMWG criteria for multiple myeloma will be examined in the interim and final analyses after approximately 12 months of consolidation therapy. At the completion of the study, updated analyses of PFS and OS will be performed.

Inclusion criteria

• Previously diagnosed with multiple myeloma based on international myeloma working group (IMWG) criteria.and meet all of the following; Serum M-protein greater than or equal to (>=) 1 gram per deciliter (g/dL) (>=10 gram per liter); Urine M-protein >=200 milligram (mg) per 24 hour and Serum Free Light chain (FLC) assay: Involved FLC Level >=10 mg/dL (>=100 mg/L) provided serum FLC ratio is normal
• Meet the pretreatment laboratory criteria as specified in the study protocol at and within 21 days before baseline (Day 1 of Cycle 1, before bortezomib administration for induction).
• Have ECOG status 0-2.
• Men and women must practice an appropriate method of birth control as specified in the study protocol from signing of the informed consent form though to the 12-month visit/early termination visit.

Exclusion criteria

• Has previously received treatment for multiple myeloma (including prior therapy with radiation or pulsed dexamethasone) as specified in the study protocol.
• Has a history of any other malignancy within 5 years before enrolment as specified in the study protocol.
• Has had major surgery as specified in the study protocol within 30 days before enrolment.
• Had a myocardial infarction within 6 months of enrolment or has New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure (or other clinically significant cardiac medical history as specified in the study protocol).
• Has any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make participation not be in the best interest (eg, compromise the well-being) of the patient or that could prevent, limit, or confound the protocol-specified assessments.