Effects of Exercise in Combination With Epoetin Alfa

Epoetin alfa was administered per an IRB approved algorithm to study participants when hemoglobin levels dropped during high dose chemotherapy. The usual dose is 150 units/kg og body weight, three times per week, or 40,000 units weekly, with suggested target hemoglobin range of 10-12 g/dl.

A home-based individualized exercise program that incorporated aerobic and strength resistance training.

Standard PBSCT for multiple myeloma

RBC Transfusion was administered as needed

Fifty percent of the participants received 400 mg daily

Patients who received thalidomide also received prophylactic low molecular weight heparin

Platelet transfusions were administered as needed

Administered with autologous peripheralblood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for multiple myeloma

Epoetin alfa was administered per an IRB approved algorithm to study participants when hemoglobin levels dropped during high dose chemotherapy. The usual dose is 150 units/kg of body weight, three times per week, or 40,000 units weekly, with suggested target hemoglobin range of 10-12 g/dl

Standard Induction chemotherapy care included: vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (VAD) (0.5 mg, 10 mg/m2, and 40 mg, respectively);dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide,etoposide, and cisplatin (DCEP) (40 mg, 400 mg/m2, 40 mg/m2, and 15 mg/m2,respectively); and cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (CAD) (750 mg/m2, 15 mg/m2, and 40 mg, respectively) for mobilization.

RBC Transfusion was administered as needed

Fifty percent of participants received 400 mg daily

Patients who received thalidomide also received prophylactic low molecular weight heparin

Platelet transfusions were administered as needed

Administered with autologous peripheralblood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for multiple myeloma