This group of Chilean patients with MM presented a short survival time, and 20% died within the first six months after diagnosis. More than a half of cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage (Durie and Salmon Stage III). Several factors were associated to early mortality, two of which (beta 2-microglobulin and serum albumin), are included in the new International Staging System for MM.

Age over 40 years was an adverse prognostic factor. C-MOPP/ABVD, C-MOPP/ABV and ABVD had comparable results and reached a high tumor control and overall survival in both early and advanced stages.

Background: Since 1975, the Durie-Salmon staging system (D&S) has been a widely accepted prognostic classification of multiple myeloma (MM (67, 29 and 14 months in stages I, II and III, respectively, p =0.02 (Rev Méd Chile 2008; 136: 7-12).