Abstract

We examined the feasibility of achieving a rapid response in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma by administering vincristine 0.4 mg and doxorubicin 9 mg/m2 as a rapid intravenous infusion for 4 d together with intermittent high-dose dexamethasone 40 mg (VAD) for remission induction treatment in patients who were scheduled to receive high-dose therapy. 139 patients (86 male, 53 female; median age 53 years, range 32-65 years; Durie & Salmon stage IIA: 42, IIB: one, IIIA: 89, IIIB: seven) were included in a prospective multicentre study in which VAD was administered as remission induction treatment and was followed by intensified treatment. The response was evaluated according to the criteria of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). The results of treatment were evaluable in 134 patients. Five patients died before evaluation. 86 patients (62%) achieved a partial response (PR) and seven patients (5%) achieved a complete response (CR), which equates to a response rate of 67%. The main side-effect was mild neurotoxicity, which was observed in 18% of the patients. Fever or infections were reported in 27% of the patients. VAD administered as an outpatient regimen, based on rapid intravenous infusion, is an effective induction regimen for untreated myeloma with a 67% response rate and acceptable toxicity.

The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) is responsible for the absolute calibration of the new Advanced scatterometer (ASCAT), onboard MetOp-A, which mainly relies on the use of transponders. An alternative calibration method, which uses scatterometer measurements over the ocean, is presented here. The method is based on the knowledge of the backscatter signal modulation by the ocean surface, which is derived from previous C-band scatterometer missions, and on the use of numerical weather prediction wind output as calibration reference. The method proves to be very useful in providing guidance to EUMETSAT calibration efforts and provides continuity of the Cband scatterometers. Moreover, the ocean calibration results in very good quality winds. As such, within the framework of the EUMETSAT Ocean & Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute has released a demonstration ASCAT 25-km wind product, which is available at http://www.knmi.nl/scatterometer since 28 March 2007.