Cancers & treatments·Regimen libraryInduction

PAD (bortezomib, doxorubicin, dexamethasone)

Checked 2026-09-09

Induction before autologous transplant in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (HOVON-65/GMMG-HD4); largely replaced by VRd and daratumumab combinations

Also called PAD, Bortezomib-doxorubicin-dexamethasone.

One cycle

every 21 days × 3 · about 9 weeks in total

21-day cycle × 3 (about 9 weeks)IntravenousOral Daily oral course

Components

Drug	Dose	Route	Days
Bortezomib Proteasome inhibitor	1.3 mg/m²	IV	D1, 4, 8, 11
Doxorubicin Cytotoxic chemotherapy (anthracycline)	9 mg/m²	IV	D1-4
Dexamethasone Glucocorticoid	40 mg	Oral	D1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12

Cycles

21-day cycle

Emetogenicity

Moderate (30-90%)

G-CSF

Not routine

Notes

Bortezomib-based induction improved response and progression-free survival over VAD and helped patients with del(17p).
Subcutaneous weekly bortezomib is now standard to reduce neuropathy; VRd or D-VRd have superseded PAD.

Used in

Multiple myeloma

Products

BortezomibDoxorubicinDexamethasone

Source

Sonneveld (HOVON-65/GMMG-HD4), JCO 2012: bortezomib induction and maintenance versus VAD

Reference doses for a typical adult from the cited protocol or label. Doses are adjusted for renal and hepatic function, age, performance status and prior toxicity, and institutional protocols vary. Verify against the current label and your local protocol before treating. Not medical advice.