Inclusion Criteria:

- Stage II or III multiple myeloma according to Durie and Salmon criteria, patients
older than 75 years, previously untreated patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Prior history of another neoplasm (except basocellular cutaneous or cervical
epithelioma)

- Primary or associated amyloïdosis

- World Health organisation performance index of at least 3

- Significant renal insufficiency with creatinine serum levels of 5.0 mg per deciliter
or more

- Cardiac or hepatic dysfunction

- Cerebral circulatory insufficiency

- Absolute contraindication to corticosteroids

- Peripheral neuropathy clinically significant

- History of venous thrombosis during the last 6 months

- HIV or hepatitis B or C positivity

- Patients who had geography, social, or psychological conditions which might prevent
adequate follow-up.