A Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of CNTO 328 (Anti IL-6 Monoclonal Antibody) in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

• The primary objectives of this study are to assess the safety and effectiveness of CNTO 328 administered as an infusion into the vein in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma [ Time Frame: throughout the course of the trial ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  

• The secondary objectives are to assess the pharmacokinetics (rate of movement of drug through the body), pharmacodynamics, and immune response of CNTO 328 administered as an infusion into the vein in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma [ Time Frame: throughout the course of the trial ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  

This research study will use a type of drug called anti-IL-6 antibody, also known as CNTO 328. An antibody is a substance in the body that fights infection. CNTO 328 is an investigational drug that has been shown to slow down tumor growth or shrink tumors when tested in animals.

The purpose of this study is to see what effects (good and bad) CNTO 328 has on relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In this study, patients will begin by taking CNTO 328 alone. The doctor will routinely check the patient's cancers response to CNTO 328. If CNTO 328 does not help on its own, patients may be given CNTO 328 with dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that is similar to a natural hormone made by your body. Dexamethasone is often given to multiple myeloma patients in combination with other chemotherapy to treat cancer.

The study will be approximately 12 months and then there is a follow-up period that will last until the study ends. The study will end 16 months after the last patient is entered into this study. The study is divided into four different phases: Screening phase which lasts up to 4 weeks. During this phase the study doctor will perform tests to see if the patient can participate in the study. Treatment phase which may last up to 12 cycles of 28 days each. During these cycles the patient will be treated with CNTO 328 every two weeks. Two infusions complete a single cycle. Dexamethasone may be added to the patient's treatment cycle. The end of treatment visit occurs 4 weeks after the patient's last dose of CNTO 328. The treatment phase will last about 52 weeks. Follow-up phase, which will begin after the patient's end of treatment visit and continue until the end of the study. If the patient's cancer has not worsened, the study doctor will perform a disease assessment every 6 weeks during this time until the patient's disease progresses. Whether or not the patient's cancer has worsened the patient will also be asked to return every 3 months for 3 visits after the patient's final treatment cycle. The patient's medical charts will be reviewed during this time period. Extended dosing phase, during which, if the patient's cancer has stayed the same or improved while receiving CNTO 328, the patient may be able to receive additional courses of the study drug after they have completed the 12 study cycles; this will increase the patient's participation time on the study. Patients will receive 6 milligrams of medication per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) CNTO 328 intravenously (into the vein) over 2 hours every 2 weeks, on days 1 and 15 of each 28 day cycle. Patients will receive up to 12 cycles, patients who respond with stable disease or better may receive additional cycles.